Thursday, 28 March 2024

WWW.DOVERFORUM.COM/SEA-NEWS
Sea Pictures from Dover.

Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...


We have 340 plus pages below now...use our own SEARCH ENGINE just below to help you trawl through. All pictures are the copyright of the owners.
Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
Search Sea News:
Comments Page:   1   2   3   ...   244   245   246   247   248   ...   340   341   342
Comments (Newest First):
 
Post 2388
  Sea News, Dover

THE CHARLIE ELPHICKE NEWSLETTER

Preserving local assets for our community
_________________________________



One of the best things about our community is the pride people take in our area. So many people are passionate about the kind of positive future we can build in Dover and Deal. We’ve seen it time and again. Our community rallying round to protect important community assets or get a fairer share of public services for our area.

When the previous Government tried to sell off our Port to the French or whoever, local campaigners helped stop the sell off and keep our Port forever England. A people's port is now rising at the docks with more investment, a community fund and community directors set to be appointed once the paperwork is finalised.

Last weekend's successful Dover Regatta showed how far things have come from the dark days of threatened privatisation.

When the Dover Hospital project stalled, I was proud to march with campaigners and we all worked tirelessly to get the project back on track. We now have a brand new state of the art Buckland Hospital thanks to those efforts. When services at Deal Hospital were threatened with closure, thousands of residents came together to answer surveys and came to packed public meetings to safeguard the hospital. They succeeded. Local doctors now have plans to base even more clinics and services at the hospital.

Recently, I have been working with the local Shepherdswell residents to help save their local pub, the Bricklayers Arms. The Bricklayers is a great local pub. Unfortunately, the owners are trying to sell the pub and villagers are worried it will be converted for other uses. Residents have succeeded in getting the pub listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’. They’ve now organised an action group to try and save the pub – possibly even bidding for it themselves.

It’s a powerful example of people coming together to protect something they care about. I will do all I can to support the action group to help keep the Bricklayers for community use. When local people stand together to make positive change, councils and government should do all they can to help them.

There is a similar story in Deal at the Regent Cinema. A local community group have come together to try and get the Regent Cinema on Deal seafront re-opened. They now have over 200 members and want to get the cinema listed as a community asset. It’s got such potential to be a great asset for the community again. I was delighted to meet with the group and it is great that the local district councillors look set to help take the campaign forward.

I got into politics because I’m passionate about positive change and social action. To have the chance to make people’s lives better through hard work and campaigning. When local people come together on an issue they care about, they can make such a positive difference.

I will continue to support local social action to make Dover and Deal all they can be. It’s one of the best parts of my work as your Member of Parliament.


CHARLIE ELPHICKE MP FOR DOVER AND DEAL



Thursday, 10 September 2015 - 12:16
 
Post 2387
  Sea News, Dover
Wow! what a huge monster there in the post below Ed. Fab set of pictures from Dunkerque West there and great to see. By a happy co-incidence I was just about to put up my own monster here.....just a couple of general shots, was experimenting again long range..very long range.
This pic of the Atlantic Ocean of the China Shipping Line is seen here going down the Channel last evening. The economists say China has hit a bit of a slump but you wouldn't think it looking at the amount of containers this one is carrying.


And below here from the other evening the Ocean Princess heading up the channel along the coast of France...complete with atmospheric shimmer.


Huge liner in today...the Costa Pacifica, can you adam and eve it yours truly missed it completely...grrrr!! How can I have missed something that big. Also in is the Saga Sapphire, so another fine double header for the Port of Dover.
Well done with your Cruise Listings once again Colette in 1933.
PB.

Thursday, 10 September 2015 - 07:52
 
Post 2386
  Ed Connell, Dover
One of the world's latest and largest container ships, the CMA CGM Vasco de Gama, departing Dunkerque West yesterday. Subjected my ferry to a lengthy delay whilst we waited for this behemoth to ponderously clear the port and enable us to enter.





Thursday, 10 September 2015 - 01:11
 
Post 2385
  ColetteB, Dover

CRUISE VISITS
______________

Love the Gotheborg & Vigilant photos by Ed & Sarah Smiley

And now for some more September cruise calls.

