Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 3738

  Sea News, Dover

You can bet that it was very chilly out on the water yesterday, these guys below would have needed three Weetabix for sure before they set out the face the bracing day. The wind was cold and easterly and was strong enough to whip that skin off that rice puddin' again. The guys onboard, there appeared to be about seven or eight, were all well wrapped up to face the challenge ... the yacht is called Community Spirit.
   
  

* *
More in a moment... and here we are...

 
DWDR laying the foundations for a new Dover
_______________________________________


Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) project is quite literally laying the foundations for opportunities in the future, as reclaimed concrete from the Prince of Wales Pier enabling works and demolition material from the St James development form the foundation of the Western Docks.

The last 10 months of work has seen the DWDR project stockpile 46,000 tonnes of reclaimed concrete (aggregate) as the Port creates a sustainable legacy of material processing and recycling.

Jack Goodhew, General Manager – Special Projects of the Port of Dover, said: "We make every effort to send materials from old structures for recycling, rather than to landfill.

"The DWDR project is delivering sustainable development by reducing the volume of aggregate required and we have been obtaining suitable material from local demolition works in order to minimise our requirements from other sources.

"The height reduction and enabling works along the Prince of Wales Pier have resulted in 20,000 tonnes of recycled concrete crush added to the 26,000 tonnes already recycled from the demolition of the former 1970’s office block, hotel and multi-storey car park from Dover District Council’s development.

"This resulted in a reduction of 46,000 tonnes of embodied carbon associated with the extraction, manufacture and delivery of aggregate.

"The DWDR project will make best use of recycled materials wherever possible from local regeneration projects, and this also includes a further 7,000 tonnes from the multi-storey car park in the Eastern Docks which is due to be demolished next year."


Recycled and secondary aggregates are making an increasingly important contribution to the UK’s needs and are often part of a mixed sourced approach to large-scale construction projects. Jerry McLaughlin, Director of Economics at the Mineral Products Association (MPA), said: "Recycled & secondary materials now account for 28% the GB aggregates market and the DWDR project is a good example of how sustainability can be integrated into infrastructure development."

ENDS



Tuesday, 29 November 2016 - 08:00

 

Post 3737

  Sea News, Dover

RECORD BREAKING PORT
Europe's busiest ferry port hits all-time freight high
_______________________________________________________

  

The Port of Dover recorded its busiest day ever for freight traffic, with 10,558 freight vehicles handled by the Port last wednesday 23rd November. That is nearly 500 more than the previous record and is equivalent to four extra ferry loads or nine kilometres of traffic in one day. 

This freight high builds on a 3% growth in freight during the third quarter of 2016. 
Following 30% growth in freight in just the past three years, freight traffic is once again increasing at Europe’s busiest ferry port, which handles 17% of the UK’s trade in goods. 

As the shortest sea crossing between the UK and mainland Europe, freight wants to use the quickest, cheapest and most efficient crossing but Dover had seen a marginal shift away to other ports in recent times due to the issues at Calais. However those pressures have now eased following the closure of the Jungle and Dover is once again back to breaking records in support of a growing economy. 

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: 
"The Port is busier than ever, with strong volumes projected for the rest of the year. 
"Dover continues to play a critical role in ensuring that the UK’s trading relationships with our European partners remain strong as we move towards Brexit. 

"As we approach the busy festive season for freight and passenger traffic, we will be doing all we can to keep the traffic moving in order to ensure the nation’s shops remain stocked and people get away for their well-earned breaks."

Ends


A great record above..the UK still doing great trade with our European neighbours.

The Swedish Reefer came in yesterday sunday. I missed its arrival but here is a recent picture of the hard working vessel. PB.
 





Monday, 28 November 2016 - 06:59

 

Post 3736

  Howard McSweeney, Dover

Where has Connor been hiding until now?

Wonderful photos that add even more quality to this forum.

Sunday, 27 November 2016 - 22:11

 

Post 3735

  Mike J., Dover

Connor - superb pix - many thanks !


What was going on in the last photo of your second batch ?
One tug run out of biscuits ?


Sunday, 27 November 2016 - 20:05

 

Post 3734

  Sea News, Dover

Cracking set of pictures Connor, absolute stunners
and right in the thick of the action too.
Wowser!
Very good to see you posting.
Hopefully you will post some more in due course...
Just a helpful tip as I see some of your pix didn't take: just do a max of 5 pictures at any one time as our system seems to work better that way.

Thanks for the comments Vic..particularly like the one that says you have only two words to say about this page....
PaulB.

