Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 4708

  vic matcham , Dover

Thank you for showing that,there is still years of life in the tugs we have because they are well cared for,but are they still Ok with the amount of work they have to do in Dover I do expect that soon they will have to be replaced with bigger ones.

Monday, 11 September 2017 - 08:17

 

Post 4707

  Sea News, Dover

Some pictures above there of the hard working DWDR tug Afon Lligwy in splendid industrious action last week amidst the piling...while in the foreground of picture two a gentle sail boat idles by just this side of the Exclusion Zone...work and leisure at the same time and all in the one place, almost.



Duty free return would boost Dover and Deal says our MP Charlie Elphicke
___________________________________________________________


The return of duty free sales on travel to and from the European Union would deliver a real boost for Dover and Deal. It would benefit the ferry industry, as duty free goods will attract more people to travel. And it will boost visits to our cruise port at the Western Docks. By having one non-EU stopover on a cruise, the entire journey becomes duty and tax free for passengers. The return of duty free would mean towns and regions home to ports or small airports across the whole nation would be better off.

We need to plan ahead for Brexit now – that includes reviving duty free which helps ports like our and regional airports too. This is why I organised a letter to the Chancellor, signed by 40 MPs, calling for duty free to be reinstated for trips to Europe.

Duty free sales between Britain and the EU were axed in 1999. Since then duty free has only applied on trips outside Europe. We need to bring these duty free sales back – to boost regional economies like Dover and Deal. It’s also important that when duty free returns, people should also be able to continue to bring in personal imports from the EU like they can now.

We only need to make minor tweaks to current laws. Yet these changes need to be made in good time in order to give operators time to be ready on day one of Brexit. Preparations could take up to nine months for our ferry firms.

It is vital that we prepare now for every eventuality of Brexit – particularly at the Dover and Deal frontline. That’s why I’ve been working with industry experts and business leaders on the action we can take. And the Government has recently published papers on how we can tackle the Brexit customs challenge. Forward-thinking politicians like Xavier Bertrand, who heads up the Calais region, have welcomed our work so far.

Yet it’s clear from the behaviour of Brussels that no deal is a real possibility. The clock is ticking and the EU need to start negotiating seriously. That may not happen in time – which is why we need to be ready on day one, deal or no deal.

Ironically, the EU will be the big loser from no deal. For tariffs would hit Europe’s exports to us twice as hard as they would hit our exports to them. No free-trade deal would mean Europe’s exports to us would be hit for £13.2billion of tariffs. Meanwhile, tariffs on our exports to Europe would be just £6.5billion. Hopefully the economic realities will begin to focus minds in the EU and more progress can be made.

Yet we must be prepared for no deal. That means taking action now to be ready on day one. Getting ready for the return of duty free is part of that. And ensuring we are prepared for the customs challenges ahead at the Dover frontline.

Ends

Interesting one from Charlie above there. So many figures being tossed into mid air these days. A new report today says that British Business will be hit to the tune of £4bn a year if we leave the EU Customs Union...one cant help but think that this talk of a few duty free benefits is little more than...excuse the pun...small beer!

____

Vic speaks of the DHB tugs below there... I had a couple of very good unused tug pictures to add the next time we featured the tugs in topic...but do you think I can find them...No sireeee Bob! Grrrrr...

But here is an unusual one from a few years back, who remembers the Malo Seaways, had forgotten all about her. Where is she now....
Tug Doughty in rough action.



The Pacific Princess is in today...I can see her over there across the bay. She must have had a rough oul trip in.
The huge fabulous Costa Pacifica approaching as I write....
you've gotta hand it to the Port of Dover bringing these ships in, they are absolutely stunning.

PaulB




Monday, 11 September 2017 - 06:39

 

Post 4706

  vic matcham , Dover

The Dover Tugs are getting old now and the ships they pull about are getting bigger might soon have to get two new ones ones with even more pulling power,but lets hope when that day comes the two tugs that Dover have now find a new home and not cut up.

Sunday, 10 September 2017 - 15:41

 

Post 4705

  Sea News, Dover

The magical Costa Magica once again...

Ah sure...who could resist putting another picture of the great Costa Magica up on display. Once again its a pic of her arrival yesterday morning as she glided gently passed our 'observation tower' ...
More pix below of course.

Yes indeed Vic the tugs are always skillfully busy and they tackle all sorts of tasks from cruise liners to cargo ships, and its their busiest and toughest part of the year coming up now.

PB.

Sunday, 10 September 2017 - 15:29

 

Post 4704

  vic matcham , Dover

The Dover tugs always working and with big ships and they must have good crews.

Sunday, 10 September 2017 - 09:06

 

Post 4703

  Sea News, Dover

The Magnificent Costa Magica




The pictures above show the fabulous Costa Magica arriving with us here at the Port of Dover yesterday morning saturday at 07.15. She had just come from Amsterdam on a glorious morning. She was a breath-taking sight on arrival and no mistake....and large, weighing in at more than 102,000 tons.