Tomorrow 10th September we have another double header to look forward to. The Costa Pacifica will cruise into CT2, POC. This is her visit this year, she was here in September 2014. At CT1, TR, we have the Saga Sapphire once again.

Then on Saturday 12th September, our old friend the Braemar is back with us at CT2.

On Tuesday 15th September we have a real treat in store. The Corinthian, a Noble & Caledonia private yacht-like cruise ship joins us at CT1, TR. She was recently relaunched after extensive refurbishment & accommodates 100 guests in 50 spacious suites each of which affords ocean views, equipped with luxurious attention to detail.

She is ice strengthened and carries a fleet of Zodiacs for forays ashore. Its itineraries include Antarctica in the winter and the Mediterranean during the rest of the year. The ship is built to give well-heeled travelers all of the amenities they crave while maintaining focus on enrichment and education.

Cameras at the ready guys and gals!!! Smiley

The following day Wednesday 16th we say 'Hello Again' to the MV Empress, CT2, POC.
She was last here in May.

Will be back again with the last of September cruise calls starting Monday 21st Smiley

Wednesday, 9 September 2015 - 14:29
 
Post 2384
  Sea News, Dover



As promised there we are above...pictures showing the arrival in the Port yesterday of regular visitor Elvira as ever ably assisted by both tugs Dauntless and Doughty. The cargo terminal remains very busy and good to see it being so, more trade and work always welcome. See also Ed's picture below of the Elvira at the cargo terminal in post 1928.

Thanks for that welcome information on the Hermod below Mike. Excellent stuff!Smiley

Wednesday, 9 September 2015 - 07:26
 
Post 2383
  Mike J., Dover
Post 1930 - the HERMOD is operated by the Dutch marine contractor HEREEMA & is bound for Abidjan.

One of her cranes can lift 5.000 tons, the other a mere 4,000 tons.

She is self-propelled but for the long trip to West Africa is being towed by Hereema's new tug BYLGIA.


Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 23:10
 
Post 2382
  Sea News, Dover
As promised here we are with Hermod....the giant lifting platform being towed down the channel earlier today.. wot a whopper!
We have featured the huge Hermod some time ago so to see more pictures type Hermod into the Search Engine facility above and there you are..
...its just like magic...

Nice ones of regular favourite Ocean Princess and the Elvira Ed. I have a few of the Elvira arriving myself, will have a better look later to see what's what.

Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 16:21
 
Post 2381
  Ed Connell, Dover
Ocean Princess on CT2 today.




Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 13:19
 
Post 2380
  Ed Connell, Dover
Elvira on the DCT today.



Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 13:12
 
Post 2379
  Sea News, Dover


P&O FERRIES REPORTS HIGHEST NUMBER OF CROSS-CHANNEL PASSENGERS IN AUGUST FOR 12 YEARS
_____________________________________________________________________________________


P&O Ferries today reports that the number of passengers crossing the English Channel on its services in August was the highest for any month since 2003.

P&O Ferries carried 1,177,053 people between Dover and Calais last month, a 2.5 per cent increase on the previous year and the highest monthly figure since August 2003.

The news follows a strong performance in July in which P&O Ferries carried more units of freight across the English Channel - 123,000 in total - than in any other month in its modern history.

The Dover-based company, which also operates routes across the North Sea and the Irish Sea, attributed the strong passenger numbers to its investment in a new class of super-ferry which has significantly enhanced capacity and tourists capitalising on the continuing economic recovery. Industrial action by French seamen which closed the port of Calais for several days during the peak season has not affected the upward trajectory.

Helen Deeble, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: "This summer has been one of the most challenging ever for cross-Channel travel and I am very pleased that P&O Ferries has helped to keep tourists and freight moving between Britain and France in huge numbers."

"We have been able to carry well over a million people in August because of our investment in the new Spirit-class of ships which have helped to transform our customers' experience of cross-Channel travel. The Spirit of Britain and the Spirit of France are both capable of carrying 2,000 passengers, twice the capacity of a standard ferry, while offering a first class dining, leisure and retail experience."

"We expect further busy periods during the half-term holiday and also the winter sports season, with a growing number of skiers choosing to drive to the Alps via one of our ferries rather than fly."

