The port of Dunkirk is preparing for the Brexit. "For us, that's really the big issue," says Yvan Gomel, Business Development Manager. "We have already made a lot of investments, such as adding a 200-space car park and a 2 hectare area that allows heavy goods vehicles to complete their customs formalities when they arrive in France."
Products from all over the world arrive in Dunkirk, and are subject to a large number of controls. "Our Border Inspection Post (BIP) makes physical checks possible," explains Yvan. The port is also investing in the recruitment of new customs officers and informing professionals and individuals about the Brexit procedure.
Regarding Brexit, the biggest challenge is that no one knows the rules of the game. "We've been preparing for two and a half years without knowing how it will end," says Yvan. "But we remain optimistic. We will make Brexit an opportunity. "Yvan identifies, among other things, opportunities for Ireland. "Ireland is still England's largest market. We could establish more direct links with that country."
With a traffic of more than 15 million tonnes representing 600,000 trucks and 700,000 passenger vehicles, the Port of Dunkirk is one of the natural gateways to and from the United Kingdom.
Yvan Gomel and Vincent Brunet during the MedFEL 2019
For more information:
Dunkerque Port
mebogucki@portdedunkerque.fr
www.dunkerque-port.fr