Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 2266

  Sea News, Dover

P&O Ferries statement on Manston airport
___________________________________


Helen Deeble, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: "We would of course welcome anything which reduces the
time which lorry drivers have to spend waiting in Operation Stack. However, we fear that Manston is the wrong
solution and will only exacerbate the traffic problem in Kent."

"Manston is fundamentally in the wrong place. It is located in the far north-east of the county and is 20 miles
from the Port of Dover, which accounts for 60 per cent of all freight traffic. For hauliers time is money, so why
would they divert so far out of their way to wait in a lorry park when they can queue on the M20 instead?"

"The road infrastructure around Manston is predominantly made up of single carriageway B roads which are
unsuitable for carrying large numbers of HGVs. The residents of towns and villages in the area will rapidly
find themselves having to deal with serious congestion and disruption on roads which are already poor quality."

"Severely increased congestion in East Kent will make it difficult for the people who work at the port and on the
ferries, many of whom live in the area, to drive to work. We are concerned that ferry capacity may be further
affected if we are unable to staff our ships or port infrastructure because of gridlocked roads."

"We are working with the government on medium and long-term solutions. We understand that Manston is
an interim measure and support any trial to further assess this solution."


ENDS


See also the Statement from Tim Waggott Chief Executive Port of Dover in post 1814 below.



Wednesday, 5 August 2015 - 14:57

 

Post 2265

  Sea News, Dover

Last weekend saw the Fisherman's Festival in Folkestone swing into fine action and our very own Dover Lifeboat was there on display. The top shot shows the Lifeboat tying up with the unusual site of the massive Hotel Burstin behind it. The second picture shows the earlier arrival at Folkestone Harbour. All pictures here are excellent as usual and from the camera of SARAH HEWES.

Below we have the return to Dover ..in the background you can see the ever regular Braemar. Many thanks once again Sarah.



Have just unpinned Tim Waggott's statement from last night about Manston as truckpark...Dont miss it...see below.

Wednesday, 5 August 2015 - 11:26

 

Post 2264

  Sea News, Dover

A former airport in Kent will become an emergency lorry park as cross-channel disruption continues, the government has said.



Port Press Release just in..
Port of Dover comments on Government action to alleviate effects of traffic congestion caused by ongoing issues in Calais and at Eurotunnel
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Port of Dover welcomes Government action to alleviate the disruption caused to local residents, holidaymakers and freight operators caused by ongoing disruption in Calais and at Eurotunnel, which resulted in the need for Operation Stack to be implemented. Nevertheless, the Port cautions that a heavy goods vehicle holding area at the former Manston Airport site for Port of Dover bound traffic is neither proven to work nor a permanent solution in itself.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said:

"While it is welcome news that the Government is taking further action to alleviate the significant knock on effects in south east Kent caused by the ongoing problems in Calais and at Eurotunnel, attention should not slip away from finding a solution that provides lasting resilience at this nationally important strategic freight corridor.

We have some concerns over the practicalities of the solution proposed but remain committed to working with all our partners to maintain traffic fluidity."

The Port of Dover, together with sister ports in France, handles £100 billion of UK/European trade each year and represents a principal trade route between the UK and mainland Europe. The recent disruption to this vital international trade corridor cost the national economy up to £250 million per day in lost trade.

The Port of Dover remains open for business with our ferry partners operating full services to Calais and Dunkirk. The Port continues to work closely with all of its multi-agency partners in responding to the ongoing situation so we can deliver the biggest, best and most efficient service on the shortest sea crossing between UK mainland Europe.


ENDS


The AIDA Bella leaving us a few minutes ago..pictured around 20.15 and 20.30.
The Port never sleeps...






Tuesday, 4 August 2015 - 20:44

 

Post 2263

  Sea News, Dover

National Transport Awards shortlist Port of Dover for Port of the Year accolade
________________________________________________________________

The Port of Dover has been shortlisted for the prestigious 'Port of the Year' award at this year's National Transport Awards.

The Port of Dover was able to demonstrate how 2014 was a year of positive community, business and regeneration momentum. Handling £100bn of trade annually and with strong projected growth in the next 15 years, 2014 was a crucial platform for the business in its continued support of UK plc with the community at its heart.

