Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 1354

  Sea News, Dover

It was quite an exciting day in and around the Port of Dover yesterday sunday..what with cargo ships coming and going and the exciting arrival of two ships from the Saga line. yes both the Saga Sapphire and the Saga Pearl II were in Port. And on top of all that we had an electrifying fireworks display at around 16.30. Yours truly was unaware the fireworks were scheduled otherwise we would have let everyone know in advance...it was clearly a Saga Christmas customer special. The fireworks blasted skywards from the Prince of Wales Pier. Hugely colourful and very entertaining for the passengers on the two cruise ships, and indeed everyone else.

But first let us start with an event outside the Port...just noticed by accident this passing beast...yes its Cunard's magnificent Queen Elizabeth passing by on the light breeze mid afternoon and heading for Southampton...
The Queen Elizabeth.


Above we have the two Saga Ships as mentioned. For both to come on the same day in mid winter is something of a surprise but a very welcome surprise. The top pic here shows the Saga Pearl and the one immediately above...the Saga Sapphire under a wintry sky. The Saga Sapphire left us with many loud but jolly blasts around 18.00 hours ( 6 PM ) and the Saga Pearl moved away at 22.30 ( 10.30PM).

Apologies in advance as sadly these firework pictures don't do the event justice...but they at least give an atmospheric look at the colourful powerhouse of a spectacle. My excuse is that the fireworks took me by surprise and I wasn't ready. Yes that's my story and Im sticking to it. PaulB


Monday, 22 December 2014 - 07:11

 

Post 1353

  Sea News, Dover

The Saga Pearl is just arriving in very grey conditions (15.20) - both SAGA ships now in Port.

Sunday, 21 December 2014 - 15:20

 

Post 1352

  ColetteB, Dover

So the first of today's Saga double headers has arrived in port, the Saga Sapphire Hope it's possible to get a photo later MrB as they are the last ones this year although we do have some smashing ones taken earlier in the year Thanks for the reminder Pat.

Loving our Sea News right now, it's full of positives for Dover. Hear! Hear! Jacqui, it's exciting times for Dover, onwards & upwards for 2015!!! Also, good to hear that the Dover Race Festival is scheduled for end of March, it's a great community event.

I was interested to see that Germany came out on top in the DFDS South East survey re Christmas Markets, we went last year on a river boat cruise & had a fabulous time at the numerous Cologne Christmas Markets, absolutely magical

I'm just awaiting the return of the Mogellan Strait from Antwerp with my Christmas present, I'm hoping for diamonds this year

Merry Christmas to all

Sunday, 21 December 2014 - 13:50

 

Post 1351

  Sea News, Dover

The traffic is the main story at the moment because over the past few days it has affected us all horrendously. Local people are having to contend with it and of course those travelling are disgruntled with the delays and so on, but the Port and Ferry Companies are working flat out under considerable strain. There is huge congestion even all through the night, astonishing levels of traffic..but the good news is, and I hope I'm not speaking too soon...the huge backlog seems to be gone as I write at 07.10 Sunday.
Solid state above.
But spare a thought for the Police below...I tried to get a reasonable picture of the three of them directing it all at the Port entrance and indeed there may be more Police out of sight, but its a thankless task and very difficult. Bet they need to soak the 'plates of meat' in Radox when they go home. Its a long long day. Well done to them.

Below a very very long range shot yesterday, probably a bit too grainy, of a DFDS ferry making its way to France as the light begins to fade. Non stop flat out action all day for the ferries.

One more addition below for the moment. Powering by yesterday oblivious to our little local difficulties is another huge ship...this time the CMA CGM Titan all 133,000 (approx.) tons of her. Not quite as big as the one featured further down page but still an impressive monster on the global stage.



Indeed Jacqui, its always better to see people working together, making the effort to move forward however difficult.

Today is the day of the cruise ship double header...
Have had the following reminder through from Cllr Pat Sherratt

"
Looking at the ships on the 21st

Latest seems that the Saga Sapphire may arrive late this evening saturday (from Rotterdam) and depart tomorrow afternoon (? 1700hrs)

The Saga Pearl II is on its way from the Med and shows ETA Dover as 1700hrs.

I have no doubt you will do a photo-shoot and most likely late in the day. Not sure why the delay with the Pearl as DHB showed a 0700hrs arrival

"

Thanks for the reminder Pat...will be watching. There is one in Port already as mentioned ...the Saga Sapphire. PB.




