Construction

TK Elevator selected to deliver passenger boarding bridge for Port of Dover

TK Elevator (TKE), a global leader in vertical transportation and urban mobility, has been awarded a contract by the Port of Dover to supply, deliver, and install a new Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridge (SPBB).

Dover Cruise upgrades its boarding infrastructure with a new Seaport Passenger Boarding Bridge from TK Elevator – enhancing passenger experience, increasing capacity, and supporting long-term sustainability.
TK Elevator’s tailored solution enables the port to accommodate a greater variety of cruise ships and support future growth.

Installation is scheduled to begin in early 2027 at the historic Cruise Terminal 1. The project supports the port’s vision to set new standards in international cruise operations by enhancing passenger experience and operational flexibility.

Dover is an award-winning cruise port, delivering world-class travel experiences to over 20 different cruise lines each year.1 It is the chosen UK turnaround port for many major cruise lines, and a highlight port of call destination for Northern European, Mediterranean and British Isles cruises. With two dedicated cruise terminals, and an additional mixed-use berth, Dover has the capacity to welcome three cruise ships in one day.

The new SPBB will provide a smooth, weather-protected, and accessible connection between terminal and ship. Designed for advanced passenger comfort, the bridge features panoramic glass windows for natural light and scenic views, integrated heating for year-round use, and illuminated flooring to enhance safety. Its operational flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of vessel sizes and designs, thanks to features such as a 15-meter vertical movement range, 100-meter tunnel length, 90-degree cabin rotation, and the capability to dock with ships whose entry doors are below port level.

“Driven by our passion for moving people and enhancing their journey, TK Elevator is proud to support the Port of Dover in its transformation into a future-ready cruise hub. Our sustainable and efficient boarding solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of seaports, placing passengers and operational excellence at the core.”

Ignacio Medina, CEO of Airport Solutions at TK Elevator

This project marks a significant milestone in the Port of Dover’s long-term transformation, replacing aging infrastructure with a future-focused solution that increases capacity, enhances the guest experience, and promotes sustainability. The installation of the new boarding bridge represents a major infrastructure upgrade for Dover Cruise Terminal, enabling the port to welcome a more diverse range of cruise ships of different sizes and styles.

“It’s been brilliant to see such significant changes across our cruise terminals since we launched our long-term vision to 2050 only a year ago. Expanding our cruise capacity is central to that vision, and this latest step on the journey will deliver a much-improved experience for guests.”

Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover

Further underlining TKE’s commitment to the passenger journey at the Port of Dover, the company has also modernized three escalators and upgraded two elevators across Cruise Terminals 1 and 2. These improvements ensure greater comfort, reliability, and accessibility for the growing number of cruise guests who choose Dover as their gateway to Europe, supporting the port’s role as a leading UK hub for prestigious international cruise lines.

Press release and images by TK Elevator