The Port's award submission highlighted the implementation of corporate governance changes and new structures to increase accountability, the establishment of the Port of Dover Community Fund and a new skills training partnership with East Kent College, increased European engagement to create a fully integrated freight corridor, and significant capacity, environmental, heritage and cultural initiatives.

Dover is up against the container terminal at the Port of Southampton, the new offshore wind development at the Port of Hull, the Port of Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal, and last year's winners the Port of Tyne.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:
"I am delighted that my staff's unstinting efforts to implement our integrated corporate
social responsibility and business strategies have received national recognition.

"2014 was a year of transformation and partnership providing a strong base for future business
growth as we look to progress the redevelopment of the Western Docks to ensure that the
local community captures the significant employment and regeneration benefits of the scheme.

"I wish the other ports the best of luck and look forward to the awards ceremony."

On hearing Dover had been shortlisted for ‘Port of the Year’, the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott said:
"Over this past year the Port of Dover through the creation of a Community Trust has
demonstrated its long term commitment to the well-being of the wider Dover Community.
The transformation being brought about by the Port's commitment makes it (the Port) well
worthy of the award for being Port of the Year"

The 2015 National Transport Awards are organised by Transport Times and supported by the Department for Transport and Passenger Focus. The award ceremony will take place at Westminster Park Plaza Hotel, London, on 8 October, with Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, as keynote speaker.

On hearing the news of the Port's short-listing, Dan Bridgett of P&O Ferries, said:
"Port of Dover is a key part of Britain’s transport infrastructure on which millions of
tourists and hundreds of thousands of businesses rely. We are very pleased to be working
closely with the Port of Dover team to deliver 58 sailings every day to and from Calais."

ENDS


Top shot shows the AIDA Bella at rest today while in the forefront a delightful yacht enjoys the blustery but sunny conditions.
Picture below is a further record of the Elsebeth reefer arriving earlier this morning...see also the earlier post.




Tuesday, 4 August 2015 - 14:59

 

Post 2262

  Sea News, Dover

The Ports Busy Cargo Schedule continues...

The Elsebeth arriving an hour or so ago this very morning...in blazing sunlight. Ably assisted by both tugs...Doughty in shot, Dauntless just out of shot.

Tuesday, 4 August 2015 - 11:17

 

Post 2261

  Sea News, Dover

The Disney Magic by Mike Jackson

Mike is having a few gremlins in the upload department and asked me to do the necessary. Here we have the ever-sparkling Disney Magic arriving yesterday, captured by Mike from a location on high ..and just as she caught the dazzling early sun.

Nice one Mike


AIDA BELLA is in Port today.

Tuesday, 4 August 2015 - 07:35

 

Post 2260

  Sea News, Dover

Dover Harbour Board Chairman re-appointed

George Jenkins OBE has been re-appointed as Chairman of Dover Harbour Board (DHB), extending his chairmanship until 30 June 2016.


Together with Chief Executive Tim Waggott, Mr Jenkins continues to lead a period of massive transformation at the Port of Dover, involving organisational change, major port development and a reinvigoration of positive relationships with the Port’s customers and community that has led to a shared vision for the Port and for Dover.

George Jenkins, Chairman, Dover Harbour Board, said: "It continues to be an absolute privilege to lead, with my Chief Executive and fellow Board members, an organisation that is working at the heart of the community and as the heartbeat of the UK’s economic prosperity. This is a wonderful time to be involved at Dover. Having committed to DHB’s biggest ever single investment in our flagship Dover Western Docks Revival project, we are on the cusp of achieving something incredibly special for us all."

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "This is fantastic news for the Port and everything it has and continues to achieve. It is a clear indication that what we are delivering is good for Dover and supports the prosperity of our great trading nation. Over the coming months, I look forward to working with George on building on the momentum to turn that shared vision into a shared reality."

ENDS

Monday, 3 August 2015 - 15:28

 

Post 2259

  Sea News, Dover

LATEST OFFER FROM DFDS SEAWAYS


DFDS Seaways’ popular Vine & Dine campaign returns!
____________________________________________


• Tell DFDS Seaways your favourite food & wine pairing, and save £10 on ferry crossings!
• Available on Dover-Dunkirk & Calais, Newcastle-Amsterdam & Newhaven-Dieppe routes
• Last year’s campaign resulted in over 10,000 entries


Think you know your Sauvignon Blanc from your supermarket plonk? Passengers can tell DFDS Seaways their favourite food & wine pairings and save £10 on return ferry crossings, on any of its four routes from the UK to Europe. For inspiration, the top 100 entries from last year’s campaign are available online at www.dfds.co.uk.


