Dover Harbour Board has secured the long term success of cargo operations within the Port of Dover as work forges ahead to create new facilities in Dover’s Western Docks.
The Board has reached an agreement to incorporate the Port Services Division of George Hammond PLC into its wider Port business, ensuring growth and long term loyal customer continuity into the new Dover Western Docks Revival era.
Established in 1767, Kent-based George Hammond PLC developed the general cargo business in Dover more than 60 years ago and, with the support of the Port of Dover, has operated the Dover Cargo Terminal successfully since its inception in 1990.
From 31 December 2016, however, the cargo stevedoring operation will transfer to Port of Dover Cargo Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dover Harbour Board.
The new business will be overseen by Sam Stewart who has over 30 years’ experience in the ports and shipping industry – holding senior positions for cargo operations within busy cargo terminals in the South East of England.
George Hammond PLC’s dedicated senior team and staff will transfer to Port of Dover Cargo Limited with the Port Services Division to preserve existing expertise while enabling the business to grow.
Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: “These are exciting times with work on the Dover Western Docks Revival underway. The project is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with over £200m committed to deliver the first phase.
“This new cargo infrastructure, however, is only part of the story. We want to future-proof cargo services so that we can deliver on our commitment to be the best port in the world for the benefit of our customers and community.
“I and my fellow Directors of Port of Dover Cargo Limited, Barbara Buczek and Shaun Pottage, would like to thank James and John Ryeland, Paul Lee, and everyone from George Hammond PLC for their support. We welcome Sam Stewart to our team and we look forward to working with staff transferring to Port of Dover Cargo Limited in order to deliver the best of service to all our customers in the future.”
James Ryeland, Managing Director at George Hammond PLC, said: “While it is with some sadness that a chapter in Hammond history has come to an end, the considerable investment in the Dover Western Docks Revival by Dover Harbour Board will pave the way to a new and diverse era in cargo operations.
“As a subsidiary of Dover Harbour Board, Port of Dover Cargo Limited will be best placed to take long term investment decisions aligned to generating significant growth and long term employment security.”
