Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 3924

  Type your name here...vicmatcham, dovor

sorry but I am still unwell but again love seeing your good photos of our our port and all the ships that call in and the work which is going on.

Saturday, 4 February 2017 - 12:01

 

Post 3923

  Andrew, Broadstairs

Paul, thank you for your excellent 'action' photo of Duzgit Harmony leaving Dover to take shelter in the Downs off Deal during the worst of last night's storm. She anchored close to the M.V. Palembang, a 'project cargo' heavy lift ship due to arrive in Dover on Sunday afternoon to load another transformer. A chance for some more interesting photographs.

Saturday, 4 February 2017 - 11:04

 

Post 3922

  Sea News, Dover

Yesterday afternoon the Duzgit Harmony left the Port again, destination wasn't clear perhaps Rotterdam, but recently we had the Duzgit Venture here with us too...so its all a bit baffling at the moment as to whats doing who or who's doing what. In the picture above there you can see the moment of departure .. yesterday around 3pm or 1500 hours. Alongside is the pilot boat and in the background the European Seaway heads for Calais.
Have just double-checked and as we speak the Duzgit Harmony is back here in the Port.....

Del

PaulB.

Saturday, 4 February 2017 - 05:08

 

Post 3921

  Del Styan, Norwich

Thanks Paul. I just love those great rainbow pics.

Friday, 3 February 2017 - 23:18

 

Post 3920

  Sea News, Dover

  
  
The Elsebeth left us for Flushing in the Netherlands last night...or no...the night before. She left about 5.45pm or 6pm so unfortunately it was pitch dark. The tug boats moved across the harbour to help send her on her way. The pictures above are from late last year and show Elsebeth leaving through the western exit...both tugs working hard once again.

Here are a few extra pix of the various rainbows, we have many. The first shot was another one from the recent collection taken the other day.  I'm sure Del will enjoy these...
   
The one below shows a close up of rainbow as it showers the White Cliffs...was hopeful that the detail shot might lead to that pot of gold...well .. one set off with ones shovel soon after....but the rainbow kept moving. I dunno.
   
The final one below was taken by ranger Paul Sampson from the western heights...and shows the rainbow out at sea and the in-need-of-development state of the former western harbour. Many thanks to Paul Sampson for the pic.
 

Thanks to Sarah H and Colette B for the comments below.
Well done with those pictures below Sarah...very nice indeed.
Yes bet it was cold out there, hope you were well wrapped up...thermals and fleeces to the fore etc.
PB.

Friday, 3 February 2017 - 06:37

 

Post 3919

  Sarah, Ramsgate

Ramsgate Lifeboat was out on a training exercise today, it was freeeeezing on the end of the West Pier











Thursday, 2 February 2017 - 18:46

 

Post 3918

  ColetteB, Dover

Indeed Sarah, some fabulous shots there from PaulB & MikeJ

Lovin all the photos, I've said it before but I'll say it again, those Lifeboat guys are truly amazing

Thursday, 2 February 2017 - 16:35

 

Post 3917

  Sarah, Ramsgate

Great photos Paul & Mike

Thursday, 2 February 2017 - 09:32

 

Post 3916

  Sea News, Dover

Dover Lifeboat fast-paced Special..first two pictures taken last sunday morning.....
And again but closer..... 
Yours truly was pleased to get a bit of reasonable visibility to be able to capture the returning Dover Lifeboat last sunday morning. You can see her powering through the rough sea above in blistering action once again. It was a bit of a rough oul morning weatherwise as you can see, with the waves having a steel grey menacing look out there. The Lifeboat guys eat all that for breakfast. I met one or two of them in recent days so thought I would do a bit of a Lifeboat special for everyone in the RNLI in recognition of the great work done.

While I am in the Lifeboat archives here are a couple of extra pictures from the past to enjoy once again.. first one along shows their great display in 2014 at the Dover Regatta...zigging this way and that...great entertainment for the huge crowds. The second one down shows the guys pausing below the Sea News observation tower before the 'off' last year 2016. It was all high octane action from that point on.
  


Thanks Del re comment below - yes I'm still looking for that gold.
Well done with that display below Mike. Nice collection once again. Great stuff!

PaulB.

Thursday, 2 February 2017 - 06:39

 

Post 3915

  Mike J., Dover

A few more pix taken during Monday's trip aboard Mutiny Divers' MAVERICK.

HOLYHEAD BAY backing up to the Crosswall pontoon to pick up passengers for another run out to the cable repair ships.

MAVERICK taking fuel before departure

The SMIT STOUR, one of the range safety craft, has now taken up surveying duties & has had extra equipment fitted for her new role.

One of Dover's few remaining commercial fishing boats, Malcolm Spence's 'potter' MARINER III in the corner of the Tidal Basin.