P&O Ferries, which brought a sixth ship back into service on the English Channel in July in order to increase capacity, has also seen additional demand because of the well-publicised disruption at Eurotunnel. The company operates 58 sailings a day between Dover and Calais.

ENDS


SmileySmiley


AND NOW.....PORT OF DOVER CONGRATULATES P&O FERRIES.....

8 September 2015
Port of Dover congratulates P&O Ferries on passenger figures
__________________________________________________

The Port of Dover has congratulated P&O Ferries after the company revealed the number of passengers crossing the English Channel on its services in August was the highest for any month since 2003. P&O carried 1,177,053 people between Dover and Calais during that time - a 2.5 per cent increase on the previous year, and the highest monthly figure since 2003.

Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said:

"This summer’s industrial action in France meant August was a challenging time for our ferry operators.
Added to that, issues at Eurotunnel created additional traffic for our ferry services to deal with.
Set against that background, P&O’s achievements are extremely impressive."

Dover-based P&O believes the strong passenger numbers are the result of its investment in a new class of super-ferry which "has significantly enhanced capacity and tourists capitalising on the continuing economic recovery".

P&O Ferries operates 58 sailings a day between Dover and Calais.


ENDS



Nice feature below there Ed. Very enjoyable.Smiley
Good to see all - looks like Vince made short work of that mackerel.
Yes indeed it was a great ship to have here with us.

Howard yes - not to be sniffed at. We were very topical with VIGILANT and the BORDER FORCE there
...the full story of the drug bust is on our sister news page Dover.UK see menu left.

You guys were on the ball with the Saga Pearl II - excellent stuff indeed. Ocean Princess is in with us today.
Our old friend Hermod is meandering down the Channel, will aim for a picture in due course.




Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 11:01
 
Post 2378
  Ed Connell, Dover
Gotheborg on the Prince of Wales with huge crowds. This is quite the most exciting vessel I have had the pleasure to witness in Dover, history come to life. I always thought the old paintings with the streaming pennants were employing a measure of artistic licence.


My son-in-law Vince enjoying the onboard catering.


Crew aloft preparing for departure.


My granddaughter Coral in her first job as waitress in the café on the end of the Prince of Wales.


Barbara Buczek explaining the plans for the Dover Western Docks Revival. I had an interesting chat with this well informed and personable lady regarding my reservations concerning many of the aspects involved in this development.


Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 06:22
 
Post 2377
  Ed Connell, Dover
Saga Pearl II a few minutes after Mike's photo below, passing St.Margarets.



Monday, 7 September 2015 - 23:44
 
Post 2376
  Mike J., Dover
Late afternoon Monday & the SAGA PEARL 2 crosses the Bay & leaves via Eastern bound for Visby in Sweden.





Monday, 7 September 2015 - 22:21
 
Post 2375
  Howard McSweeney, Dover
Looking at the Border Force vessels I think I am correct that they gave one pleasure yacht "a tug" brought it in and found 50 million quids worth of cocaine a day or so back. An amount not to be sniffed at.




Monday, 7 September 2015 - 20:38
 
Post 2374
  Sea News, Dover




We have seen much recent activity by the UK Border Force and here we are with a selection of recent shots above of Vigilant once again. She always cuts a dashing site for sure. Pictures one and three above are by our 'roving correspondent' SARAH HEWES once more and striking they are too. They show Vigilant at rest at Ramsgate - she clearly and regularly moves about the local ports with panache. Many thanks to Sarah once again for the ongoing assistance. The central pic shows Vigilant here at the Port of Dover.

The picture below shows HMS Puncher arriving in Dover on Saturday. We have featured MHS Puncher before.
Type HMS Puncher into our Search Engine above and there are a few real treats for you.


See also todays post below from the guys at The Port...winding up with a summary on the Community Regatta and the prospects for it all happening again next year. What a day that was!



Monday, 7 September 2015 - 15:18
 
Post 2373
  Sea News, Dover

Port of Dover Community Regatta – biggest and best yetSmiley
____________________________________________________

The Port of Dover has pledged to bring the community regatta back next year after its biggest and best showing ever.