To take advantage of this offer, customers should submit their food & wine pairing and book by 31 August 2015.

ENDS


* *

Yesterday was one of our best days so far weatherwise here at the Port of Dover, all was tranquil and warm. Below we have a couple of pictures of our regular friend the Schweiz Reefer arriving around midday in the delightful warmth of a glorious summers day. The sea of tranquillity.





Great post below Mike - ace pictures and grand story. Well I never... cars still on the deck...


THE BIG NEWS TODAY: the DISNEY MAGIC is magically back here with us again....just like that!
if you haven't seen the ship yet you can do so today, its your last chance.


Monday, 3 August 2015 - 06:57

 

Post 2258

  Mike J., Dover

Following on from Paul’s post 1806 which followed on from Mark’s post 1803 Paul said that he hoped that the insurance on the GRANDE DETROIT was up to date.

I really do hope that the insurance was up to date on the BALTIC ACE in December 2012 when she capsized & sank after a collision in the North Sea.

She was later salvaged by being cut up into ‘slices’ & here are her bows, upside down on a barge in Rotterdam in June this year awaiting scrapping.
Some cars remain on the car decks.

Never buy a used car from a Dutchman . . . . .









Sunday, 2 August 2015 - 21:56

 

Post 2257

  Sea News, Dover

This Blue Moon has been playing a big part here in the past few days/nights, hanging over the Port in fabulous style.. yours truly doesn't really have the proper equipment for shooting the moon but one had a go anyway and that's the result above.

Brings me directly to these recent pictures from earlier in July...
That seagull is back in play again sheeesh! as is the Spirit of Britain. Ahhh summer days...



What is a Blue Moon? This from the BBC..

"
Blue moons are pretty rare. We last saw one in 2012.
The term is normally used to describe the second of two full moons appearing in the same calendar month.
The kicker? They aren't actually blue.
The moon's colour has nothing to do with whether it appears twice in a calendar month.

Moons only have a bluish tinge if there is specific-sized particles in the air, like dust or water droplets. So blue-coloured moons have been seen after wildfires and volcanoes, when smoke in the air scatters red wavelengths of light, acting like a blue filter.

"

There ye have it!


Sunday, 2 August 2015 - 14:59

 

Post 2256

  Sea News, Dover

Following on from Marks fascinating story below in post 1803...what a lucky coincidence Mark that we just happened to get a picture of the relevant ship (Grande Detroit 1797). A great tale, a great nautical tale... very good to hear it. Yes the value of the cargo and the value of the ship combined add up to a substantial amount. Hopefully all fully insured.


But yes following on ...here we have a picture from last evening. This huge beast changed course as I watched and for a short time seemed to be heading our way so I took a few quick pix, but in minutes she re-aligned herself to the original course and went merrily on her way. The light was failing but I managed to get a reasonable picture...
had to force it a bit so some of the late summer evening atmosphere was lost.
But it is one heck of a mega-class monster and on its way to Port Said in Egypt. Look at that for a load!

The OOCL KOREA


Nice one below Mike. yes we had a double header yesterday...The Braemar and the Ocean Princess.
Yes viewed all round the world Vic... Alan in post 1796 proves that one. Twas great to hear from him all the way from Queensland in Oz.
PB.

Sunday, 2 August 2015 - 07:24

 

Post 2255

  vic matcham, Dover

This is a very good page we are seeing the public log into this page from all round the world. We all know Dover is the most talked about Port in the world,talk to anyone from the world tell them you are from Dover England and they know all about the port ,but not Dover as a town only that was called hell fire corner in the war.Great shots still coming out of the port and ships that use it.Please keep it up well done.