Yours truly has hoping to get pictures of her departure but she didn't leave until 8pm or 20.00 hours and it was just too dark. But we have the arrival pictures and there we are above. She left at 8pm as we said.. in a blaze of dazzling light .. heading for first stop Le Havre and then on eventually to the French Riviera.

PaulB



Sunday, 10 September 2017 - 07:08

 

Post 4702

  Sea News, Dover

Prinsendam...high tide. Bit of a murky oul picture above there of the Holland America ship yesterday. It was an awful day.
It was a double whammy day too what with Saga Pearl being in at the same time.

..... More.... I was interrupted mid-post there by the arrival of the super monster cruise ship... Costa Magica. A great and glamourous beast for sure and just arriving at the Port of Dover as we speak, and very welcome she is too.

Good to see that picture below Sarah. very interesting indeed.
And much thanks as ever Andrew for the info below there re Patricks pictures further below.

PaulB

Saturday, 9 September 2017 - 07:21

 

Post 4700

  Andrew, Broadstairs

Thanks Sarah for pictures of MAERSK CONNECTOR and DEEP HELDER working off Ramsgate.
Patrick the PEAK BREMEN discharged piles at Cruise Terminal 2. Another coaster to look out for is HAGLAND BOSS which is apparently bring 'rock armour' from Boulogne for reinforcing the piling with another 30+ shipments to come, she will be a regular sight.

Friday, 8 September 2017 - 20:46

 

Post 4699

  Sarah, Ramsgate

Maersk Connector & Deep Helder spotted hard at work today, photo taken from the top of the tower at The Grange (Pugin's home).





Friday, 8 September 2017 - 18:40

 

Post 4698

  Patrick, Marine Parade

Dutch Registered general cargo boat 'Peak Bremen' arrived at the Western Docks two days ago and left for the Thames Anchorage last evening. This shot was from her arrival. Have not discovered if she was carrying cargo in or out or just a caller.




Friday, 8 September 2017 - 10:36

 

Post 4697

  Sea News, Dover

The busy reefer visits go on... this time its the Southern Bay...




Yes that's the Southern Bay leaving us on Wednesday evening around 6pm. She was heading off to Rotterdam with the help of the tugs as ever..

Cracking pictures below Sarah of P22. You were right on the spot for the arrival to Ramsgate Harbour. Just realised while I was gazing at the pix that this is the very one I photographed in Sandwich in post 4046 a short while back. You had it previously too...great stuff indeed!
Keep snapping Sarah...

To search for all vessels don't forget to use the Search Engine, where you can easily find anything and everything...

Friday, 8 September 2017 - 06:09

 

Post 4696

  Sarah, Ramsgate

A warm welcome back to USN P22 for the Heritage weekend.











Thursday, 7 September 2017 - 16:57

 

Post 4695

  Sea News, Dover

Following along from Andrew's picture of Deep Helder in post 4197...here we are with a couple of extra pictures as she approached the harbour on Tuesday ( more info in 4197 from Andrew)... in the background is a tall ship called Pegoria. To tell the truth I didn't even see the tall ship when taking the pictures as it was way out there... almost hidden by mist...But I spotted it later on computer. Wonder if it had been also in Ramsgate ..



Oh I will add this one as well. Was going to leave it at just the two but what the heck....lets go mad...


Thanks once again for the Cruise info below Colette.... Superduper.

Gosh they are stunners of the tall ships from Sarah over there in Ramsgate. Wow! All really good but that no 4 is majestic....'twould make another great wall picture of 6ft x 4ft...

Brilliant ones from Patrick too of the sailing yachts on Saturday. Real hands on shots...

Ah now I know what Kraken Eggs are Brian

PaulB.

Thursday, 7 September 2017 - 15:28

 

Post 4694

  Colette B, Dover

CRUISE VISITS
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Wonderful photos of the two ‘Tall Ships’ in Ramsgate and the sail boats in the harbour

Tomorrow Friday September 8th we have a Double Whammy, we welcome back Holland America’s ‘Prinsendam’ arriving at CT2 at 07.00 hours. She hasn’t graced our shores for quite a while, nicknamed the ‘Elegant Explorer’ she is on a round trip from Amsterdam on her 14 night ‘Kiel & Great Britain’cruise. Her next ports of call are Newcastle, Edinburgh, Invergordon, Lerwick in the Shetlands then across the North Sea to Oslo, Copenhagen, Frederica (Denmark), Kiel and Hamburg before returning to Amsterdam. She departs at 17.00 hours, PoC

On the same day Saga Pearl II arrives at CT1, 07.00 returning from her Spanish Sojourn, this will be her last visit this season as she will be based in Southampton for the rest of the season. We look forward to welcoming her back to Dover in May 2018, she leaves us at 12.00, Debark only.

The following day Saturday September 9th we welcome another long lost visitor, the Costa Magica last here in August 2012, arriving at CT2, 08.00 from Amsterdam on her 13 night cruise to Marseille on the French Riviera. She calls at Le Havre, La Coruna, Porto, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Malaga, Civitavecchia (Rome), Savona then finally Marseille. She departs at 19.00 hours, PoC

On Monday September 11th we have another Double Header. Firstly, Pacific Princess arrives at CT1, 06.00 on her 14 night Round trip ‘ Scandinavia & Russian Collection’ cruise. She calls at Copenhagen, Riga, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Kiel and Amsterdam. She leaves at 17.00 hours, T/R.

