33% of all UK trade with the EU will pass through the Port of Dover.

Around 70 miles from London, Dover is the perfect port for transporting goods between the UK and Mainland Europe.

Whether you are looking to transport your cargo via the Dover to Calais freight route or the ferry from Dover to Dunkerque (Dunkirk), here is everything you need to know about the Port of Dover. 

The Port of Dover

What You Need To Know

Connected directly to both the M2 and the M20 motorways, the port provides easy access to London's M25 and the rest of the UK.

But it isn’t just the port’s convenient location or links to the UK & mainland Europe that make it one of GB’s busiest ports. Dover also boasts many world-class facilities such as:

• Temp-controlled out-loading area and storage (with max warehouse capacity of 9,639m2)
• Mobile cranes
• Access to the port 24-hours a day

And many more. 

Commitment to Sustainability

How environmentally friendly is the Port of Dover?

Despite the misleading reputation of the shipping industry, the Port of Dover is among the legion of European ports that are making the necessary changes to become environmentally sustainable.

Since 2007, the Port of Dover has reduced its carbon footprint by 95% (with a 68% reduction from 2021's emissions). 

By 2030, the port aims to be 100% carbon neutral by continuing to implement positive changes both big and small, including:

• working with local partners to promote conservation
• implementing cycle to work schemes
• offsetting carbon emissions 
• using alternative & renewable energy sources and fuels 

And more. 

The Port of Dover’s Best Freight Ferry Routes

Dover Calais   

The English Channel is frequently cited as the busiest shipping lane in the world.

Its most popular route? Dover Calais. 

This route is operated by three operators, all of whom provide excellent services for your Dover Calais freight ferry crossings : 

DFDS Seaways

DFDS provides plenty of services for freight drivers including Priority Lane, Fast Lane & Advance Check-In Services available at both Dover and Calais. 

Irish Ferries Freight 

With 30 sailings every day (leaving from either Dover or Calais every 90 minutes), this service accommodates all your freight needs including plug-ins, hazardous cargo and unaccompanied goods.

P&O Ferries

P&O continues to innovate, offering excellent freight services on the Dover Calais route. The P&O Pioneer, the newest addition to the P&O fleet and the largest double ended hybrid ferry in the world, is one of the ships now working this crossing.

During the ship's official naming ceremony in July 2023, our managing director, Alex McDonald, had the opportunity to take in the vessel personally. Check out our LinkedIn page for an inside look of the Pioneer's driver facilities.

Book your next Calais to Dover freight ferry here. 

Dover Dunkerque Ferries

With sailings every 2 hours and complimentary meals, access to a separate drivers lounge and drivers club all included in your ticket purchase, it’s no wonder that the DFDS Dover Dunkerque offering is a favourite of thousands of traders.

In fact, DFDS even offers faster access to check-in (and check-in up to 12 hours before departure) at both the Port of Dover and Dunkerque with the DFDS Priority Lane, Fast Lane and Advanced Check-In services.

Learn more about the Port of Dunkerque (and the DFDS Dover to Dunkerque offering) here.

How much do Dover Dunkerque (Dunkirk) and Dover Calais ferries cost?

Get the best service & rates with Freightlink 

We are proud to say that we have been helping our customers save money and time when organising their freight ferry transport for almost two decades now. 

In that time, we have helped tens of thousands of businesses across Europe. We are perfectly positioned to help you streamline your bookings process, even for your hazardous or abnormal loads. 

To book your next Dover freight ferry crossing with us, head over to our sailing schedules here. Let us take the stress out of shipping for your business.