The volume of freight vehicles passing through the Port of Dover have surpassed 2007 levels, the previous busiest year on record.

On December 16th, the port’s total throughput reached 2,368,182 vehicles, compared to  2,363,583 in 2007. This means Dover is on track to deliver a record year.

The Port of Dover is a major part of the UK’s freight economy, as it facilitates over £89 billion of trade each year.

Freight traffic is expected to maintain its trajectory for the rest of the year, meaning that 2.4 million vehicles will have passed through the port by January 1st 2014.

Tim Waggott, chief executive of the Port of Dover, said: “We have no doubt that the Port of Dover will continue to be the mainstay of European freight traffic crossing the Channel. This is a tremendous endorsement of our operational expertise and staff.”

The Port of Dover has plans to expand in 2015, with construction ready to begin on the West Dock regeneration, suggesting that the upwards trend will continue into the new year.