Sunday, 21 December 2014 - 07:21

 

Post 1350

  Jacqui, Dover

What a lovely happy photo there Paul!
I think it's exciting for all in Dover that things are happening to help our town and our buildings. Everywhere you look you can see signs of improvement and as long as these (what shall I call them) idiots keep trying to keep Dover in the past are silenced then it's UPRIGHT and STRONG for all of us.


'

Saturday, 20 December 2014 - 23:12

 

Post 1349

  vic matcham, Dover

Just glad I have packed up going to events like this seeing so many that jump ship over to the winning side would have made me tell them so. Then rub it in by having a group photo of it taken like a happy family makes me feel sick.

Saturday, 20 December 2014 - 14:39

 

Post 1348

  Sea News, Dover

Port of Dover goes to Town
________________________

What better way to say Merry Christmas to the local community than handing over the initial cheque to launch the Port of Dover Community Fund.

A cheque for £250,000 was presented by George Jenkins OBE, Chairman of Dover Harbour Board and Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, to the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, Bishop of Dover, who is leading the independent community fund panel and The Lady Colgrain, the Chairman of Trustees of the Kent Community Foundation, which is providing administrative support.

The official handover took place in Dover town centre’s Market Square by the Christmas tree that the Port had erected for the town’s recent Christmas Lights Switch On event.

Tim Waggott said:

"I am absolutely delighted to present the cheque for £250,000 as a real and visible sign of our commitment to our community. This kick starts the Port of Dover Community Fund which will see an ongoing tangible and significant contribution to supporting learning, education and skills as well as enriching the social, cultural and environmental life of local communities. Today sees the result of much hard work with the local community in establishing the priorities for the fund and enables us to achieve even more together in the years ahead."

On receiving the cheque, the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott said:

"It is not just money. It is a pledge to help bring hope to young people and to the community of Dover. A great day!"

The ceremony was attended by a number of local dignitaries and community representatives including Charlie Elphicke MP, Deputy Town Mayor Councillor Sue Jones and Chairman of the Dover Society and Port and Community Forum Derek Leach.

To celebrate the happy occasion, the Port handed out festive drinks and mince pies to members of the public whilst Christmas carols filled the air.

The first round of funding is planned to open from the middle of January 2015 and close on 31st March 2015 with the first awards being finalised in early June.

ENDS


NOTE: There were huge volumes of traffic heading into the Port all through the night. Much congestion currently. Be aware...lots of extra travel time needed.



Saturday, 20 December 2014 - 07:47

 

Post 1347

  Sea News, Dover

DOVER RACE FESTIVAL


Kick-start 2015 with Port of Dover Race Festival
_______________________________________

Thinking of your New Year’s resolutions and ways of getting fit after Christmas? Europe’s busiest ferry port is challenging runners and those looking for fun to come to Dover’s award-winning esplanade and Prince of Wales Pier for next year’s Port of Dover Race Festival 2015, taking place on 27-29 March. The Port of Dover is encouraging novice and experienced runners to sign up to run in aid of The Brathay Trust charity for its second multi-race event.

The Port of Dover Race Festival weekend is only three months away but there is still time for entrants to train in time for the big day. The event will kick off with the Kids Mile on Friday at 4.00pm followed by a 9.00am start on Saturday for the first Marathon and a 2.30pm start for the Half Marathon. Sunday will bring a close to the weekend’s activities, with the second Marathon starting at 9.00am followed by the 10k Race at 2.30pm.

Set against the iconic back-drop of the country’s famous White Cliffs and magnificent Dover Castle, the event will comprise multi-looped courses from the eastern end of the seafront along to the west and to the end of the Prince of Wales Pier. Offering runners views of a busy harbour and beach, the 2015 course will also be the last time that runners will be able to race along the Pier in its current form ahead of changes planned under Dover Western Docks Revival.

"We'd love to have entries from people at all levels of experience or who are members of their local running club," says event organiser and Port of Dover staff member, Karen Webber. "We have fantastic bespoke medals for all participants that were designed by our team to reflect Dover’s maritime connection and its link to the Port."

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive for the Port of Dover said: "We are delighted to host this second Port of Dover Race Festival. The participation in the first event in 2014 exceeded our expectations and provided great fun for the community. Such events give us an opportunity to attract people from all over UK and showcase Dover and its hospitality. It is also a fantastic way or fundraising for a very worthy cause – improving the life chances of children and young people. I would like to encourage people to either enter the races or come and support the runners on the day."

All of the races are inclusive, whether entrants are experienced, multi-racers or novice runners. The multi-lap nature of the course makes for a friendly atmosphere for both the runners and the supporters. The promenade and beach will remain open to the public who wish to watch the races or go for a weekend stroll. So come along and cheer them on!