Sunday, 2 August 2015 - 07:20

 

Post 2254

  Mike J., Dover

Saturday morning & the BRAEMAR on Cruise-1 takes bunkers from the LS CONCORDE




Sunday, 2 August 2015 - 06:11

 

Post 2253

  Mark Rushton, Northants

Nice pic of the Grande Detroit, chaps. Its owners, Grimaldi Line, are one of the few freight ship operators to still allow passengers on board their vessels. I spent a few days 4 years ago on fleetmate Grande Scandinavia from Bristol, calling at Cork, Emden and Esbjerg before leaving early to get back to River for a family funeral - I missed further stops in Sweden, Antwerp and Southampton. Good fun, access to the bridge, owner's suite, but strange food - cooked by an Asian cook who THOUGHT he knew how to cook Italian food for the Italian officers but it wasn't quite right. A real education to be on the bridge as the pilot took effective control running in to Esbjerg. When you think of 3000 cars at say £20k a pop that's £60M before you even consider the ship's value.....

Saturday, 1 August 2015 - 23:21

 

Post 2252

  Sea News, Dover

Operation Stack Lifted @18:15hrs on 01.08.15
______________________________________


Operation Stack has now been lifted on the M20 coast bound following ongoing disruption in Calais and the Channel Tunnel. The Port of Dover remains open for business with P&O Ferries operating a full service to Calais and DFDS Seaways operating a full service to Dunkirk and Calais.

All junctions of the M20 previously closed by Operation Stack will be opened once the last remaining freight customers are let through. There may still be residual delays in the area while the road network returns to normal.

The Port and the ferry operators are together working hard to serve all customers travelling to and from the continent. We apologise for any delays or inconvenience as a result of traffic congestion.

Customers are still advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult the Port of Dover website (www.doverport.co.uk)
or Twitter account (@PoD_travelnews) for the latest travel information.


Ferry Operator Contacts

DFDS Seaways
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 874 001
Tourist: +44 (0) 871 230 0440
Twitter: @dfdsseaways

P&O Ferries
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 863 340
Tourist: +44 (0) 8716 64 64 64
Twitter: @POferriesupdate


ENDS




See also todays earlier post below on shifting the backlog.



Saturday, 1 August 2015 - 18:50

 

Post 2251

  Sea News, Dover

Port delivers more despite ongoing challenges
_____________________________________

Whilst images of vast numbers of freight vehicles waiting on the M20 might give the impression that things are not moving, yesterday ( Thursday) the Port of Dover handled almost 8,500 of them, over 3% more than on the same day the previous year.


Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:

"I am so proud of the whole team at the Port of Dover. Amidst an extremely challenging backdrop, the Port has stayed open throughout the past few weeks.

"This is an unprecedented period. Whilst the situation at Calais and Eurotunnel remains entirely out of our control, to be delivering such volumes for UK plc is testament to the resilience, professionalism and efficiency here at Dover."

The Port continues to work closely with all of its multi-agency partners in responding to the ongoing situation.

ENDS




From my position here I can see that the effort made in and by the Port is incredible on a daily basis. The traffic onslaught has been both tremendous and horrendous in recent times and the Port has coped remarkably well. These are difficult days for everybody but let us not forget the robust perfromance made by all to keep on top of it. PaulB.



Saturday, 1 August 2015 - 06:57

 

Post 2250

  brian., dover.

tap would be usefull if used in conjunction with stack...all the time its not if the road is gridlocked by lorries from samphire hoe to the docks...

Friday, 31 July 2015 - 16:05

 

Post 2249

  Sea News, Dover

MEASURES TO EASE THE IMPACT OF CALAIS CHAOS
LETTER FROM CHARLIE ELPHICKE MP.


Dear Mr Boland,

Please note that as I write to you today, I am meeting with the Transport minister and fellow Kent MPs at Maidstone. The Prime Minister is holding a meeting of COBRA and so we can expect further developments in this fast moving issue.

The chaos and mismanagement at the Port of Calais has caused gridlock on Kent's roads. Operation Stack has been implemented as cross-Channel traffic has been struck by a combination of French trade union militants and migrants. When there are strikes or disruption in the ferry industry or in the Channel Tunnel, it is always our community that ends up paying the price.


Earlier this month, I joined Kent MPs to meet the Transport Secretary to press for strong action on gridlock and traffic management in Kent. I have also been making the case to the Home Secretary for more action to tackle the root causes of the migrant problem in Calais. Too many HGV drivers feel they lack protection from migrants who try to use their vehicles to break into Britain.

