Port of Dover

The Port of Dover is the cross-channel port situated in Dover, Kent, south-east England. It is the nearest English port to France, at just 34km away, and is 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, with an annual turnover of £58.5 million a year.The port has been owned and operated by the Dover Harbour Board, a statutory corporation, since it was formed by Royal Charter in 1606 by King James I. Most of the board members are appointees of the Department for Transport. The port has its own private police force, the Port of Dover Police.InfrastructureThe harbour is divided into two sections, the Eastern Docks and the Western Docks, about apart.Eastern DocksThere are three ferry services to France operating from the seven twin-level ferry berths and associated departure buildings of the Eastern Docks:P&O Ferries: 6 ships in service. Up to 29 ferries daily to Calais (motorists and foot passengers).DFDS Seaways: 3 ships in service. Up to 12 ferries daily to Dunkirk (motorists only). DFDS Seaways: 2 ships in service. Up to 10 ferries daily to Calais (motorists only). The eastern docks also used to be served by the now defunct MyFerryLink, LD Lines and Sea France.