by Graham Tutthillgtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Dover Harbour Board has won the appeal over the level of charges it made to the ferry operators for the past two years.

Welcoming the decision by the Transport Secretary, the port's chief executive Bob Goldfield said he always believed the board had a strong case and the decision was a significant vote of confidence.

The ferry operators had lodged a challenge over the tariffs levied by DHB in 2010 and 2011. It was the subject of a public inquiry which lasted several weeks last year.

Mr Goldfield said: "We have always believed that we have a very strong case for the tariff levels that we charge and that they are always set with due regard to the policy guidance given by Government.

"Only a realistic tariff level can ensure that we can meet our many obligations to all of our stakeholder groupings, including our ferry operators."

The decision came only a few months after DHB received formal Government approval for its second ferry terminal and Mr Goldfield said it was another significant vote of confidence in the strategic direction of the UK’s busiest trust port and its management team.

"It is DHB’s role to ensure that the Port of Dover is operated on a sound financial basis that ensures the future of the port as a going concern for the benefit of all customers and stakeholders, including the local community.

"The ferry operators are a vitally important part of the Port’s immediate and long-term future and today’s announcement will enable the Port’s Board and management to develop a new and stronger understanding with the ferry operators."

The board now plans to hold a number of meetings with the operators in the coming weeks to drawn up an agreed understanding and a way forward for future tariff negotiations.

A spokesman for P&O Ferries said they were very disappointed at the outcome and needed time to consider all the detail of the inspector's report.

"However, we believe that the section 31 appeals process is archaic and is in urgent need of reform. We knew it would be extremely difficult to gain relief via this mechanism but we had no option due to the unwillingness of Dover Harbour Board to consider our viewpoint."

Carsten Jensen, Senior Vice President of DFDS Group and Head of DFDS’ English Channel business, said they were also disappointed.

"We are concerned that excessive fees will burden the ferry companies in the English Channel with extra costs at a time when we are already facing important challenges in the marketplace," he said.

"We appreciate, however, that the cash surplus built up over recent years for the development of a new terminal will be ring-fenced for the project."

Full report and reaction in the Dover Mercury next Thursday, May 31.