The Port of Dover could be sold off as part of government attempts to raise money to help cover the budget deficit.
According to a government document, it is on a list of six ports that might be sold, with the proposals for Dover described as "the furthest advanced".
Labour's MP for Dover, Gwyn Prosser, has vowed to fight the plan, saying he feared job losses would be inevitable.
But Bob Goldfield, the harbour board's chief executive, said the plan would benefit the community.
The Port of Dover is the UK's busiest roll-on/roll-off port and the largest passenger ferry port in northern Europe.
'Jobs at risk'
It is also the UK's second busiest cruise terminal, with about 274,000 cruise passengers and 144 cruise calls in 2008.
It has been a trust port for 400 years, and with no shareholders all the revenue goes back into the port to redevelop it.
Last year workers at the port protested when their jobs were transferred to private companies.
Mr Prosser said there was "no doubt" that in any sell-off the jobs of workers were always at risk.
"I will just join with the local workforce and walk through the streets of Dover and campaign as we did in the past. "In other words we'll be saying 'Dover's not for sale'." But Mr Goldfield said the government had recognised "the strategic importance of Dover".
"The Port of Dover has ambitious plans for redevelopment and regeneration to unlock value for the local community and facilitate the predicted growth in UK trade flows.
"In line with government guidelines, we are considering a proposal which will allow us to deliver our plans, releasing value and benefits for the port and local community, our stakeholders and the nation," he said.
According to a government document, it is on a list of six ports that might be sold, with the proposals for Dover described as "the furthest advanced".
Labour's MP for Dover, Gwyn Prosser, has vowed to fight the plan, saying he feared job losses would be inevitable.
But Bob Goldfield, the harbour board's chief executive, said the plan would benefit the community.
The Port of Dover is the UK's busiest roll-on/roll-off port and the largest passenger ferry port in northern Europe.
'Jobs at risk'
It is also the UK's second busiest cruise terminal, with about 274,000 cruise passengers and 144 cruise calls in 2008.
It has been a trust port for 400 years, and with no shareholders all the revenue goes back into the port to redevelop it.
Last year workers at the port protested when their jobs were transferred to private companies.
Mr Prosser said there was "no doubt" that in any sell-off the jobs of workers were always at risk.
"I will just join with the local workforce and walk through the streets of Dover and campaign as we did in the past. "In other words we'll be saying 'Dover's not for sale'." But Mr Goldfield said the government had recognised "the strategic importance of Dover".
"The Port of Dover has ambitious plans for redevelopment and regeneration to unlock value for the local community and facilitate the predicted growth in UK trade flows.
"In line with government guidelines, we are considering a proposal which will allow us to deliver our plans, releasing value and benefits for the port and local community, our stakeholders and the nation," he said.