ENDS

* *
A typically moody December day with heavy clouds powering through on the high breeze, and the sun doing its level best to burst through. The ferry on show above is one of the P&O Spirits, not entirely certain which one ( the Spirit of Britain or the Spirit of France ? ). The picture shows the ferry exiting through the western exit yesterday and bound for Calais. Once again it was a very busy day yesterday Thursday and it is expected that it will be a busy weekend too. No real surprises there...the Christmas gold rush is on..

Below we have another shot of the Atlantic Reefer to add to the one further below...this gives a better view. I overlooked this one initially .

That's a great community idea above from the Port of Dover....for kids of all ages. And its a solid fund raising opportunity too for a charity of your choice. Interesting to note that the press release mentions it will be the last time on the Prince of Wales Pier. PB





Friday, 19 December 2014 - 06:16

 

Post 1346

  Sea News, Dover

Some more cargo ships now which of course can be regularly seen tooing and froing to the ever busy terminal here at the Port of Dover. First one on display is the Magellan Strait...seen here arriving yesterday in dull but calm conditions. The ship had a quick turnaround for sure, as she left again late last night at a quarter to the ghostly hour of midnight... heading off to the busy Port of Antwerp.


The picture below is from a day or so ago..taken across the harbour rooftops as it were, its a long range shot of the Atlantic Reefer out in the open sea. We just caught the tail end of her departure. The picture is not super-duper quality but you can just see the pilot boat alongside.


Thursday, 18 December 2014 - 07:51

 

Post 1345

  Sea News, Dover

MULTI MILLION POUND FLOOD DEFENCE INVESTMENT TO HELP PROTECT HOMES
_________________________________________________________________


Dover District Council is welcoming news that the Environment Agency has announced a range of flood and coastal protection development schemes across the district. This is in addition to the Deal Sea Defences completed this year, and the £21.7m Sandwich Town Tidal Defences currently under construction.

The news was part of a national £2.3bn flood defence programme unveiled by the Government earlier this month. Local projects include the ongoing Beach Management schemes for Deal and Kingsdown. In addition, the Government has announced development projects to replace the timber groynes from Walmer to Kingsdown, as well as plans for Flood Alleviation schemes in Dover and Deal.

Dover District Council is a key partner, working with the East Kent Engineering Partnership to deliver the Kingsdown projects and the Deal Beach Management scheme, with support from the Environment Agency. Dover Harbour Board will be instrumental in delivering the Dover Flood Alleviation scheme, which will be subject to a value for money exercise run by the EA before being implemented.

Martin Leggatt, DDC Head of Assets and Building Control said: "Coastal protection and flood defences are vital for the safety of residents and the future of the district. We are very pleased to see that key schemes are being progressed, as we continue to work closely with the Environment Agency and other partners to help protect homes and businesses, and the environment."

For more information, please see www.gov.uk/government/publications/programme-of-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-management-schemes

Ends


* *

Many thanks to DDC for the above. Good to see this problem being tackled.
Below we have the Pride of Canterbury , pictures taken yesterday on a chilly afternoon. She is back in action and looking clean and spruced. This is the ferry that was involved in the fire a short while ago so good to see the ship back on the run. I myself am not totally sure when she restarted work, sometimes when things are right in front of you ..well you dont see the obvious. But good to see her back in action...might help with the ongoing freight backlog. PB


The other ferry in shot is the Pride of Burgundy.



Wednesday, 17 December 2014 - 07:37

 

Post 1344

  Sea News, Dover

CHRISTMAS MARKETS - NEWS FROM DFDS SEAWAYS
___________________________________________


Germany ranked top country by South East for best Christmas markets and delicacies
- Going away as a mini break and experiencing local traditions cited as the most popular reasons for going away
- 84% agree they are more adventurous at trying new delicacies at festive markets
- DFDS Seaways operates up to 44 sailings a day between Dover and France

______________


A recent survey commissioned by Europe’s leading ferry operator, DFDS Seaways, reveals that people living in the South East believe Germany has by far the best Christmas markets, with Bruges, Cologne and Munich topping the city leader board in joint first position. Overall, a third of those polled (34%) rated German Christmas markets as the best, followed by Belgium (7%) and France (4%). Only 3% of those in the South East believe the UK has the best Christmas markets. London and Copenhagen were ranked fourth and fifth respectfully as the cities with the best Christmas markets to visit.

Why visit?

