Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 2548

  vic matcham, Dover

We have some great photos and comments about the port and what ships use it and go by,but please lets not go down the road of the members forum about the pier.The pier will be there till times end the good thing you will see even more big ships using the port at any one time, making more great photos and trust me you will not lose the pier and you will get closer to the big ships to take photos then you do now.by walking along it.Thank you.

Thursday, 12 November 2015 - 04:43

 

Post 2547

  Mike J., Dover

A couple of pix after Paul’s photo as the SAGA PEARL II sailed for Hamburg thru the Eastern Entrance.









Fortunately the Prince of Wales pier was open this morning - if it is closed again when the SAGA PEARL II returns towards the end of the month perhaps today was the last chance ever for shooting a cruise ship from the Prince of Wales.






Pier closures are intermittent at the moment due to the test pile-driving in the former hoverport, but the ‘word on the street’ is that the pier will be permanently closed at the end of the year.
A sad loss.


The DIANA was surveying close in to the pier during the morning.
She had had a little adventure earlier in the morning when she picked up a swimmer well out in the bay.









Thursday, 12 November 2015 - 00:34

 

Post 2546

  Sea News, Dover

Late in season visitor Saga Pearl II leaving us just a few minutes ago as I write..approximately 16.10 as the November evening darkens.
Destination Hamburg. PB.

Wednesday, 11 November 2015 - 16:26

 

Post 2545

  Sea News, Dover

Harbour view above taken on a gloomy day.....


The latest news from HMRC:
Cigarette smuggler’s plan goes pear-shaped
_____________________________________

A lorry driver who smuggled more than 147 million cigarettes, worth an estimated £32 million in lost duty, into the UK hidden behind crates of rotting pears, has been jailed for almost seven years.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers foiled Hans Verhoeven’s plan in July 2014 when they stopped him at The Junction 26 Truck Stop, off the M25 near Waltham Abbey, in Essex. The 45-year-old told officers he was transporting fruit and bread but when they opened the container they found 7.4 million non-UK duty paid cigarettes worth £1.58 million in evaded excise duty.

Verhoeven was arrested and later admitted making at least 18 smuggling runs in the past, each time carrying a similar load which was packed behind crates of pears.

Stuart Taylor, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:

"Verhoeven smuggled huge quantities of cigarettes into the UK, costing the taxpayer tens of millions of pounds in lost duty, money that should have been providing vital public services.

"These offences have a devastating impact on honest retailers who struggle to compete with the black market in illicit cigarettes and tobacco, costing the country £2.1 billion in lost revenue each year.

"HMRC takes robust action to detect, disrupt and bring those responsible before the courts and will not cease in its efforts to track down cigarette smugglers and stop their activities. Anyone with information about smuggling can contact the Customs hotline on 0800 59 5000."

Verhoeven, who runs a transport company from Leuven, Belgium, claimed he was approached to do the runs by people who knew he had financial problems, and was told he could make up to 15,000 euros per trip.

Four months after his first arrest, and still on bail, Verhoeven was stopped again at the Port of Dover. While Verhoeven’s vehicle was genuinely transporting cheese, paperwork found in his cab linked him to a countryman’s lorry that was stopped at the same time, containing 8.1 illicit million cigarettes, hidden behind apples, evading £1.75 million in duty.

The other driver was cleared of any knowledge, but following this incident, Verhoeven was charged with three counts of the fraudulent evasion of excise duty on more than 147 million non-UK duty paid cigarettes, worth an estimated £32 million in lost duty. He was remanded in custody for breaching his bail conditions and was sentenced yesterday (5 November 2015), after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.



Ends

Just when we had assumed the cruise season was finished for this year...up pops our old regular friend the Saga Pearl II today...she came in unspotted earlier this morning. Well I never...yours truly thought the cruise season was over but here we have a late straggler...I was tipped off that it might be a possibility by one of our learned colleagues.

Picture of Saga Pearl II from earlier in the year.

Well done getting those pictures below Mike. It is so grey at the moment..pictures are difficult for sure.
Also in today...just noting as missed its arrival also..the Messina Strait..sister ship by the looks of things to the Magellan Strait.
Will aim to get a pic in due course or hopefully Ed can get one. Thanks guys all round,




Wednesday, 11 November 2015 - 07:32

 

Post 2544

  Mike J., Dover

The big Dutch workboat INNE K came in yesterday & was still on the Ad.Pier on Tuesday afternoon.

She's brand new & her AIS shows her bound for Southampton, maybe in for shelter from the current unpleasantness.

