The Dover Harbour Board, a public entity which overseas operations at the southeast England port, has reached an agreement to incorporate the Port Services Division of George Hammond PLC into its wider port business.

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.

Beginning on December 31, 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.

Meanwhile the port is also developing new facilities in Dover’s Western Docks. “These are exciting times with work on the Dover Western Docks Revival underway,” said Tim Waggott Port of Dover chief executive. “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,” he added. “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.”

“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,” said James Ryeland, managing director at George Hammond PLC. “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.”