We've made some progress. The new Dover TAP system is helping ease gridlock in the town centre. Yet it needs to operate when Operation Stack is on. Restrictions on the right hand lane of the A20 have helped keep traffic clearer for local vehicles. The Home Secretary has announced a new 'secure zone' in Calais to protect inbound lorries and stop them becoming targets for migrants attempting to board their vehicles. But there is much still to do.

Lorry parks with an advance check-in system are badly needed. These lorry parks are needed on the M20 and need to have decent facilities to boot. The gridlock and motorway-side filth of the last month has shown how necessary these lorry parks are. We need the extra capacity for lorries whenever there are problems at the Port or the Tunnel to stop the M20 turning into a car park.

I am also making the case for alternatives to Calais when there are problems at the Port. Readers will recall I have been suggesting increased links with Dunkirk, and even with Ostend in Belgium, as alternatives to Calais. Our area shouldn't be held to ransom by the militants, migrants or mayor of Calais.

Highways England recently rejected a proposal for a contraflow system on the M20. That would have helped a lot and they should think again. KCC, the Freight Association and Kent MPs agree it would have helped keep traffic moving when Stack is in place. I have also been making the case for the Dover TAP to be kept switched on when Stack is in place. It was wrong for it to be turned off last week when problems started.

It was wrong Dover was subjected to gridlock last weekend. Moreover, the A2 should not be used for Port entry to keep the route clear for other traffic. It is unprofessional of Highways England to encourage traffic down the single track A2 and to turn the TAP system off. Vital roads must not be blocked by port traffic attempting to plough straight into Dover.

I will keep working closely with Kent MPs and pressing our concerns with Ministers. We urgently need better road infrastructure because this situation is now doing massive damage to our quality of life and the East Kent economy.

----------

In yesterday's Mercury, readers put their questions about the Calais crisis and Operation Stack to Charlie. Click on the link to read Charlie's answers. ( we cant do links on this page but just add the http//: in front)
elphicke.com/downloads/ask-charliethe-calais-crisis-and-operation-stack.jpg


CHARLIE ELPHICKE MP DOVER AND DEAL


See also the posts below from earlier today

Friday, 31 July 2015 - 15:43

 

Post 2248

  ColetteB, Dover

CRUISE VISITS
_____________

August is upon us already so lets look forward to this week's array of Dover Cruise ships as follows:

Tomorrow, Saturday August 1st, we have a double header, the beautiful Ocean Princess arrives back at CT2, TR, and we welcome the Braemar once again at CT1, TR.

Then on Monday August 3rd, at CT2, TR, the Magic of Disney will take her final bow here this season waving goodbye to the iconic 'White Cliffs of Dover' and our majestic 'Dover Castle' whilst serenading us once again with 'When I wish upon a Star'.

The following day Tuesday August 4th, the awesome AIDABella returns to Dover for the second time this season with a POC. She was here on April 30th and SeaNews took some terrific photos then, hopefully weather permitting there will be more taken this time around too.

Then on Friday August 7th the Albatros arrives at CT1, POC. She was here in September last year.

The following day Saturday August 8th, we welcome back the gorgeous Crystal Serenity at CT2, TR.

We end the week on Sunday August 9th the way we started, with both the Braemar and the Ocean Princess once again at CT1 and CT2, TR's.

So there we have it. With all the inconvenience of Operation Stack, at least Western Docks gives us a lovely week of visiting cruise ships for all to enjoy, cause we're worth it!!!

Also, it's wonderful to hear that we will have the amazing 'Gotheborg' the world's largest sea-going wooden ship here in Dover at our Community Regatta at the end of August. There will be free tours too, see details below. How exciting!! and all courtesy of the Port of Dover

I was delighted to see the onboard photos of the luxurious 'Star Legend', thanks to the Port of Dover Cruise Team




Friday, 31 July 2015 - 15:04

 

Post 2247

  Sea News, Dover

Thanks for that super message below Alan -- all the way from Queensland in Oz. Wow!
Yes indeed a zillion miles away but you are very welcome. Glad you are enjoying the site and yes we have lots more to come.

The picture above shows the Grimaldi Lines 'Grande Detroit' close to shore last evening. Presumably she had come close to enable a crew change or to drop off a pilot. But nice for us to see these ships up close in the evening sun or indeed in any sun. The vessel is a vehicle carrier on a grand scale..hence the name Detroit and of course.. Grande!


Friday, 31 July 2015 - 07:55