/ Press Release

This is in addition to recently announced leading carbon reduction targets, including becoming Net Zero by 2025.

The seven targets that will guide the Port to become more sustainable across its activities are:

• Zero reportable injuries from port activity
• Zero waste to landfill
• Zero pollution events
• Zero single-use plastics
• Zero-impact public events on the port estate
• Zero air quality impact
• Zero-carbon projects

The targets have been shaped by the Port’s commitment to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  A number of SDGs have been identified as priority areas to which the Port can make a particular contribution by aligning its business strategies to these goals.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Doug Bannister, said:

“For such an intensive operation as ours, we already have a strong track record across the business in managing our activities responsibly.  However, as a critical international gateway, a major employer and a centre of local economic activity, we know that we have an even greater responsibility in leading the way toward a zero-harm future.  This will provide the sustainable resilience needed for our future success and that of our customers, community and the wider industry.”

Vicki Beatty, Head of Safety, Quality and Environment, Port of Dover, said:

“Working across the port community – including with our customers, tenants, contractors and staff – we are proud of the challenging targets we have now set ourselves.  It’s the right and responsible thing to do, but as well as setting industry-leading targets, we must also lead by how we strive to meet them.  I look forward to that task, and continuing to develop the necessary partnerships with industry, academia and government that will ensure Dover receives the support needed to deliver.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The six SDGs being prioritised are:

Affordable and clean energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

Industry innovation and infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

Sustainable cities and communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Responsible consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

The Port of Dover is the UK's busiest international ferry port, handling more lorries than all other UK ports put together through an unrivalled and fluid operation capable of facilitating 120 ferry movements and 110 miles of freight per day. £144bn worth of UK trade and 33% of all trade with the EU is handled by the Port of Dover. 

Dover is also the UK’s second busiest cruise port, has a marina and property business primed to benefit from a new waterfront and a busy cargo terminal handling fresh produce, containers, project cargo, general cargo and grain operating from a state-of-the-art terminal.

The Port of Dover holds ambitious net zero targets, placing it at the vanguard of decarbonisation within the UK ports industry. More information on these can be read here.