Sunday, 27 November 2016 - 15:45

 

Post 3733

  vicmatcham, Dovor

Again very good thank you/

Sunday, 27 November 2016 - 15:33

 

Post 3732

  Connor Broomfield, Dover (cbroomfield04@live.co.uk)

A few that were cut off at the end..






Sunday, 27 November 2016 - 12:04

 

Post 3731

  Connor Broomfield, Dover (cbroomfield04@live.co.uk)

Just some photos from the last few months at work.

Enjoy,

Connor










[IMAGE-10]
[IMAGE-11]
[IMAGE-12]

Sunday, 27 November 2016 - 11:59

 

Post 3730

  vic matcham, dovor (Dovor)

Just two words about this page.
THANK YOU.

Sunday, 27 November 2016 - 09:52

 

Post 3729

  Sea News, Dover

We regularly have a nice collection of ARKLOW ships coming here to the Port of Dover, they are often overlooked in the great busy scheme of things. Arklow is a town in Ireland and they have something like 47 ships tooing and froing across Europe. In the past 10 days or so there have been two in the Port here, collecting a grain cargo I believe...

  
  
The top two shots show the Arklow Fern, pictures from about 7 or 8 days ago
the one below is the Arklow Raven, picture taken 2 days ago.
  

And another couple of Arklow vessels from recent times ..
Arklow Racer first of all...in choppy waters
And finally further below...the Arklow Fortune with Trinity House vessel Alert in the background.
   
 

Thanks Mike...nice shot that below.

Sunday, 27 November 2016 - 07:29

 

Post 3728

  Mike J., Dover

Thursday afternoon & the DAUNTLESS passes the worksite that was once the Hoverport as she heads back to the Tug Haven after assisting ferries in blustery conditions.



Friday, 25 November 2016 - 23:40

 

Post 3727

  Sea News, Dover

   
After Angus: that's the scene above just as Storm Angus began to subside a few days ago. For mild amusement I left my hand in the shot on the left ... as I struggle to hold the window open in order to take the picture one-handed as it were, while at the same time taking a buffeting about the head. It was a rough oul storm and no mistake. Our thoughts though as always were with the guys out there working in it. PaulB.

A cracking picture of the Ports Ice Rink above there.
Image courtesy of Kent Clickers.


White Cliffs Christmas is officially open
_______________________________

Crowds filled the Port of Dover’s historic Cruise Terminal One building on Saturday 19 November as Chief Executive Tim Waggott officially opened the Port’s first ever White Cliffs Christmas.

Boasting a real ice-rink, the event also features a stylish Christmas Market, Cockles & Co. Bar, Sugar & Spice Sweet Shop as well as a range of vintage vehicles from the Dover Transport Museum and a host of festive food and drink concessions.

Top class entertainment was provided by forties and wartime singing duo The Swingtime Sweethearts, Kent’s No.1 Michael Buble tribute Mr. Jason Allen Sway, choral group Ladies of the Lake and the unique sound of local band Rudy Warman and the Heavy Weather.

The highlight of the event was the arrival of Father Christmas on his sleigh guided by real reindeers and friendly elves to take up residence in his Grotto until 23 December.

"What a fantastic way to start the countdown to Christmas!  The White Cliffs Christmas event is a first for the Port of Dover and judging by the enthusiasm of the crowds, it will certainly not be the last," said Chief Executive, Tim Waggott.

"Our White Cliffs Christmas is about bringing friends and family, our community, together.  It is also about showing just what a fantastic destination Dover can be when you have a shared vision.  By utilising one of the Port’s celebrated assets, and at such a special time of year, we are seeing a fantastic union of port and town and are attracting visitors from further afield too.  I would like to thank all of those who have helped to make this a truly special event for Dover."

Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke was a visitor on the day and said: "It was great to go along to the fabulous White Cliffs Christmas at the Old Marine Station.

"It was so good to see families having fun at the ice rink. And the Cockles & Co bar was a delight.

"Well done to the Port of Dover and everyone involved in putting on such an excellent event."

The White Cliffs Christmas is open at Cruise Terminal One until 2 January.
For all the details and to book ice skating or Father Christmas please visit: www.whitecliffschristmas.co.uk


Ends

EXTRA:

This Saturday 26 November, the Port of Dover’s White Cliffs Christmas will be hosting a one off ‘KMFM Ice Party’
in Cruise Terminal One from 5pm – 8pm.
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Skaters on the festive ice rink can enjoy Kent’s Biggest Hits presented by KMFM’s Andy Walker and look out for the KMFM Street Team who will also be there – maybe you will spot them on the ice.

