Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 2508

  brian, dover

backlogged to the round hill tunnels.

Saturday, 24 October 2015 - 16:53

 

Post 2507

  Sea News, Dover

One glance out the window today will tell you that the dark and gloomy oul weather has returned with a vengeance. Wall to wall cloud cover as I write and it appears to be half term too as the hotels are full and the traffic into the Port is backlogging. But in the nice sunlight yesterday DHBs survey vessel Diana came within a spit of the observation tower. And here she is...




Saturday, 24 October 2015 - 07:51

 

Post 2506

  Sea News, Dover

"......Following on from Mike's post, here is Sundowner in May 2015 in her normal
berth & on her way to Dunkirk during 75th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo.
Regards
Sarah "

Many thanks to our 'roving contributor' SARAH HEWES once again for the pictures and info above.
Interesting ones below Mike...good to see all and wow some English grammar/spelling probs on show there on that noticeboard...lol! !


Friday, 23 October 2015 - 15:23

 

Post 2505

  Mike J., Dover

Nice pix in post 2051 from Sarah of the very elegant little motor yacht LLANTHONY at Ramsgate.

In the background, moored in front of the Clock House, is another Dunkirk ‘Little Ship’ the SUNDOWNER which was taken across to Dunkirk by her owner, Commander Charles Lightoller RN, who had been Second Officer aboard the TITANIC when she was lost in 1912 & was the senior surviving navigating officer.

Here’s the SUNDOWNER receiving some TLC at Ramsgate in April 2014.






Smart Folkestone trawler VIKING PRINCESS in the Tidal Basin Thursday morning.
Besides commercial fishing she is available for escorting Cross-Channel swimmers.





A large & rather smart yacht was on the tug pontoon, I couldn’t see her name.





A high fence has gone up around one side of the carpark on the seaward side of the swingbridge.
The carpark is still open, but will presumably become a plant yard or suchlike when the Prince of Wales pier is finally closed.

Rumours have closure at the end of October - enjoy the pier while you can !





Noticed this sign in the carpark - DHB could do with a spellchecker !










Thursday, 22 October 2015 - 23:05

 

Post 2504

  Sea News, Dover

Port handles phenomenal growth following summer disruption in France
___________________________________________________________

The Port of Dover is shaping up to have a record breaking year, despite disruption in the UK this summer caused by the unprecedented industrial action and migration problems in France. Within five days of the last incident of Operation Stack in early August, Europe’s busiest ferry port had recovered - and was handling record volumes on a daily basis.

Tim Waggott, Port of Dover chief executive, said: "August is historically a quieter month for freight, whereas June and July have notoriously higher freight peaks.

"However, the Port is having busier days and has carried more freight in the last two months than it did in the equivalent months of 2014. And all of that with fewer vessels on the route.

"In the last 12 months we have carried more freight than the annual total in 2014."

Since the end of the last period of summer industrial action, the Port has handled up to 9,300 freight units in a single day, the equivalent last year was 9,200; with last year having 13 vessels operating, compared to 11 on the current Dover route.

Mr Waggott added: "This phenomenal growth on Dover’s short-sea market is yet another reminder of the fundamental importance of Dover as a major gateway into the UK for both freight and passengers, supporting the UK economy."

Freight volumes at the Port grew 4.2 per cent in September (with 9,000 more freight units carried during the month) when compared with the same month in 2014 despite the August Bank Holiday suppressing freight volumes and weather conditions mid-month. On a rolling 12 month basis, freight has grown by 6.4 per cent with a unit variance of 150,000 – the equivalent of 2,700km or 305 times the height of Mount Everest.

Mr Waggott said: "Over the last 20 years, the number of freight vehicles travelling from the UK to mainland Europe has increased by 83 per cent; this growth is expected to continue with predictions for the average daily demand increasing to between 14,000 and 16,000 per day in the next decade.

"That’s why the Lower Thames Crossing is crucial in keeping Britain connected with the Port. If freight through the Port is increasing, the road network needs the resilience to cope with demand."


ENDS


Brilliant work above from Port of Dover.

Now...Another pic of the Elvira cargo vessel from 2 days ago.