When asked what would motivate people in the South East to visit a European Christmas market, going away as part of a mini break came out as the most popular choice (43%). 39% said the desire to experience local traditions would motivate them to visit a European Christmas market and a third (34%) said to enjoy a magical experience. 27% of those in the South East would visit a Christmas market to buy Christmas gifts with a difference and 14% to buy Christmas decorations.

DFDS Seaways operates up to 44 sailings a day between Dover and France, taking just two hours, offering customers fast and regular transport to a wealth of Christmas cheer.

UK knowledge of European delicacies...

Most people were able to identify where traditional European delicacies originated from, with 65% of people in the South East having heard of German Stollen and able to identify its origin. 46% of people in the South East had heard of Dutch Advocaat and were able to identify its origin, whereas 13% of people in the South East had heard of France’s Pain D’épices and were able to identify its origin.

Denmark’s Ris a l’amande was the least known treat with only 6% of respondents having even heard of it. As to be expected with easy access to the continent and local delicacies on their doorstep, those in the South East have a marginally better understanding and knowledge of traditional European delicacies than the wider UK population. For example, 84% of those surveyed in the South East had heard of Advocaat, compared to 73% of all Brits surveyed, and similarly, 77% are aware of Stollen compared to 71% of all Brits surveyed.

Thinking about the different treats and foodie traditions each festive market has to offer, 84% of those surveyed in the South East agreed they are more open to trying new and exciting delicacies when they visit festive markets.

Max Foster, passenger director at DFDS Seaways, comments: "Over the last few years we have noticed a greater interest in European Christmas markets from people living in the South East. Christmas is such a magical time of the year and one of the great things about travelling by car and ferry is that there are no luggage restrictions, so picking up special presents and delicious Christmas food and drink is easy."

Current fares for a car and up to four passengers from Dover to France with DFDS Seaways start at just £35 each way for travel before December 17.

For further information and the latest special offers, please visit www.dfds.co.uk or telephone 0871 574 7235.

DFDS Seaways operates up to 44 sailings a day between the UK and France, as well as daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam, providing flexible crossing times and convenient travel options. All DFDS Seaways ferries are equipped with a range of high quality onboard facilities so your holiday starts as soon as you board the ferry.


- ENDS –



Great selection of pictures below there Ed. Excellent to see the ones from Dunkerque. Some fascinating equipment on show there. Only been to Dunkerque myself once, would like to go again and have a hotel right overlooking the docks there as shown in your pictures below. It would be for me a kind of 'busman's holiday'..


Also I saw that huge ship yesterday but couldn't get a shot of it as light wasn't good for me here. I mumbled to myself that the ship passing down the Channel was...'bigger than Calais'..an absolute giant beast. So there we are... for a while it was the biggest ship in the world. Amazing indeed!

Many thanks to DFDS Seaways for the information above. Added Picture shows the Calais Seaways with the coast of France in the background. PB.



Tuesday, 16 December 2014 - 05:58

 

Post 1343

  Ed Connell, Dover

Alerted by Ben the QM and Colin the 2/O to this vessel passing down the Southwest lane past Dover at 0830 this morning. This is the Mayview Maersk, one of the Maersk Triple-E class boxboats which have briefly been the largest container ships in the world. Seen here with the Dunkerque Seaways passing in the foreground.




A couple of photos from a few weeks ago when the Dover Seaways was in drydock in Rotterdam. This is the ultra deepwater pipelaying vessel "Lewek Constellation" departing from Damen Shiprepair in Schiedam.



A river cruise boat in for maintenance at the Damen facility. They also now own Arnos in Dunkerque where the Dover ferries usually go for refit.


Monday, 15 December 2014 - 16:31

 

Post 1342

  Sea News, Dover

Port’s Contractor Safety Forum delivers industry best practice
__________________________________________________

The Port of Dover has welcomed over 30 professionals to the Port’s first ever Contractor Safety Forum. The event, organised by the Port of Dover and held at Cruise Terminal 2, provided contractors and Port staff with an opportunity to explore some of the latest developments on key health and safety issues at the Port, as well as to network and share best practice.


The Forum has been set up to provide a platform whereby initiatives, best practice, underlying trends and process safety strategy can be distilled and shared across all the contractors working at Europe’s busiest port, with the aim of enhancing safety.

Following a welcome to the Port by Tim Godden, General Manager Strategy and Risk Management, the Port of Dover’s safety team explained the Port’s incident reporting system and looked at underlying trends. Other topics included Asbestos Awareness, the Contractors Code of Conduct, working at height and contractor engagement.

