The Port of Dover has awarded Mitie a new £3 million ($3.9 million) a year contract covering maintenance work and installations on the Eastern and Western docks at the port.

The funds will range from cruise terminals to residential flats and commercial offices on the seafront marina.

The contract will run for four years with the option to extend for a further two years, building on Mitie’s existing three-year, waste management contract which was awarded in 2023.

The contract will cover 94 buildings, which are visited by 11 million passengers a year.

The Port of Dover will be implementing digital maintenance and remote monitoring with the help of an innovation fund. This initiative aims to create a more technology-enabled port. The innovation fund will also support investment into the Port of Dover’s net zero strategy.

Mitie’s Plan Zero consultants have already conducted site visits to identify opportunities and build on the actions taken by the Port of Dover.

To support the transition to the new contract, Mitie has developed a bespoke engineering plan led by an experienced Critical Environment and Technical Assurance (CETA) team to ensure the port remains fully functional and is a seamless location for staff and visitors each day.

READ: UK committee releases net zero and shipping report

Dan Guest, Managing Director, Technical Services, Mitie, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Port of Dover and playing our part in the modernisation of this critical piece of the UK’s infrastructure which has acted as a gateway for people and trade for 400 years.

“Our colleagues on the contract will range from engineers to ESG experts who will work together to build a smarter, more sustainable port without losing the character that makes it a key destination for both business and leisure, against the famous backdrop of the White Cliffs.”

READ: Mitie extends security contract with Associated British Ports

Antony Yates, Infrastructure and Engineering Director at the Port of Dover said: “We’re pleased to have awarded the contract of works to Mitie with an extensive remit covering a wide portfolio of assets and services across the Port of Dover.

“It was important for the supplier to be aligned to our core values and sustainability targets and can offer agile solutions in our fast-changing continuous operational environment.

“Mitie brings a wealth of expertise in energy management and operational excellence with extensive knowledge in the transportation sector and are well placed to assist us in critical engineering projects and the significant energy challenges ahead.”

Earlier this year, the Port of Dover and the Universities of Plymouth and Manchester received a £333,585 ($420,630) grant by Innovate UK to create and embed an AI-augmented Digital Twin of Dover harbour.