* *

PRESS RELEASE from INVEST IN DOVER.
We’re building for the future on Britain’s Enterprise Coast!
Invest in Dover is at MIPIM UK 21-23 October2015
London Olympia (Stand E25)

The Enterprise Coast – Dover, Deal and Sandwich – is being transformed with the delivery of multi-million pound investments in town centre and waterfront regeneration; a major development of Dover’s Western Docks; a Master Plan for further development of the Discovery Park Enterprise Zone in Sandwich; and the creation of the Betteshanger Sustainable Parks near Deal. Alongside plans for 14,000 new homes it represents the biggest investment in a generation, all just an hour from London by high-speed train!

Nowhere is closer to European markets with the Port of Dover handling £100bn worth of trade and over 13 million passengers annually. With ferry services to Calais and Dunkerque operating 24 hours a day, 364 days a year, more and more companies are choosing to relocate to the Enterprise Coast. Multipanel UK reshored its high-tech manufacturing operation from China to Dover thanks to its excellent transport links with Europe and the rest of the UK. The company’s £12m factory at Eythorne near Dover has recently moved to 24 hour production to meet demand.

The Port of Dover is expanding too, with a £200m capital programme including £80m to transform the Eastern Docks ferry terminal, and £120m plans to redevelop the Western Docks to provide new cargo berths and a port-centric distribution facility. Creating over 600 new jobs, there are also plans for a new marina and waterfront development. Dover Harbour Board is working with Bride Hall Real Estate Partners on a mixed-use waterfront development, with plans to link up with the £60m St James’s town centre scheme being developed by Dover District Council and its development partner, Bond City Ltd.

Work is underway on the demolition of Burlington House in Dover town centre to make way for the St James’s development. Demolition of the 1970s tower block is symbolic of the town’s regeneration. In its place will be 120,000 sq. ft. of new retail and leisure space, including a 6-screen Cineworld multiplex cinema and a 108-bed Travelodge hotel. Retail and restaurant tenants already signed up for the development include M&S, Next, Bella Italia and Frankie & Benny’s. The development will create over 500 new jobs.

Investments in skills and training are also being delivered to match employers’ needs. Construction of a £6.5m Maritime Skills Academy is currently underway in Dover. Developed by Viking Recruitment, the facility will feature state-of-the-art training facilities for maritime employers, including a survival pool, bridge and engine room simulators, hospitality training, and conference facilities. East Kent College meanwhile has invested £2.9m in their Dover campus to support vocational training in engineering, construction trades, and tourism. A new website (www.skills4dover.co.uk) is linking training and education opportunities to the needs of local employers.

East Kent College is also developing its science curriculum from their new HQ at the Discovery Park Enterprise Zone in Sandwich. Europe’s largest science and technology hub, Discovery Park is home to over 125 companies and 2,200 employees. Alongside major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Mylan are a myriad of life science and biotech companies, supported by an ever growing business services community in an innovation cluster. Facilities include research and development laboratories and specialist niche manufacturing facilities, commercial office space and warehouse solutions. Genea Biomedx of Australia chose Discovery Park as its European HQ and the first ever IVF media manufacturing facility in the UK. A Master Plan for the further development of Discovery Park is expected to be submitted to Dover District Council in Autumn 2015.

Science and technology of a different nature will be a core part of the development of the 121 hectare Betteshanger Sustainable Parks by the Hadlow Group. This unique £40m project on the site of a former coal mine will combine a 21st century environmental complex providing office and micro-business incubation units for food technology, agriculture, and sustainable energy, with education, eco-tourism and heritage. The first phase is currently under construction with the creation of a Visitor Centre, incorporating the Kent Mining Heritage Museum, Green Energy Centre, café, conferencing facilities, and cycling centre at the Betteshanger Country Park.

Dover District Council is the first local authority in East Kent to have a full Local Development Framework following adoption of its Land Allocations Local Plan (LALP). Together with the Council’s Core Strategy this gives developers certainty about land identified for potential development for the next 20 years.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader, Dover District Council, said: "We’re once again working with Discovery Park and the Port of Dover in raising the profile of the significant investment opportunities across the Enterprise Coast. We’re building for the future with new investments in housing, business, skills and infrastructure that will create new jobs and wealth.