Not much chance of a decent photo as the Prince of Wales is closed again & the pile-driver is thumping away from time to time, probably heard all over much of Dover as the big pile slowly disappears.

Here’s a better photo of the INNE K, copyright of cdn.tugbase.org

THV ALERT seems to have taken root in the Tug Haven, she’s been in Dover for four or five days.







Copyright cdn.tugbase.org









Tuesday, 10 November 2015 - 17:50

 

Post 2543

  Sea News, Dover

SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITY SPECIAL


Black winged gull soaring high in the strong winds yesterday.


You too can soar high with these considerable local opportunities.
Thanks to both DDC and DHB for the following exciting information.....


FIRST EVER DOVER DISTRICT SKILLS FAIR SHOWCASES EDUCATION, TRAINING & JOBS
_______________________________________________________________________

Helping local people get the skills for the future

Over 40 exhibitors including local employers, colleges, universities and training providers will be at the first ever Dover District Skills Fair on Thursday, 19 November from 12-6pm at Dover Town Hall. The free to attend event showcases the skills needed by local employers as the district's regeneration agenda steps up a gear.

Organised by Dover District Council, the Dover Skills Fair aims to help young people and those looking to re-train to find out about opportunities in further and higher education, vocational training and apprenticeships. A number of employers will be recruiting for jobs at the Fair.

The Fair is being organised in skills zones with students from East Kent College providing hands-on experience with demonstrations in bricklaying, electrical, computing, hairdressing, science, tourism and maritime. These skills link with many of the major local employers attending, which include Bakkavor, Discovery Park, English Heritage, Leaf Hotels Group, Megger, P&O Ferries, Priority Freight, Port of Dover, Saga, and Viking Recruitment.

Also attending are the Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy, Kent Police, Dover District Council, Kent County Council, and the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.

Local colleges and universities will be showcasing courses closely linked to local employers. East Kent College is a key sponsor of the event and offers a wide range of courses at its Dover, Folkestone, Broadstairs and Discovery Park campuses. For those interested in land-based courses, Hadlow College will be attending along with colleagues from the Betteshanger Sustainable Parks project.

For those considering higher education, Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Greenwich will also be at the Dover Skills Fair.

The event will be a good opportunity for local people to find out about developments in the district. Invest in Dover will be on hand with information on the St James development, which will create over 500 new jobs, and the team from the Port of Dover and Graham Construction will have information on job opportunities with the Dover Western Docks Revival.


2


Cllr Keith Morris, portfolio holder for skills and training at Dover District Council, said: "This is a great opportunity to come and see the exciting range of developments underway in the district and how local people can prepare for the jobs of the future. I'd like to thank all the employers, colleges, university and training providers for supporting the event."

Graham Razey, Principal, East Kent College, said: "This promises to be an exciting showcase of skills and training opportunities linked to what local employers want from their future employees. We've worked closely with local employers to invest in our campuses and curriculum to meet their needs."

The Dover Skills Fair is being held at Dover Town Hall from 12-6pm on Thursday, 19 November. Admission is FREE. For more information, visit www.skills4dover.co.uk


- ends –


ALSO....


BRIGHTEST AND BEST ENCOURAGED TO DEVELOP SKILLS IN DOVER
________________________________________________________


The Port of Dover has started its latest search for talented local students to join a growing team of young people being nurtured and supported in a maritime-related career.

This year’s bursary scheme - part of the Port’s wider Youth Engagement Scheme (YES) – is open to students living in and around Dover.

It encourages young people to take up study at university in a port-related field to ensure the Port’s future success is driven by local people. The Port also provides the students with paid work placements of up to one year during or following the period of their study.

Combining the exciting operations of Europe’s busiest ferry port with the potential experience of being involved in one of the biggest development projects in the South East - Dover Western Docks Revival - it is an exciting time to join the Port of Dover team.

Anita Wilson, General Manager for Corporate Administration at the Port of Dover, said: "We are encouraging the brightest and best graduates to think about a career at the Port of Dover and these bursaries offer the extra push that’s needed."

Are you aged between 16 and 24? Live in Dover? Due to start a degree course in September 2016? This bursary scheme could provide you with valuable funding and potential career opportunities.

The awards are for students who are:
· Aged between 16-24 years
· Living within the post code bands CT14 to CT17
· Entering full time study in September 2016
· Studying a relevant degree course
· Prepared to undertake a work placement with the Port during their study


ENDS





Ferries (Pride of Kent, Pride of Canterbury, Delft Seaways) in the bracing whipping wind yesterday.

