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An artist's impression of the Dover Western Docks project
A consortium of leading British and European lenders has agreed a £200m package of loans to support Port of Dover’s flagship capital building programme.
The Dover Western Docks Revival project will create a purpose-built cargo and logistics facility at the port, which currently handles up to £119bn of UK trade each year.
Allianz Global Investors has agreed to provide a £55m private placement bond; RBS and Lloyds Bank will each provide a £35m revolving credit facility; and the European Investment Bank has confirmed a £75m loan.
Port of Dover CEO Tim Waggott said: “Dover Western Docks Revival is our single biggest investment ever. It will define how we operate for decades to come.
“Currently handling 17 % of all the UK’s trade in goods, it is crucial the port continues to evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing political and trading landscape.”
he added: “The financial support supplied by blue chip lenders underlines the critical role Dover fulfils for UK and European economies, businesses and consumers. A prominent role which will remain into the future, post-Brexit.”
AllianzGI’s UK infrastructure debt portfolio manager, Adrian Jones, said: “The port of Dover is a unique asset. Given its history and proximity to continental Europe, it is of vital importance to UK trade.
“The port has assembled a cost-effective funding solution that matches the most cost-effective debt product to each maturity bucket – short-term commercial bank debt, medium term European Investment Bank debt and long-term private placement bonds – thus ensuring it can keep the cost of funding the project as low as possible for its customers.”
Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank vice-president, said: “This exciting new investment will transform Europe’s busiest ferry port, both improving the seafront and enabling increased and more diverse cargo to pass through Dover. The European Investment Bank is pleased to support this once in a generation project as part of our backing for crucial investment at leading ports across the UK and around the world.”
Guillaume Fleuti, head of infrastructure and energy for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Dover has been the gateway for UK trade for over 400 years and is an iconic name within the infrastructure market.
“Lloyds has a long standing relationship with Dover and the opportunity to support the port in its expansion activities goes to the very heart of what Lloyds seeks to achieve – supporting clients and helping Britain prosper. The expansion of the port is the next evolution in the history of Dover and one which Lloyds looks forward to further supporting.”
RBS acts as financial advisor to Port of Dover as well as lender. Bruce Riley, MD in its structured finance team, said: “The diversity, tenor and flexibility of the overall funding package achieved reflect the strength of Port of Dover’s business and its enduring importance to the UK economy.
“RBS is proud and delighted to have been able to support the Western Docks Revival project which will have such a positive impact not only on the local community, but also on Britain’s connectivity with Europe. RBS is committed to UK infrastructure development and has supported investment in many of the UK’s largest projects over the past year.”
In addition to bespoke cargo and logistics facilities, Dover Western Docks Revival will also allow the port to create a dedicated ferry terminal in the Eastern Docks and a transformed waterfront for Dover.
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