Ad.Pier lighthouse & entry lights.





Wednesday, 1 February 2017 - 23:38

 

Post 3914

  Del Styan, Norwich

wow - great rainbow pics. If you find the crock of gold you deserve it.

Wednesday, 1 February 2017 - 23:27

 

Post 3913

  Sea News, Dover

150 HERNE BAY TEENAGERS DISCOVER HOW LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE COULD HELP THEM LAND A JOB WITH P&O FERRIES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

ONE of Kent's largest employers visited Herne Bay High School last week (Wednesday 25th January) to urge Year 10 students to keep up their language studies.

Jacqueline Burns, a representative from Dover-based P&O Ferries which employs 4,000 people in Britain and Europe, gave a presentation to 150 pupils who are studying GCSE French about the job opportunities which come with speaking a second language.

The presentation started with the 14 and 15-year-olds divided into two teams and asked to guess the answer to simple questions such as 'is where you're standing nearer to London or Calais' and 'is it cheaper to buy a train ticket from Herne Hill to London or a ferry ticket to France'. In the majority of cases, France was much closer and cheaper to get to than many of those listening had assumed.

Jacqueline went on to explain that a number of jobs at P&O Ferries - including roles on board its English Channel ships which involve looking after millions of travellers from France - require a second language. Sometimes, the company even pays a language supplement to particular employees.

  

Rachael Raboud, a French teacher at Herne Bay High School who arranged the visit, said: "The students loved learning how they can use languages in the workplace, which will hopefully help them to think about their ten-year plans. P&O Ferries is a major Kent employer and we are delighted that they came to visit our school."

Jacqueline Burns from P&O Ferries said: "Having the opportunity to study a wonderful language like French is a life-changing experience for these pupils and I enjoyed being able to speak with them about the practical benefits which could come with their language skills."

"P&O Ferries currently has three vacancies which require a second language and we also run an apprenticeships scheme for school leavers. I hope that some of the boys and girls from Herne Bay High School will remember my presentation and get in touch in a few years' time to ask about a job."

ENDS

 



Wednesday, 1 February 2017 - 06:44

 

Post 3912

  Sea News, Dover

A great collection of pictures below Mike. Fascinating stuff. Great to see those Paul

Tuesday, 31 January 2017 - 17:31

 

Post 3911

  Mike J., Dover

A run out on Monday aboard dive-boat MAVERICK [post 3336] to the OLYMPIC TRITON & NORMAND FLOWER & the cable repair job [post 3299].



Clear but dull after a misty dawn with just one patch of sunlight for the NORMAND FLOWER [brilliant sunshine on the way back of course].

Guardship AFON CEFNI was stooging up & down & the HOLYHEAD BAY ‘attending’ the OLYMPIC TRITON.
Rather unsportingly the very similar SIEM N SEA had sneaked off to Dunkerque overnight so we missed the ‘full set’

First, the NORMAND FLOWER





A heavily cropped view of the NORMAND FLOWER’s stern with what looks like one of the power cables hauled on board for splicing - a rather bigger job than just twisting the ends together !



The OLYMPIC TRITON with the HOLYHEAD BAY ‘alongside’ - she goes ‘bows on’ with her heavily-fendered square bow up against the hull of the TRITON so that the passengers can use a vertical ladder mounted on the ship’s side.
The ‘customer’ will manoeuvre to provide the best possible lee for the transfer.

The repair ships aren’t anchored or moored, they hold themselves in position using a very clever & powerful ‘Dynamic Positioning’ system.
Much better explanation than I could do can be found by Googling.





AFON CEFNI passing a fairly recent cliff fall



Entering Western at speed due to the strong currents sweeping past the entrance.









Tuesday, 31 January 2017 - 00:26

 

Post 3910

  Sea News, Dover

  

Bankers back UK maritime trade by pledging £200m in loans for Dover Western Docks Revival
___________________________________________________________________________________________

A consortium of leading British and European lenders has agreed a £200m package of loans to support the Port of Dover’s flagship capital building programme.

The Dover Western Docks Revival project will create a purpose-built cargo and logistics facility at the Port, which currently handles up to £119billion of UK trade each year.

Allianz Global Investors has agreed to provide the programme with a £55million private placement bond; RBS and Lloyds Bank have each provided a £35million revolving credit facility; and the European Investment Bank has confirmed a £75million loan.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: "Dover Western Docks Revival is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover. It will define how we operate for decades to come.

"Currently handling 17 per cent of all the UK’s trade in goods, it is crucial the Port continues to evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing political and trading landscape. The financial support supplied by blue chip lenders underlines the critical role Dover fulfils for UK and European economies, businesses and consumers. A prominent role which will remain into the future post Brexit."