Good get below Ed...the Pride of Burgundy moved off the Eastern Arm about 7pm last night with the help of both tugs.
She appears to be back in full action.


Tuesday, 10 November 2015 - 07:55

 

Post 2542

  Ed Connell, Dover

Pride of Burgundy laid up on the Eastern Arm today.



Monday, 9 November 2015 - 18:27

 

Post 2541

  Sea News, Dover

MAKING A SPLASH ABOUT EXCELLENT BATHING WATER STANDARDS
_________________________________________________________


Dover District Council is welcoming news that latest Government figures show bathing water quality is excellent at all three EU designated bathing beaches in Dover District, (Sandwich Bay, Deal Castle and St Margaret’s Bay).

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published the 2015 results of water testing at bathing beaches in England. Classifications are based on monitoring data collected by the Environment Agency between 2012 and 2015, and ‘excellent’ is the highest, cleanest class.

The results announced this week are the first bathing water classifications under the 2006 Bathing Water Directive.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, DDC Cabinet Member for Property Management and Public Protection said: "We are delighted to know that the bathing water quality is excellent. The natural environment is vital to our everyday lives, health and economy, and it is great that we can reassure people about the water quality at these key locations."


- ends -


Great to know that our local bathing water is excellent. Many thanks to DDC for the info above. People love splishing and splashing about in and on the water that's for sure. Here are some local pictures to celebrate the varied goings on..



Yesterday one of our regulars was with us once again...the Nederland Reefer. Didn't get a good picture of the arrival but here is a recent one. Don't think we have used this pic before..maybe a similar one.

Nice pic and info below Mike - pic looks good.



Monday, 9 November 2015 - 07:18

 

Post 2540

  Mike J., Dover

Another ‘commercial’ has joined the TOPLIFT in temporary lay-up in Wellington Dock.

The windfarm workboat EMS VIKING is operated by Excel Maritime Services of Herne Bay.

Another of their vessels, the similar VALHALLA OF WHITSTABLE, has been up on blocks in the Granville Dock boatyard for several months.





Monday, 9 November 2015 - 00:30

 

Post 2539

  Sea News, Dover

Dover Seafront looking very Gothic in the picture above which was taken a couple of days ago as the lingering fog began to draw back and pull away.


Re the Prince of Wales Pier:
______________________

"Next week the pier needs to be closed on Monday 9th morning 00.01am until 12.00pm (Midday) to accommodate some short term piling activity.

As the weather is not predicted to be good, which makes the piling difficult, the pier may remain open throughout the week but should piling activities get a window to operate we will need to clear it of all people. The contractors will give an hour’s notice.

Until the work is finished and weather prevailing it may be for the duration of the week."


Thanks for that info above ..from the guys at the sharp end of the piling.



Nice pictures below Phil...always good to get the view from Samphire Hoe and beyond. Thanks to Howard for uploading once again.
Great from Ed too ...fascinating as always, particularly the head on full frontal of the Magellan Strait.

Good to hear from you again Mark in Northants...good spot re the distant Grimaldi. Hope you get to make that trip down the African coast. PaulB.



Sunday, 8 November 2015 - 07:56

 

Post 2538

  Howard McSweeney, dover

2 courtesy of Phil Smith.


Our lifeboat on exercise at Fan Bay, looks like the sort of conditions they would be called out in.



German barge "Seeadler" passing Samphire Hoe.



Saturday, 7 November 2015 - 17:44

 

Post 2537

  Ed Connell, Dover

Heavy lift vessel Red Zed II passing Dunkerque West breakwater. Has been chartered for a major Russian LNG project.


Yet another view of Magellan Strait departing from the DCT. Using her bow thruster so only requiring the assistance of one tug.


Saturday, 7 November 2015 - 01:57

 

Post 2536

  Mark Rushton, Northants

Evening chaps,

Post 2082 refers to the unusual Magellan Strait, but look in the background for a very distinctive weirdo heading south through the channel. It looks like a Grande Africa class Grimaldi hybrid freighter, operating between northern Europe and Africa. This class is configured to take upward of 3000 cars and over 1000 20ft containers down to Africa's west coast - a journey I hope to do one day myself, as Grimaldi unusually take the odd passenger. Keep up the good work !

Friday, 6 November 2015 - 21:25

 

Post 2535

  Sea News, Dover

The picture above shows one of our old favourites the Trinity House vessel Alert..seen here leaving the harbour yesterday on her way as we understand it to service the Sendettie Light Vessel automatic.

