Response to media speculation regarding privatisation

08 February 2010

Weekend statements in some UK newspapers suggesting that the Port of Dover is being sold to the French port of Calais have been described by the Port’s Chief Executive, Bob Goldfield, as total fabrication and extremely misleading.

Commenting on the various reports he said that, “we are in the very early stages of the procedure and the actual sales process will not begin until the Secretary of State gives his approval and that is unlikely to be in the next few weeks.” He went on to state, “our advisors and our Board have not had any conversations with the Port of Calais on this matter and no such conversations are planned or expected.”

The Port of Dover is the most commercially successful and profitable of the UK Trust Ports and there is expected to be considerable interest from potential investors, interested in a long-term involvement with the port.

“The Port of Calais has its own investment plans, which complement our own in terms of ensuring that capacity is delivered when it is required on the short sea channel crossing” said Mr Goldfield.

Meanwhile, Dover reports that discussions with community representatives on the shape, structure and management of the proposed Port of Dover Community Trust are well advanced, with considerable progress being made.

Port of Dover