The Port of Dover has signed a deal with contracting firm GRAHAM to finalise the design and cost plans for the major new development of the Western Docks.
Kent companies will now have the opportunity to tender for parts of the project, following a series of ‘meet the buyer’ events later this year.
Under the plans, a new cargo terminal will be supported by a waterfront development and a potential new marina.
The news comes as the port’s chief executive, Tim Waggott, said he has already signed a number of non-disclosure agreements with potential users of the cargo terminal and development partners.
“Following today’s announcement, everybody in the town will be able to see that we are delivering on our promise to create 600 new quality jobs, and safeguard 140 existing port jobs, for Dover,” he said.
“The team from GRAHAM has a strong reputation for collaborative working and this will give the opportunity for Kent companies to tender for as many parts of the project as they feel able to deliver. We will be holding a series of joint ‘meet the buyer’ events later in the year.”
Malcolm Loader, GRAHAM business development director for ports, said: “It is our intention to work with the local supply chain to ensure we not only provide value to the Port of Dover, but also to create a lasting legacy for the community.
“We are looking forward to working in collaboration with the Port of Dover team to develop the optimum design solutions for the infrastructure elements of the Dover Western Dock.
“This project gives us the opportunity to bring to the fore the experience we have gained from working on projects for numerous ports across the UK.”
The GRAHAM contract will focus on all the marine civil engineering design and construction costings, including the quays, pier walls and reclamation needed to deliver a new piece of land within the port.
Nigel Bodell, head of port development at the Port of Dover, said: “We have held a series of workshops with our customers and others in the fruit logistics industry. The reaction to our plans has been very positive, as we will be able to welcome larger vessels into Dover thanks to the construction of longer and deeper berths.'
Enabling work is now set commence on the Prince of Wales Pier, involving a reduction in its height, meaning that it will no longer be open to the public after the summer.
Waggott apologised for the lack of public provision this will create, but added that the work is part of his aim to “create a destination” and “the best port in the world”.
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