While uploading the above picture, we spotted this one from the archives and of course it is the same vessel so worth another look...in the foreground as it were...is the Arklow Fortune. Picture from last winter.



SPIRITED YOUGSTERS COMPETE IN THE PORTS HALLOWEEN CHALLENGE
___________________________________________________________

Some were dripping blood, some were green, others had horns, fangs and claws. But the youngsters who took to Dover Seafront on Friday all had one thing in common - smiles!


The brave souls donned their scariest Halloween make-up and clothes and, in the failing light of a sunny autumn day, charged along Prince of Wales Pier for the Port of Dover’s first ever Mini Monster Mile Dash.

Vampires, skeletons, zombies, black cats and demons battled for top slot – not only competing for the best time, but also for the best haunted look.

Tim Waggott, the Port of Dover’s chief executive, said: "Halloween is a great time for many youngsters and their families get into the spirit… and go for a spectacular look. I’m really pleased the race brought the community together and the competitors really had a great time."

The contest was separated into two heats – the first for three to eight-year-olds, the second for nine to 14-year-olds.

Fastest boy in the first heat was Owen Burton, who finished the course in 7.50 minutes. Fastest girl was Jessica Stephens at 8.24.

At 7.11 minutes, Oliver Clayton was the first boy to cross the line in the nine to 14 category. And Amelia White was the fastest girl at 7.54. Erin Brazier and Arthur Warner won the best fancy dress for the three to eight-year-olds, and Tyne Brock-Carey and Jake Brazier had the most haunting clobber among the older competitors.

Prizes and goody bags were sponsored by John Graham Construction - the company appointed by the Port to deliver part of the Dover Western Docks Revival project.Dan Hockey, the company’s project director, said: "We were pleased to support this fun community event."

An after race party gave children the chance to try their skills at apple bobbing, take part in scary trials and tuck into some top nosh.

Money raised by the event will go to the Dover branches of the RNLI and homeless charity Emmaus.

ENDS


Oooh Scary for sure! - shiver me timbers! Nice picture isn't it - many thanks to the guys at the Port once again. PB.

Friday, 6 November 2015 - 08:13

 

Post 2534

  Sea News, Dover

Following on from Ed's post below - here we are again with the Magellan Strait...this time as she prepares to leave Port late yesterday afternoon.
No doubt about it, she is one of our most unusual cargo visitors.. so as a consequence is just that bit special. Quite a load onboard there as you can see as she heads off to our Dutch friends at Rotterdam..




REMEMBER REMEMBER THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER


‘PAWS FOR THOUGHT’
AS WE APPROACH 5 NOVEMBER – STAY SAFE, ACT RESPONSIBLY & REMEMBER YOUR PETS
___________________________________________________________________________

As we approach 5 November, Dover District Council is reminding everyone to stay safe and act responsibly, and to take steps to look after your pets.

The Firework Regulations 2004 prohibit anyone under 18 from possessing fireworks, and anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks. These regulations also prohibit the use of fireworks at night (11pm–7am) in England and Wales, with certain exceptions, including an extension on 5 November until midnight. These regulations are enforced by the police.

Top tips from DDC’s dog warden team, to help make sure your pets remain relaxed and happy over the fireworks season, include:

1.On the evenings you expect fireworks, ensure your pet is safe indoors and secure doors, windows and cat flaps.

2.Make sure your dog or cat is microchipped. If they do escape, frightened animals can easily get lost and it is important that they are easily identified.

3.Draw curtains to reduce outside noise and play music or have the TV turned on to help mask the noise of fireworks.

4.If your pet hides in a corner or under a bed, leave it alone and do not try to coax it out. This ‘bolt-hole’ is where the animal feels most secure.

5.Where possible, try not to go out during events that could upset your pet, and remember, seeing you acting normally will help your pet feel more settled.

For more information on noise issues, and looking after your pets, please see the DDC website at www.dover.gov.uk/Environment/Factsheets/Fireworks.aspx

For more information on bonfire and fireworks safety, please see the Kent Fire website at www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/home-safety/what-are-the-risks/bonfires-and-fireworks/ or see the seasonal advice on the Kent Police website at www.kent.police.uk/advice/seasonal_advice/attachments/fireworks_flyer_A5.pdf


- ends -

MANY THANKS TO DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE INFO ABOVE...
and to Ed for the post and info below.
Also don't miss the P&O Special below - post 2080 - Great CHRISTMAS OFFERS.