"The Enterprise Coast has it all. Unrivalled connections to European markets, high speed links to the Capital, significant business incentives for start-up and growing companies, and an enviable coastal lifestyle."

Invest in Dover will be exhibiting at MIPIM UK (Stand E25) London Olympia from 21-23 October 2015.
For more information on doing business on the Enterprise Coast, visit: www.investindover.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @InvestInDover


* *

An exciting future seen above there. Huge good luck to all concerned.

While uploading the top picture of Elvira I came across this one in the archives from last year...same vessel..rougher tougher conditions..


Last cruise ship of the year in today...AIDA Cara.




Thursday, 22 October 2015 - 07:44

 

Post 2503

  Sea News, Dover

As promised and following along from post 2046 by Mike and Ted... above we have some more hugely enjoyable pictures of Llanthony. She has moved across to the inner harbour at Ramsgate and everyone will enjoy these pictures of the Dunkirk veteran ( see also 2046).

Pictures by SARAH HEWES.
Many thanks once again to Sarah.

Wednesday, 21 October 2015 - 07:27

 

Post 2502

  Sea News, Dover

The reefer Elvira arriving from Vlissingen this morning in the blinding sunlight ( see also 2048).
Makes a change having to cope with dazzling sunlight in the image, especially after all the horrible grey weather ..but we got there.
She is still at the Port this evening..probably reloading.

Fascinating pictures below Mike...great to see them. In fact a chap could say that's a whale of a post!
Ah Moby Dick - what a book! All being well will have more pictures of the Llanthony tomorrow ( see also 2046) courtesy of Sarah.

Tuesday, 20 October 2015 - 18:46

 

Post 2501

  Mike J., Dover

Further to post 2042 [the 'Pirate Ship'] & other 'weird ships' -

Here's a mechanical whale coming in thru the swingbridge in April 1997.

Named MOBY, PRINCE OF WHALES of course . . . . .







Tuesday, 20 October 2015 - 12:05

 

Post 2500

  Sea News, Dover

Above we have the Pacific Reefer arriving with us on Sunday. She has since left us so the fast paced turnaround continues.
The Elvira due in today....so cargo terminal keeping busy.


Why the A2 and A256 should NOT be used as lorry parks...by CHARLIE ELPHICKE MP
______________________________________________________________________


The summer disruption of Operation Stack caused real damage to the Kent economy. Making sure that the traffic flows while our borders are secure matters to us all. This is why I welcome the increased border security at Calais and why I am pressing for lorry parks on the M20.

Our border at Calais used to leak like a sieve. Just five years ago we had a situation where pretty much anyone could just wander into Britain. Thanks to firm action it's now much harder to enter the country. Vigilant ships now patrol the English Channel. Strong fences ensure Calais port and Tunnel security. While sniffer dogs detect stowaways hiding in the fruit and veg. In addition there are plans for secure lorry parks in France and to encourage hauliers to have more powerful lorry security detection systems.

None of this pleases the Mayor of Calais of course. She wants to send her migrants to Dover on a one way ticket. She wants to move the border from Calais back to Dover. Thankfully our Home Secretary is working closely with the French Government. The French Government understands that the solution to the migrant problem is stronger border security across the whole of Europe and tougher action against traffickers. It is not simply shuffling the problem from one country to another as the Mayor of Calais would prefer. The answer lies in us all working together.

Stronger and safer borders will mean less disruption to our traffic too. After a summer of misery caused by Operation Stack we all know how important this is.

Yet difficulties can still occur. If not migrants then there can be other problems in the Tunnel. Ferries can be disrupted by weather or strikes at Calais. This is why I have been making the case for port alternatives like Dunkirk. And why I have argued for lorry parks on the M20.

Some say we should park lorries at Manston. While the Harbour Board and their Port Community Forum say we should turn the A2 or the A256 into lorry parks. I do not agree with these representations. These proposals would cause massive disruption in East Kent and harm our local economy. They need better to serve our community and think harder about the damage that would be done to jobs and money in Dover and Deal if such plans were implemented. I hope that we will soon see the Government bring forward plans for M20 lorry parks to ensure that if there is cross Channel disruption it does not disrupt the whole Kent economy.

