The Port of Dover applies for privatisation

The Board believes that the change would ensure that the necessary capital was secured for investment in the port to deliver new capacity as and when required, guaranteeing the port’s ability to meet the needs of its customers over the long term. The port would also be free to pursue other commercial opportunities to grow the business, both in Dover and elsewhere.

Roger Mountford, Chairman of Dover Harbour Board believes that in order to maintain momentum, “The port needs access to private capital to benefit from new opportunities.”

Currently the port comprises a hybrid structure in which it pays no dividends and reinvests all its earnings; it is in the public sector but is not owned by the Government – although the UK Treasury will benefit most from the proceeds of privatisation