Antrim Contractor Appointed by Port of Dover for £53m Western Docks Revival Project

25th October 2026

Jehan Ashmore

Dover ferry line-up: The Isle of Inishmore of Irish Ferries and others from P&O Ferries and DFDS operate from the Eastern Docks, whereas the Co. Antrim-based contractor is to work at the £53m Western Docks Revival project. So far, a joint venture partnership between McLaughlin & Harvey and Boskalis Westminster has completed a major land reclamation project also at the docks, but more work is to be done through a subsidiary. Credit: Port of Dover

The appointment of a Northern Ireland company by the Port of Dover for a £53m project sees construction firm McLaughlin & Harvey secure two places on a new contractor framework at the UK's busiest ferry port.

The development of the Western Docks Revival project to the Co. Antrim-headquartered construction firm opens up opportunities to deliver future marine infrastructure and building improvement projects through to 2032.

The construction and civil engineering firm, with its head office in Newtownabbey, near Belfast Lough, has been appointed to Lot 2, covering both marine works and berths.

While at its division, McLaughlin & Harvey WorkSpace has secured a second place on Lot 4, which is to cover building fabric and services.

The timeframe is scheduled to run until May 2032 and is to support the UK’s busiest international ferry (incl. cruise ships and cargoships) port’s long-term development plans under its 2050 Masterplan.

More reports from the Belfast-based News Letter

Operating through the Kent port are three ferry companies, Irish Ferries (launched in 2021), P&O Ferries, and DFDS, all serving on the Strait of Dover link with Calais, whereas Dunkirk is also served by the latter Danish company.

Combined, the busy strategic Strait sees 11 ferries back and forth between a Brexit-Britain and mainland (EU) continental Europe, which represents a critical transport artery for passengers and trade.

Published in Northern Ireland Waters

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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