Short straits, long impact: the Port of Dover’s role in growing UK-EU trade and prosperity
As the vital connection between Britain and mainland Europe, the Port of Dover is leading the way in becoming the UK’s most seamless, sustainable, and tech-enabled port
The Port of Dover is more than just a gateway – it is the cornerstone of UK-EU trade. Strategically located on the Short Straits, it is Britain’s busiest international roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ferry port, handling up to one-third of all UK-EU trade in goods. This means Dover is not just a transportation hub, but also a vital artery for the smooth functioning of the UK economy and our relationship with the EU.
Every day, thousands of freight vehicles pass through the Port, ensuring that supermarkets are stocked, supply chains keep running smoothly, and consumers across the UK and EU receive the goods they need. This flow supports myriad jobs and underpins countless businesses on both sides of the Channel.
The reliability and efficiency of Dover’s operations have been built over decades of experience handling high-volume, time-sensitive freight. The Port’s ability to process large numbers of vehicles quickly and efficiently is unparalleled, allowing businesses to operate with the just-in-time delivery models that modern commerce demands.
As the UK and EU explore opportunities for a ‘reset,’ the Port of Dover stands as a real-world example of how constructive cross-Channel collaboration can drive border efficiency and economic growth, setting the benchmark on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities arising post-Brexit.
If the Port of Dover 2050 Masterplan is delivered in full, the Port can add up to a 20 per cent increase in the value of trade handled to £173bn per year. This isn’t just important for Dover – it matters for Britain. When Dover runs efficiently, so does the UK economy. And when Dover thrives, it showcases a model for effective trade management that can shape the UK’s future economic relationship with the EU regardless of the changing political landscape.
Investment, Technology and Digitisation – The Future of the Short Straits
A major focus for Dover is modernising border operations to meet the demands of a post-Brexit, high-volume trade route. Over the past four years, the Port has been working closely with the UK government, French authorities, and the European Commission to develop next-generation port procedures that support both passengers and trade in moving seamlessly and securely.
This includes major investment into new and leading digitally-enabled infrastructure at Dover to prepare for the introduction of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), on which we continue to work closely with our French partners to implement frictionless solutions that minimise delays and support international security, transparency and speed.
Dover’s 2050 Masterplan will build on this, heralding more seamless journeys through the Port. The Port will also be delivering new and improved ferry berths to accommodate a new generation of ships, alongside long-term infrastructure changes. Operational resilience will be enhanced through additional capacity within the Port to better accommodate traffic, taking it off local roads in Kent. These upgrades will mean that Dover can continue to meet growing demand whilst maintaining the high standards of service expected by both its passengers and freight customers.
Moving Towards a Decarbonised Short Straits Corridor
As its most critical port for UK-EU tourism and trade, the UK cannot achieve its full potential for maritime decarbonisation without enabling electrification at the Port of Dover. Today the Short Straits boasts the lowest carbon footprint among UK-EU ro-ro routes due to the shortest crossing, but the Port of Dover is already working with its customers on how to enable ship-to-shore power and increase the electrical supply into the Port to support the decarbonisation of travel. However, this cannot be achieved without additional support from the government so that Dover can receive the vital grid extensions and upgrades it needs to deliver on its net zero ambitions.
At COP26, the concept of ‘green shipping corridors’ was created, but the true benefits can only be realised if they are high-volume, such as at the Short Straits where a ferry leaves for France every 30 minutes. Therefore, the world’s first high-volume green shipping corridor should be between Britain and France at the Short Straits. This would help to position the UK as a world leader in maritime decarbonisation and will help to support economic growth and coastal communities by boosting local businesses and delivering high skilled, green jobs. It will also fast-track the ability of ports to become a key part of the low carbon economy, whilst at the same time reducing shipping emissions.
Securing Britain’s Trading Future
The Port of Dover’s vision requires strong partnership. With targeted government investment and aligned policy support, Dover will not only amplify Britain's trading potential but become the blueprint for future-ready, sustainable ports across the world – where efficiency meets environmental responsibility, innovation drives economic growth, and the UK's trading future is secured for generations to come.
Learn more about the Port of Dover 2050 vision and its role in shaping the future of UK-EU trade and sustainable transport at portofdover2050.commonplace.is.
For more information, please contact 2050@portofdover.com.