We've come a long way from the days when pretty much anyone could wander into Britain. Our borders are becoming stronger and more secure. It's important to ensure that traffic flows freely on Kent roads and that we build the lorry parks we need. That way we can enjoy stronger border security and avoid suffering from Operation Stack.


...from CHARLIE ELPHICKE MP for DOVER AND DEAL




Tuesday, 20 October 2015 - 05:48

 

Post 2499

  Sea News, Dover

Following along from our featured items from further afield by Mike and Colette..our famed 'roving correspondent' SARAH HEWES sent over the two pictures on display above. They were taken on the Thames on Saturday and show appropriately the Thames Barge Lady Daphne at Greenwich. Nice moody pictures above there Sarah ...many thanks for those once again..



DOVER MARINA GETS A GOLDEN THUMBSUP
____________________________________

An undercover inspector has visited the Port of Dover’s marina posing as a customer… and given the facilities a top standards award as a result.

The Yacht Harbour Association – which sent the "mystery shopper" to assess service and facilities - says the popular boat haven has retained its coveted Five Gold Anchor rating. The association’s ruling came after it completed the second of two undercover visits to the marina this year. It had also quizzed berth holders and carried out a rigorous audit before coming to its decision.

Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said:
"This on-going recognition shows we’re as painstakingly focused on small vessel customers as we are on our big ships.
And we have major plans to create an even better marina when we start the Dover Western Docks Revival."

The Gold Anchor has been a benchmark for marinas for 25 years. Its rating system is similar to the stars awarded to hotels and restaurants – giving sailors quality assurance on the standards they can expect at anchorages around the coast.

The audit accounts for 85 per cent of the final score, the berth holder response is five per cent and the "mystery shops" ten per cent.

In the final "shop", the Port of Dover Marina was given nine out of ten.

Mr Waggott added: "Perhaps the fantastic new waterfront we want to deliver through our plans for the western docks will get us the ‘ten’ and secure Dover’s position as an excellent destination to visit."

Berth holder, Nigel Scutt, said:
"The choice of mooring my own boat here in Dover Marina was a simple one. Having been born in Dover, the opportunity to have an annual mooring here was obvious. That was more than five years ago and in that time the marina has consistently achieved the Gold Anchor award.

Now there is even more to look forward to with the advent of a new marina facility and recreational outlets through the Dover Western Docks Revival – which is not only vital for the port, town and its people, but also for berth holders.

I believe our marina will continue to receive this award and will ultimately receive the full ten out of ten once the development is completed. These are exciting and progressive times for everyone."

ENDS





Thanks to Mike and Ted for the interesting item below from Ramsgate.
Glad you are getting good weather up there in Scotland Vic. Still gloomy and a wee bit miserable here but we are promised better this week.



Monday, 19 October 2015 - 07:36

 

Post 2498

  Mike J., Dover

At Ramsgate a much more attractive vessel was tied up across the pontoon from the 'Pirate Ship' a few days ago.

The 81 year-old motor yacht LLANTHONY was a 'Dunkirk Little Ship' & rescued 280 troops from the Dunkirk Beaches.

After a chequered post-war career in the Mediterranean she returned to UK waters for the Dunkirk Diamond Anniversary in 2000.




Photo courtesy of Ted Ingham

Sunday, 18 October 2015 - 20:18

 

Post 2497

  Vic matcham, Dover

Good photos, the weather in Scotland is great

Sunday, 18 October 2015 - 09:21

 

Post 2496

  Sea News, Dover

The picture above shows the Port in the past day...we are having a miserable cold spell and no mistake. That north easterly has led to some ruddy cheeks along the seafront and down the port. Wow is it bracing!? Through the weekend the Spirit of Britain has been docking bow in.. as you can see in the picture above. Not sure if this has to do with the ongoing and blistering northerly wind direction or whether the ship has some kind of problem..presumably the latter as the first notion is probably the landlubbers ( yours truly's) take on the situation. No doubt it will all become clear in due course. As you can see in the picture...its currently very gloomy in the Port of Dover.

