Plans to significantly increase capacity at the port of Calais and to rename the hub the 'Gateway to the UK' have been received with scepticism by freight professionals in the south-east of England.

With Dover as its main customer, Calais has long had ambitions to attract a larger number of vessels from the UK, the Dover Express reports.

However, with existing capacity far exceeding demanding for cross-channel services at present, plans for the growth of Calais have been called into question

Dover-based logistics expert Neil Wiggins told the news provider: "There are already so many hub ports along that end of Europe. I just don't get where they are going with it."

The Telegraph reported earlier this month that up to €400 million (£342 million) is to be invested in the port of Calais, with owners Nord Pas de Calais Regional Council planning the creation of a new 160-hectare industrial park and expanding capacity to take in larger shipping vessels.