Dover ferry port could fall into private hands

Dover ferry port could soon be in private ownership as a result of a scheme launched by the government.

The potential privatisation will raise money for the Treasury and allow the port to increase its capacity to handle increasing traffic levels over the coming years.

Dover is the busiest ferry port in northern Europe and a major gateway for travel to and from the UK, with companies such as P&O, SeaFrance and Norfolkline offering regular ferries to France from England's south coast.

While the sale could prove financially beneficial, BBC News has reported that some local residents are concerned about the prospect of the port falling into the hands of foreign owners, as it plays such an important part in the local economy.

Trade union Unite has also expressed its opposition to the sale, saying it would be disastrous for UK transport and the economy.

In response, the managers of the port released a statement saying: "It is entirely for the long-term benefit of UK transport and the UK economy that the privatisation scheme is currently being considered by the Department for Transport.

"As a trust port, the Port of Dover is unable to finance significant additional capacity when required as its status as a public corporation does not allow it to borrow. This will have the ultimate effect of the port being unable in the longer term to handle the increase in traffic forecast over the next 30 years."

Posted by Mark Robinson

Dover - Calais

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

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£13

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Dunkerque - Dover

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Dunkerque - Dover

Car + 4 Return

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20/02/2012 - 20/02/2012

£19

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