The Port of Dover Through Time

The Port of Dover is Europe's busiest ferry port and is situated in south east England. It is the nearest port to France, which is twenty one miles away, and the world's busiest passenger port, with 16 million travellers, 2.1 million lorries, 2.8 million cars and motorcycles and 86,000 coaches passing through it each year. The port is owned and operated by the Dover Harbour Board, which was formed by Royal Charter in 1606 by King James I. It has an annual turnover of 58.5 million and the board members are appointed by the government. P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways operate services to Calais and Dunkirk from the Eastern Docks. These docks were used for ship-breaking during the First World War and finally closed in 1964. The Western Docks is formed by the western arm of the harbour and includes Admiralty Pier and other port facilities. The railway station re-opened as the Dover Cruise Terminal and can accommodate up to three cruise ships at a time.