Rival Graham Construction signed a pre-construction deal over a year ago to develop infrastructure design for the redevelopment and has carried out preliminary works.

But it is understood the Dover Harbour Board is in talks with the Dutch contractor to deliver the planned £135m building of a new cargo terminal, waterfront development and marina.

Construction of Dover Harbour’s Western Docks programme is set to be delivered in a 24-month programme with dredging and piling activities due to start in the first quarter.

Plans include extensive demolition and removal of existing structures including part demolition of the Dunkirk jetty to provide a 20m wide navigation channel leading to the yacht haven in the Wellington Dock.

The new access channel will including a bascule bridge and lock gates. Then the port’s existing tidal basin access will be infilled to construct two new berths for ferries.

Planned works include extensive dredging and construction of a new 560m curved marina pier.

Aerial view of Dover Harbour’s proposed Western Docks programme

Existing tidal basin will be infilled to create new berthing dock

New marina and 560m curving pier

New access channel and bascule bridge to existing Wellington Dock yacht marina

New marina jetty