The rainsoaked pictures below are from the Dover demonstration yesterday Saturday. The march was in support of migrants and believing, requesting, that the government should do more to support and indeed take in more of the refugees from across Europe. It was a peaceful march, perfectly behaved in comparison to the right wing demo a few weeks back when there were all sorts of problems ( see page 6 for pictures of that ). Several groups marched yesterday in support of the ideal...including some from the trade union UNITE and from the Lesbian and Gay communities and so on. Yesterday, in harmony with the marchers, 84 bishops from the Church of England asked Prime Minister Cameron to do more...
We also hear that the amount of Migrants/Refugees in Calais has doubled to 6,000.




Nice picture story below there Colette.
Great to see Bristol Harbour and the tall ship. We all love a tall ship that's for sure. Good to see the moody Bristol Harbour once again.
Nice pictures below from Mike too of Ramsgate Harbour ...dem pirates are on the move ! Watch out!


Sunday, 18 October 2015 - 08:17

 

Post 2495

  ColetteB, Dover

I have just spent a few days in Bristol recently, I hadn’t been there for many years so inevitably a lot had changed. The Bristol City Docks (as I knew them) are now called Bristol Harbour, they have been wonderfully redeveloped and have changed dramatically. The Harbourside with its beautifully engineered bridges, picturesque residential houses and hundreds of restaurants stretching for miles serving food from all around the world is truly amazing.

I came across the majestic Tall Ship Kaskelot, she has just finished her busy sailing season, returning to her home port of Bristol and had weaved her way up the River Avon under the iconic suspension bridge for some much needed rest & recuperation. She has been busy visiting France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland and the British Isles. I thought I would post some photos.

I can’t wait for the ‘Dover Western Docks Revival’ which will transform Dover’s waterfront for future generations. It’s going to be truly awesome!!!

MikeJ, good to see the photos of the Pirate ship Revenge, I didn't see her in Bristol, she had probably already left.

The Kaskelot at Bristol


Cranes at Bristol Harbour




Saturday, 17 October 2015 - 08:46

 

Post 2494

  Mike J., Dover

Yo Ho Ho & a bottle of whatever ye fancy !

The bold pirate ship REVENGE has been marooned in Ramsgate for a few days, held up by paperwork on a voyage from the pirate’s lair of Bristol to her new career as a ‘Party Ship’ in a London Marina.








Not perhaps the oddest ship I’ve seen - about 20 years ago we had a motorised whale visit Dover for a few days, named, inevitably PRINCE OF WHALES.
Somewhere I have a slide of it, must seek it out.


Friday, 16 October 2015 - 15:20

 

Post 2493

  Sea News, Dover

Trade and industry leaders call for Government action on Lower Thames Crossing
___________________________________________________________________

Bosses from some of the South East’s leading transport and trade organisations have called on the Chancellor to make a ruling on the Lower Thames Crossing as a matter of urgency.

In a letter to George Osborne, 12 chief executives, chairmen and directors have urged the Government to "set a firm timetable and financial package" in Whitehall’s forthcoming Autumn Statement.

The consortium - representing port, airport and rail specialists, transport associations, chambers of commerce, logistics experts and an enterprise partnership – says the new crossing is "more than just a new bridge or tunnel".

"It’s transformational," the letter says. "But, at the moment, it’s still a vague outline on a map.
"There’s no commitment to funding or delivery – which we need to see to progress our plans for further long-term investment in the area."

The signatories believe a Lower Thames Crossing would lead to new jobs, skills apprenticeships and increased productivity, reinvigorating development in the region.

And, while they concede the current Dartford Crossing "is a crucial transport artery", they say it’s already over capacity and "a major bottleneck".

"When there’s a problem," says the letter, "traffic either sits there for hours or our goods and services have to fight their way through central London or worse, travel 100 miles around the M25 to bypass the 750m crossing."

Tim Waggott, chief executive at the Port of Dover, is among those who signed the letter. He said: "Imports and exports through ports like Dover aren’t just a lifeline for trade and industry in the South – they’re crucial to the powerhouses of the Midlands and the North. That’s why UK PLC desperately needs a new crossing to keep us all connected.

