From green shipping corridors to digital transformation, the Port of Dover is steering a clear path toward the future. Chief executive Doug Bannister shares more
We’ve all felt the impact of the Port of Dover – whether through its essential support for business operations, its pivotal role in facilitating trade or its seamless handling of imports and exports that power economic growth and keep our daily lives running smoothly.
As a vital artery of the UK economy, the Port facilitates a staggering third of all trade with the EU, valued at over £144 billion annually. Handling up to 130 daily departures and 2.2 million freight vehicles each year, it is the nation’s busiest and most indispensable ferry port.
Since 2019, Doug Bannister has been heading up operations as chief executive, guiding the Port of Dover through monumental challenges and laying the groundwork for its transformation into a hub of sustainability and technological advancement.
Born in the United States but “British by choice”, Doug’s career began on the docks of New York before taking him across the globe. His expertise spans container shipping giants like Mærsk and overseeing the transport infrastructure of Jersey, where he managed harbours, marinas and even the airport. “That experience showed me how critical it is to have lifeline connections to support a thriving economy and society,” reflects Doug. “Dover fulfils a similar role. It keeps supply chains moving, keeps people employed and keeps the nation running.”
Doug arrived in Dover just in time for the first Brexit deadline. His first 100 days culminated in navigating the complex operational challenges posed by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. “Through Brexit and then Covid, we absolutely kept the operation running and ensured supply chains were fulfilled,” he says. The twin crises, Doug shares, demanded relentless focus, but they also prepared him and his team to tackle long-term goals.
Fast forward to 2024 and the Port of Dover is thriving, delivering record efficiency and demonstrating its resilience in a fast-changing world. This past summer was a triumph, with border control times – a critical measure of its operational success – dramatically reduced. The average dwell times dropped from 41 minutes in 2023 to just 10 minutes in 2024, thanks to significant infrastructure upgrades and excellent coordination with French authorities, including enhanced staffing by French border officials.
Doug elaborates: “As readers will know, we operate juxtaposed immigration controls here, meaning travellers clear into France or the EU while still in Dover, so we’re heavily reliant on that border process working efficiently. The French police did a fabulous job. Combined with our new infrastructure and strong support from our Kent partners – Kent Highways, National Highways, Kent County Council and Kent Police – it all came together to make the summer season a huge success. We didn’t have traffic queuing through the town and everything ran smoothly within our planning parameters.”
This success didn’t come without challenges, particularly as construction work to prepare for the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) continued behind the scenes. Although the EES implementation has been delayed by the EU, the Port is fully prepared. “In the ferry terminal, we’ve erected a large canopy for car registrations, and on the western side, we’ve already installed the first of two coach halls, with the second due early next year,” says Doug. “We also accelerated the reclamation of old docks to create more land capacity – not just for EES, but as part of our broader strategic plan for Port operations. We’ve secured agreement from the EU and French authorities, which opens up opportunities for improved processes once EES is implemented.”
Beyond operational excellence, the Port of Dover is setting the standard for sustainability in the UK’s maritime sector. Back in 2022, it launched an ambitious agenda to achieve net carbon zero for scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 – a target five years ahead of any other UK port. The results have been remarkable: since 2007, carbon emissions have been reduced by 98%.
A key initiative has been the conversion of the Port’s entire marine fleet to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a renewable fuel that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. Alongside a range of other measures, such as upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting, the Port has embraced solar energy by installing photovoltaic (PV) cells on its buildings, which has proved fundamental to decreasing emissions, as well as improving energy efficiency across its facilities.
But the Port isn’t stopping there. Looking ahead, the vision is even more ambitious, with plans to establish the UK’s first high-volume green shipping corridor in partnership with French ports and ferry operators. “In March 2023, we signed a memorandum of understanding with the ports of Calais and Dunkirk, along with ferry operator DFDS, to work towards electrifying the short straits,” says Doug. “Expanding electrical capacity is a key part of our long-term strategy to support the transition to green energy while maintaining our world-class operational efficiency.”
Currently, the Port operates with 8 megawatts of electricity, which is sufficient for its existing needs, such as lighting and berthing. However, future plans include providing shore power for cruise ships, which can require between seven and 15 megawatts each. With up to three cruise ships or multiple ferries needing power simultaneously, peak demands could rise to between 100 and 160 megawatts – far beyond the current capacity.
Doug explains: “When the ferry comes in, the ramp goes down, 120 to 150 trucks come off, a couple hundred cars, a dozen coaches and 1,000 passengers. We reload the same amount in 45 minutes – that’s faster than people on an Airbus A320 at Gatwick. To maintain these slick turnaround times, we’ll need to recharge an entire ferry in 45 minutes. While current technology isn’t yet capable of meeting these demands, we’re working on a comprehensive programme to expand electricity provision at the Port. This will ultimately create a green shipping corridor with a transformative impact, not just for the UK but across Europe.”
Doug and the Dover Harbour Board are equally focused on harnessing digital technology to transform the Port’s operations. At the forefront of this effort is the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which plays a pivotal role in managing traffic flows. The AI system predicts vehicle arrivals at the Port in 15-minute intervals, achieving a remarkable 99% accuracy, even during peak periods.
This data-driven approach enables the Port to dynamically allocate resources, such as adjusting lane usage for cars, coaches and trucks, while minimising disruption and improving traffic management. “It has been a real game-changer,” states Doug. “We can now plan with much greater certainty, shifting resources and reconfiguring operations as needed. Beyond day-to-day operations, AI is also a strategic asset, providing insights that support longer-term planning.”
The Port of Dover has also embraced digital twins – virtual models of its operations – to enhance efficiency and resilience. “Collaborating with world-leading universities and academics to develop this innovative tool, we’re leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve the total system,” Doug explains. “The aim is to make the Port even more efficient, ensuring we remain the UK’s most economically resilient trade route.”
Looking further ahead, the Port’s 2050 Master Plan sets out a forward-thinking vision to establish Dover as the UK’s most seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port. Developed through extensive engagement with the public, local communities, employees, port users and stakeholders, the long-term strategy addresses global mega-trends such as climate change and shifting trade patterns. Doug notes: “We didn’t want to sit in a dark room with clever people and come up with plans in isolation. Instead, we engaged with employees, customers and the community to co-create this vision.”
When fully realised, the plan has the potential to increase the value of trade handled by 20%, from £144 billion to £173 billion in 2023 prices, drive economic growth, create jobs and support the skills of tomorrow. It is a bold step toward securing a prosperous future for the Port and the UK.
Doug is acutely aware of the Port of Dover’s impact on SMEs, as well as its role in sustaining trade and tourism. “Dover enjoys a tremendous geographical advantage, and while our position is privileged, we’re not sitting back,” he asserts. “Our job isn’t just about moving goods and people; it’s about enabling prosperity, improving lives and building a better future for the South East and the nation.”
Doug’s tenure as chief executive is defined by bold ambitions and a commitment to innovation. Whether through sustainability initiatives, digital transformation or long-term master planning, he is ensuring the Port of Dover remains a vital economic engine for the UK. Under his leadership, the Port is not only navigating today’s challenges but setting a course for a greener, smarter and more resilient future.