Thursday, 5 November 2015 - 07:14

 

Post 2533

  Ed Connell, Dover

Magellan Strait at the DCT last night.


The barge shown departing in post 2079 is the Charlie Rock, which has been tied up on the Eastern Arm for some time. Pic below from earlier in the year.


Wednesday, 4 November 2015 - 09:26

 

Post 2532

  Sea News, Dover

GREAT DEALS WITH P&O FERRIES...time for a trip...read on...



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS TO ENJOY 40 PER CENT OFF HIGH STREET PRICES WITH P&O FERRIES
____________________________________________________________________________________________________


CHRISTMAS shoppers who want to take advantage of the strong pound and buy their presents at discounted prices are being offered special Yuletide incentives this year from P&O Ferries.

The ferry company is offering to take you and your car to the continent from just £25 return.

Not only will cross-Channel shoppers be able to take advantage of the famously competitive prices in the hypermarkets around Calais - they will also be able to enjoy discounted shopping on the P&O ferries themselves, where prices in the on-board shops are up to 40 per cent cheaper than on the high street.

The outstanding offers available from P&O Ferries this Christmas include:

• Paco Rabanne Olympea 80ml Christmas perfume set for £55.20 (RRP £70)

• Boss Bottled 200ml men's aftershave for £45.60 (RRP £76)

• Barefoot Merlot or Pinot Grigio wine (case of six) for £18.50 (supermarket price £30)

• Cath Kidston handbags - 20 per cent off the RRP


Janette Bell, Commercial Director at P&O Ferries, said: "Although Duty Free shopping ended years ago, a P&O ferry still has some of the most competitive retail prices on offer for Christmas shoppers. In our on-board shops you can take advantage of discounts of up to 40 per cent off high street prices on leather goods, alcohol and beauty products."

"For those who want to travel with us for the retail experience alone, from just £14 for a car and two people we offer a 'Shop and Sail' ticket where you can park on board for a return crossing, order whatever you like from our on-board shops and have it delivered straight to the boot of your vehicle by our friendly crew."

"When you add in the fact that the pound touched a seven-year high against the euro earlier this year, there has never been a better time to take advantage of cross-Channel Christmas shopping."

Anyone who wants to take advantage and cut the cost of their Christmas shopping this year should call P&O Ferries on 01304 864200 to book a ticket.


ENDS






Many thanks to P&O Ferries for the info above. Will take advantage of some of those deals for sure.

Wednesday, 4 November 2015 - 08:01

 

Post 2531

  Sea News, Dover

Last weekend ..I believe it was Saturday, Halloween itself, the Afon Goch set off for Lowestoft towing this huge barge shown above. Leaving at a quiet moment through the eastern exit in fading light and assisted by one of our hard-working tugboats.

Last night the Magellan Strait arrived here in Port. Cargo terminal still very busy. Unfortunately it was too dark for a picture but as they say in all the best cookery programmes...here's one I made earlier. (In reality I never watch cookery programmes..whats wrong with a pot noodle??)


Good info below there Vic - have learned a lot about Grove Ferry in the past few days. Thanks once again to Jan T for the picture. PaulB.

Wednesday, 4 November 2015 - 07:06

 

Post 2530

  vic matcham, Dover

Also there is the smallest town in the UK with its own town hall.Spend many a happy hr there and also done a job there years ago

Tuesday, 3 November 2015 - 15:51

 

Post 2529

  Sea News, Dover

Former Mayor of Dover Jan Tranter, who contributes on Sea News as Jan T, and friend Hillary Shilling were out and about at the weekend in the Kent countryside ..enjoying the amazing and spectacular recent sunshine. Unseasonal temperatures have smashed the record books so why not get out and about and enjoy it all...says Jan T, and that's just what they did...ending up after a majestic saunter through the leafy lanes of Kent at Grove Ferry, and there it is in the picture above...picture by Jan T taken on a Samsung mobile phone, aren't mobile phones amazing these days. That's the River Stour above there. The river eventually makes its way through Sandwich which we featured recently.

Yours truly had never previously heard of Grove Ferry ...but there we we are...we live and learn.
Looking at the gorgeous colours of the trees in the picture above reminded me of the recent picture below of the trees and the keep of Dover Castle. I hear they had a spooky old time up there over the weekend. PB.


Thanks once again Vic. Glad you are enjoying it all...lots more to come too.

Tuesday, 3 November 2015 - 06:42