Then we welcome back Costa Pacifica arriving from Kiel at CT2, 06.30 on her 12 night ‘Kiel to Barcelona’ cruise, she was last here in September 2016. Her next ports of call are Cherborg, Vigo, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Civitavecchia before arriving at Savona, Italy. She leaves us at 19.00 hours, PoC.

I’ll be back with more September cruise calls real soon folks




Thursday, 7 September 2017 - 14:53

 

Post 4693

  Sarah, Ramsgate

We had two Tall Ships in Ramsgate yesterday.

Alva





Oosterschielde





with Estuary Elan




Thursday, 7 September 2017 - 09:56

 

Post 4691

  Patrick, Marine Parade

More gentle in harbour sailing at the weekend with 'Rush' and 'Figaro'



Wednesday, 6 September 2017 - 22:10

 

Post 4690

  Colette B, Dover

CRUISE VISITS
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I've got caught on the hoof this time as there were no cruises for the first week of September, however, it seems that we can expect to see the Sleek & Sassy Costa Mediterranea tomorrow.

She is on our schedule but elsewhere Harwich is mentioned, so expect the unexpected at 08.00 hours CT2, PoC. She is calling into Dover en route from Stockholm to Savona, Italy also calling at Le Havre, Vigo, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Barcelona along the way. Departing at 19.00 hours.

She was last here in May 2014, we look forward to seeing her again

More Costa's coming our way in the coming weeks.

Be back tomorrow for the rest of this week's cruises

As usual the recent action on Sea News is Awesome!


Wednesday, 6 September 2017 - 18:47

 

Post 4689

  brian, dover

paulb,check out sea monsters and myths to find the answer.

Wednesday, 6 September 2017 - 09:49

 

Post 4688

  Sea News, Dover

P & O Cruises ...Looking Good!



That's the fabulous Azura of P&O Cruises moving down the channel 4 or 5 evenings ago ..with France looking quite clear in the background. She was off somewhere exotic no doubt. Looks like an ideal ship for a long lazy cruise. Would suit yours truly as long as they didn't put me anywhere near that irritating guy that does the adverts for it on TV ...



From Peanuts to Prison for Tobacco Smuggler
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A lorry driver, who smuggled more than one tonne of hand-rolling tobacco into the UK hidden among a load of peanuts, evading £220,000 in duty, has been jailed for 22 months after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.

Import documents showed the lorry was carrying 24 pallets loaded with boxes of sesame and caramel coated peanuts. However, a search of the vehicle revealed that in three of the pallets the peanuts had been replaced with 57 boxes of ‘Turner’ hand-rolling tobacco.

Georgi Ilchev, 26, was arrested by Border Force officers at Dover Eastern Docks on 2 August 2017, and the investigation referred to HMRC.

Tim Clarke, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:

"Ilchev thought he could avoid detection by hiding the smuggled tobacco within a legitimate cargo of peanuts, but his crime was discovered and he’s now paying the price in prison. Had the smuggled tobacco made it to the UK’s streets it would have harmed honest retailers.

"HMRC continues to work with Border Force to reduce the availability of illicit tobacco, which costs the UK around £2.4 billion a year. We encourage anyone with information regarding the smuggling, storage or sale of illegal tobacco to contact our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887."

Ilchev pleaded guilty to evading excise duty at Maidstone Crown Court on 31 August 2017. He was jailed immediately for 22 months.


Ends


Thanks Brian... I daren't ask what Kraken Eggs are..

Excellent post below from Andrew with lots of info...Don't miss that one.
Cracking pictures too.


PaulB

Wednesday, 6 September 2017 - 06:19

 

Post 4687

  Andrew, Broadstairs

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A short visit to Dover found the DEEP HELDER alongside Cruise 2. Belonging to Deep Ocean who are contractors for the laying of the ‘Nemo’ electricity cable link between Belgium and Richborough, we will no doubt see more of her in the coming months as the laying and trenching commences. There is a small fleet of vessels including MAERSK CONNECTOR, she loaded the cable at Blyth having been imported from Japan and can be seen off Ramsgate, sadly, for the moment, too far away for photographs from the shore. Another vessel shying away from being photographed is the WAVE SENTINEL which is laying some distance off the Eastern Arm, she has been converted to a cable layer from the Channel Islands cross channel ferry ISLAND COMMODORE, perhaps Ed might have more luck on one of his crossings; she shows Dover as her destination, so she may enter port? To complete my trio of pictures are two showing the MORAG M leaving the ‘lagoon’ and negotiating the gap between the Prince of Wales Pier and the new ‘marina’ curve of piling to assist Wadden 4 alongside the piling barge. With the construction well underway there is always something of interest going on day and night.

Wednesday, 6 September 2017 - 00:40