AllianzGI’s UK Infrastructure Debt Portfolio Manager, Adrian Jones, said: "The Port of Dover is a unique asset. Given its history and proximity to continental Europe, it is of vital importance to UK trade.

"The Port has assembled a cost-effective funding solution that matches the most cost-effective debt product to each maturity bucket - short-term commercial bank debt, medium term European Investment Bank debt and long-term private placement bonds - thus ensuring it can keep the cost of funding the project as low as possible for its customers."

Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank Vice President, said: "This exciting new investment will transform Europe’s busiest ferry port, both improving the seafront and enabling increased and more diverse cargo to pass through Dover. The European Investment Bank is pleased to support this once in a generation project as part of our backing for crucial investment at leading ports across the UK and around the world."

Guillaume Fleuti, Head of Infrastructure and Energy for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: "Dover has been the gateway for UK trade for over 400 years and is an iconic name within the Infrastructure market.

"Lloyds has a long standing relationship with Dover and the opportunity to support the Port in its expansion activities goes to the very heart of what Lloyds seeks to achieve – supporting clients and helping Britain prosper. The expansion of the Port is the next evolution in the history of Dover and one which Lloyds looks forward to further supporting."

RBS acted as financial advisor to the Port of Dover as well as lender. Bruce Riley, Managing Director within its Structured Finance team, said: "The diversity, tenor and flexibility of the overall funding package achieved reflect the strength of the Port of Dover’s business and its enduring importance to the UK economy.

"RBS is proud and delighted to have been able to support the Western Docks Revival project which will have such a positive impact not only on the local community, but also on Britain’s connectivity with Europe. RBS is committed to UK infrastructure development and has supported investment in many of the UK’s largest projects over the past year."

In addition to bespoke cargo and logistics facilities, Dover Western Docks Revival will also allow the Port to create a dedicated ferry terminal in the Eastern Docks and a transformed waterfront for Dover.

Such strong confidence in the Port and the importance of its role comes as VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster is confirmed as the main Dover Western Docks Revival contractor, the Port of Dover acquires cargo handling operations in the Port from George Hammond PLC, and freight figures for 2016 indicate another record year for Dover.

ENDS.
__________

Some super solid banking support above there for the huge project.

Yesterday morning sunday we had the arrival of the Luzon Strait. Conditions were grey and blustery as she arrived so the pictures below are a tad flat. But great to see the Port continue to be so busy with the continued and constant arrival and departure of 'bespoke' cargo vessels. At 4.30am this morning Monday she left us after a quick turnaround and is heading now for Hamburg in Germany. She is out there in the channel as we speak. PB.
   
   
 




Monday, 30 January 2017 - 05:49

 

Post 3909

  Sea News, Dover

A couple of pictures now of yesterdays dramatic rainbows. The tip of rainbow one landed on the beach opposite the Sea News observation tower...so yours truly has been out there all morning shovelling madly in an effort to find that pot of gold .. as the legend tells us. But despite all the digging... no luck sadly. I was going to share it with everyone too....
  ...from my base in Monte Carlo..
PB.

Sunday, 29 January 2017 - 14:35

 

Post 3908

  vic matcham , Dovor

Thank you.

Sunday, 29 January 2017 - 10:13

 

Post 3907

  Sea News, Dover

 
METAMORPHOSIS: Yours truly photographed the vessel featured today fully expecting/understanding it to be the Duzgit Harmony...but a while later on the computer I realised it was a different vessel altogether...yes indeed the Duzgit Harmony had morphed into the DUZGIT VENTURE and that's the Venture in the pictures here now. When did that happen!? never a dull moment eh.... nosirreee bob!
That's definitely the Duzgit Harmony though in post 3434 .. have double checked.

   
 

Good capture of the Afon Lligwy Mike and of the fishy truck...good to see.
Keep going Vic. Sorry to hear wife Lesley has been unwell too...spring isn't too far away now

PaulB.

Sunday, 29 January 2017 - 06:05

 

Post 3906

  Mike J., Dver

Holyhead Towing's AFON LLIGWY was moored in the old Jetfoil terminal on Saturday morning, tied up to the barge that the WILLCHALLENGE brought in on Thursday. The gear on her stern is for ‘ploughing’ operations.

Parked nearby was a French fish lorry with a nice painting of a fishing boat on the side of the tractor unit.
Thought that the artist had caught the sea very well.



Saturday, 28 January 2017 - 23:56

 

Post 3905

  Colette B, Dover

Awe! Vic, sorry to hear that you and Lesley have not been too well. Hopefully it won't be long before you can both get down to the seafront to see the views you love. Meanwhile the superb photos on Sea News will lift your spirits as they do mine. Every time I log on & see the beautiful sunrises and sunsets it cheers me up especially on these miserable cold days & nights. Roll on Spring & Summer

Saturday, 28 January 2017 - 17:14