"With the Dartford Crossing operating above its design capacity, this new infrastructure is required for our transport networks and key freight corridors to remain free flowing and, above all, resilient.

"The country has outgrown its old infrastructure - we need to start building for the future. It’s only by getting projects like this going that we’ll ensure the economic recovery keeps Britain moving."

Those behind the letter represent DP World London Gateway, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Essex Chambers of Commerce, Claridon, South East Local Enterprise Partnership, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, London Southend Airport, Port of Dover, Port of Tilbury London, Freight Transport Association, Eurotunnel, and the Road Haulage Association.

ENDS



Friday, 16 October 2015 - 06:09

 

Post 2492

  Sea News, Dover

Following on from Ed's pic of the Chiquita Rostock by night in the previous post..
here she is again, this time departing yesterday wednesday just after midday.
She was off to Antwerp in Belgium. Great to see our cargo terminal so busy with fascinating ships arriving from the global stage..
...and we have promising prospects for the future too.
Unusual name of ship there, a mixture of Spanish and Russian.
As I write around 06.30 the AIDA Bella is arriving here with us for the last time this year. Sigh! As I remember we still have one visit from the much smaller AIDA Cara expected but this is the last time for fab AIDA Bella. She arrived in the pitch dark..so here is one I made earlier..on the previous visit last week in fact. Pop down to the seafront to enjoy it, its going to be a long winter. Sigh again! PB.
More pictures of the AIDA Bella down page...

Thursday, 15 October 2015 - 06:46

 

Post 2491

  Ed Connell, Dover

Chiquita Rostock discharging at the DCT on Tuesday night.



Thursday, 15 October 2015 - 04:49

 

Post 2490

  JanT, Dover

We have seen some cracking pictures over the last few weeks, those camera's have been very busy

Good to see movement on Burlington house ( see post below ), one building I'm sure will not be missed.
Interesting to see that some of it will be recycled for the harbour project,
A project that we will all benefit from.

Wednesday, 14 October 2015 - 10:23

 

Post 2489

  Sea News, Dover

Following on from yesterdays story suggesting ferry travel for the half term break (2036)...these pictures above show how spectacular it is out in the channel at the moment...ideal for a ferry trip for sure. The pictures were taken yesterday morning. This is always a great time of year for spectacular visuals generally and indeed spectacular sunrises. In the pictures..well ..nature itself is doing all the work, no fancy photography there. As you can see...The ferry gets ever closer.


A NEW ‘LEASE’ OF LIFE FOR BURLINGTON HOUSE!
________________________________________

Reclaimed concrete from office block to form foundation of Dover Western Docks Revival

Reclaimed concrete from the demolition of the Burlington House complex is to form the foundation of the Dover Western Docks Revival project, creating a sustainable legacy of material processing and recycling.

The demolition of the former 1970’s office block, hotel and multi-storey car park is expected to create 26,000 tonnes of reclaimed concrete crush. All of this is being processed and screened on-site by contractors, DDS Demolition. The reclaimed concrete is then transferred to the former hoverport site in the Western Docks by local firm, TW Services, in preparation for construction of a new £120m cargo terminal.

Eric Rosay, Contractor Manager, DDS Demolition, said: "We aim to recycle 97% of the materials from the demolition site. In the case of Burlington House it’s great that these materials can be used to support a local construction project."

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "Dover Western Docks Revival is a vital building block for Dover’s regeneration. As one of the biggest port construction projects in Europe, sustainability has been a key element in the design of the scheme. We’re delighted that the demolition of Burlington House is quite literally building the foundations for the opportunities of the future."

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader, Dover District Council, said: "We’re all glad to see the back of Burlington House but it’s pleasing to see that its remnants are being put to practical use. It’s also a significant sign of how these projects are coming together to create a real sense of momentum in Dover."

- ends -



Pix: Tim Waggott, Paul Watkins...and of course finally Burlington House.
Isn't it an odd thing - Burlington House actually looks better with all the scaffolding around it ..what does that tell you?


Wednesday, 14 October 2015 - 06:37