Organisers were so impressed by the response from thousands of residents who headed to the waterfront for 12 solid hours of free fun on Sunday (August 30), they’re already planning next year’s spectacular.The event, which was reintroduced three years ago, has consistently drawn crowds from across the town. But this year’s exceeded all expectations, says the Port of Dover.

A packed programme of RNLI and Coastguard air and sea demonstrations, a breathtaking display from the Blades aerobatic team, the Dover Port Dash charity tournament and a spectacular fireworks finale proved a real crowd-puller.

And the world’s biggest wooden sailing ship Gotheborg reported it had welcomed well over 2,000 visitors aboard on the day.

Tim Waggott, the port’s chief executive, said: "What a fantastic day for Dover. We promised bigger and better and that’s what Dover got. Having had to move the date back to the August bank holiday, I hope that it was worth the wait. Looking at the crowds, I believe that it was.

"The Port of Dover Community Regatta doesn’t have the word ‘community’ in the title for no reason. I lost count of the number of people I saw embracing their friends and relatives. It was truly the place to be together. Seeing the whole seafront buzzing with fantastic stalls and great things to do and explore was an amazing vision of what this place could be like when we build its new waterfront.

"I’m immensely grateful to everyone who made the regatta possible; Dover District Community Safety Partnership, Dover Town Council, Cullins Yard, Dover Sea Sports Centre and not forgetting my own team who are already planning next year’s event."

The date for the 2016 Dover Community Regatta will be announced later.


ENDS


Pinned itemSmiley
To see all the many Regatta pictures scroll down and over the page or check the listings top of page.
It was indeed an action packed fab Regatta and hugely attended.

Thanks for that below Del. Good to hear from you up there in Norwich.
Yes indeed good news that an Agreement has been reached. Hopefully all the difficulties are behind us now and we can all move forward under a two-ferry-company operating system. Better days ahead.
Good capture of the Pacific Reefer Ed.
PaulB.




Monday, 7 September 2015 - 06:53
 
Post 2372
  Del Styan, Norwich
Thanks for telling us the outcome of the My Ferry Link dispute. I saw lots of coverage of all the problems over the summer in the national press and media, but nowt at all about the resolution. Only bad news is what's wanted by the media. Well done, especially as it means continued employment for the employees and and an extra ferry from Dover.

Sunday, 6 September 2015 - 23:51
 
Post 2371
  Ed Connell, Dover
Pacific Reefer entering at lunchtime.




Sunday, 6 September 2015 - 12:31
 
Post 2370
  Sea News, Dover
Last Thursday september 3 we had the memorial service for the Merchant Navy at the statue along the seafront. It was a moving ceremony as ever with an excellent turnout. Wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Dover Cllr Chris Precious and by the Chairman of Dover District Council Cllr Sue Chandler and many other dignitaries also laid wreaths. The service was carried out by the Rev David Ridley. A wreath of remembrance was also laid at the Royal Norwegian Memorial Garden...and you can see pictures here taken a day or so later.




Dover does these services so well.

* *

We were sad to hear last night that a sailor had lost his life in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Very unfortunate indeed...always sad to hear such news. It happened off Portugal. Here they are passing Dover a few days ago in drizzle and gloom. We understand these are the yachts taking part anyway. There were many others of course but out of range mostly. The eagle eyed will notice that we featured QINGDAO a while back when she rested in the harbour and if I remember correctly at another time heading northwards. One for the Search Engine...




A nice moody one below there Ed. There has indeed been some tall ship activity but where they are heading well who knows...nice if they came in closer. The Polish vessel featured below moved away last evening at 7PM. No destination mentioned, but heck maybe they were just off to sail the seven seas...and sure why not Smiley

PaulB.

Sunday, 6 September 2015 - 06:39
 
Post 2369
  Ed Connell, Dover
Tall ship Tenacious outbound through the Dunkerque waiting area presumably after a brief visit to Dunkerque, see post 1913 below. Maersk box boat in the background.



Saturday, 5 September 2015 - 18:23
Comments Page:   1   2   3   ...   244   245   246   247   248   ...   340   341   342