Tim Godden, General Manager Strategy and Risk Management, Port of Dover, said:

"As Europe’s busiest ferry port, we are committed to making the Port the safest place to work, and the Contractors Safety Forum is a reflection of the strong safety culture we hold throughout the organisation. We hope the forum will be beneficial to our contractors. Everyone working in or at the Port, in whatever capacity, is part of the Port of Dover team and this is another demonstration of how we are working together to be the best port in the world."

ENDS

Extra Note :The forum included eighteen contractors.... AD Construction, AMS Engineering, Bam Nuttall, B Young Grounds Maintenance, Charlier Construction, DDS Demolition, E J Dittons, FM Conway Hi-Ways, Hollandia, New Concept Asbestos, NT Rix, OCS, Quaterhall, R B Air, Southern Total Maintenance, Total Support Services and Wardle Painters.

* *
Two images below of the Cote D'ivoirian Star leaving us in choppy blustery conditions on sunday, no doubt having delivered another consignment of much loved bananas to us here in the Port of Dover. The tugboats once again providing invaluable support in the conditions.






Monday, 15 December 2014 - 07:11

 

Post 1341

  Sea News, Dover

Interesting ideas lads...could be a low flying santa or even a disappearing ghost sub. I have another shot that is less clear, where the flying or sailing 'whatever' goes behind the Rodin but never re-appears. I dunno..a bewildering headscratcher extraordinaire. Well there you are ...a wee bit of Christmas magic. Magic and Sparkle...

PaulB.

Sunday, 14 December 2014 - 18:40

 

Post 1340

  brian., dover.

either a ghost sub or a bad santa clause flying low wave hopping to avoid radar.

Sunday, 14 December 2014 - 16:53

 

Post 1339

  vic matcham, Dover

good photo but I think it is a ship in the back ground and looking like a small war ship.

Sunday, 14 December 2014 - 09:26

 

Post 1338

  Sea News, Dover

Another couple of pix from Friday. Above is the Rodin approaching across the sulphurous sea, the colours are ever changing, with one of the giant international tankers moving past in the background. The sea was still rough but calming. But the next picture provides the curio moment and I have used this picture following here more or less as large as I can go. It is the Rodin again of course...but here's the thing, while photographing it and focusing on keeping the Rodin as sharp in the camera as possible...I noticed what I thought was a grey ship moving from left to right in the background.

I assumed it was one of those shadowy naval or border force vessels. So I thought I will come back to that and get a picture. So I looked down at the camera screen to see how the pictures of the Rodin went and when I looked back to photograph the grey ship....there was nothing there. Gadzooks thought I !

A ghost ship. This was reminiscent of the ghostly picture I took last Christmas along the seafront which was even used in the Dover Express. I don't know...some people are having turkey dinners but I'm having apparitions. Look to the left...

What is it...I dunno. Perhaps a flock of geese...not seagulls you can see seagulls to the right. But there you are..


Thanks to Mike and Colette below there...lots more to come.
PaulB


Sunday, 14 December 2014 - 06:34

 

Post 1337

  Mike J., Dover

Paul -

Excellent pix of the ferries heading for Eastern !

Holyhead Towing’s 2002-built tug/workboat AFON CEFNI has been in the old Jetfoil terminal in Western docks for a few days.

I heard that she came in for shelter.




Friday, 12 December 2014 - 21:40

 

Post 1336

  ColetteB, Dover

Great dramatic photo there of all three ferry companies battling against the high winds outside the harbour wall, good to see all three together


I heard that Towie were celebrating Essexmas this week on MyFerryLink. I've just had a little look on catch up after seeing the voluptuous Gemma Collins on our Sea News, its always good to see Dover featured on TV. That's a very nice country hotel they stayed at, the Maison de Plumes & it's not a bad price either

Friday, 12 December 2014 - 16:12

 

Post 1335

  Sea News, Dover

The traffic has been very heavy for the past few days. The much used recent phrase 'weather bomb' ie the extremely bad weather which hit us early this morning didn't help the flow at all. That line of trucks as seen on left of shot above seems to go on forever, stretching in never ending line into the Kent countryside...it is always there lately, something of a permanent fixture sadly. If anyone has doubts about the volume of trade going to the EU through the Port just come down to the waters edge here and take a look. The picture was taken this morning Friday.

Our ol' friend below, the Nord Pas de Calais, taking a bit of a bashing around midday as she sets off for Calais. They clearly need the window wipers going full blast on the bridge... look at the height of the wave! Strewth !


Friday, 12 December 2014 - 15:05