Shoppers can browse the Christmas Market stalls including Kent Dark Chocolate, E & D Shabby Chic, Tigerfeet, English Heritage, Prinny B, Student Makers and Peter Kesby Photography. The Cockles & Co. Bar and the Sweet Shop will be open and a host of festive refreshments available from a choice of concessions. Vintage vehicles will also be on display courtesy of Dover Transport Museum.

Father Christmas and his friendly elf will also be in his Grotto waiting to greet children and hand out presents. Don’t forget to bring your Christmas list to post in his special post box.

Port of Dover Director of Corporate Development, Barbara Buczek said: "We’re so excited to be hosting KMFM’s ice party. It’s been fantastic to see the Port and community coming together to celebrate and share in the Christmas magic. So far, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors to the event, confirming what a great destination Dover is and encouraging others to visit. This party will be another delightful opportunity for locals and visitors to share in the fun and festivities at this wonderful time of the year."


Exploding surf...


Yes indeed Howard...good luck to him, a most interesting interview below there.




Friday, 25 November 2016 - 06:27

 

Post 3726

  Howard McSweeney, Dover

Very interesting interview, Lewis is clearly a well rounded individual that has all the makings of going far in the Marine industry - good luck to him.

Thursday, 24 November 2016 - 21:34

 

Post 3725

  Sea News, Dover

  
Meet Lewis Byford, DFDS APPRENTICE aged 26, from Dover
_________________________________________________

Lewis qualified as an Able Seafarer with DFDS in September, having started out shore side for the company, working in customer services and the check-in booths. Immediately below we have a Q&A session with Lewis.
 

Which DFDS ship are you currently working on?
Dover Seaways

Which apprenticeship are you pursuing – deck or engine?
Deck

How did you hear about the apprenticeship and what attracted you to the scheme?
I was already working for DFDS shore side when I received an email about the apprenticeship scheme and decided to look into it more. What appealed to me most was the range of skills, challenges and opportunities on offer, particularly the practical courses such as First Aid and fire-fighting.

Why did you choose to do the apprenticeship specifically with DFDS?
Having worked for DFDS previously when the opportunity arose, it seemed like the next logical step to expand my skill set. DFDS encourage professional progression which appealed to me and I eventually want to work towards my officer qualifications.

What were you doing before you joined the scheme?
I worked shore side for DFDS, mainly in customer service and the check-in booths but also loading the ships.

Could you describe a typical day at work as an apprentice?
Because Dover Seaways is a Ro-Ro ferry, the main job is securing the ship in port and ensuring safe loading and unloading of passenger cars and freight. During the crossing and layover periods I work in a team and am responsible for a variety of different jobs, mainly maintenance tasks including greasing all water tight doors and winches, chipping and painting, washing down the decks, splicing mooring ropes or other rope work such as heaving lines and messengers. Another area of the job includes taking the lifeboats and fast rescue boats out to ensure they are maintained and up to the job at all times.
Working on the bridges is also an important part of my role on board, so we spend time bridge watching which works towards getting our steering ticket and navigation watch rating certificate. We’re taught on the job, but also during college training at Gravesend College to ensure these jobs are done competently.

What is the main thing that you’ve learned during the apprenticeship?
During the last two years I have learnt a number of new skills so it’s hard to pick just one specific thing. Some of the main skills I’ve learnt include: nautical terminology, various knots, use of anchors, deck maintenance, fire-fighting and fire prevention, First Aid, launching life boats and being part of a lifeboat crew, the different alarms on board and responsibilities I have in a drill as well as how to work safely, and the correct PPE to use for the each job. Each of these important skills I have acquired over the course of my apprenticeship and has led to my Efficient Deck Hand certificate at the end of the two years, something I’m immensely proud of achieving.

How did you find the adjustment to working shifts and living on board a ferry?
At first it’s quite difficult to adjust working away from home but I soon settled in, after making friends and getting to know everyone it becomes quite easy.

What have you enjoyed most about the role?
I enjoy the different variety of jobs we do on board. One of my favourite jobs is taking the fast rescue boats and lifeboats out.

What has been the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is probably the time spent away from home, not being able to see your friends and family every evening after work like a typical job. However you soon adjust and learn to make the most of your time off at home. For instance whenever I’m home now I value that time by planning days trips or weekends away, which makes going home more exciting.

What are your ambitions for the future? Can you describe what you’d like to do next?
I am looking forward to getting my AB’s ticket and keep improving and learning as an AB. Once I am more confident in the job and I have enough sea time I would like to start working towards the officer of the watch ticket.

When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?
I like catching up with my friends, usually having at least one night out during my leave to catch up with everyone and have a few beers. I use this time as effectively as possible to travel, relax and spend time with family and friends.

What do your friends and family think about your apprenticeship role?
They know that it is tough at times because I’ve spent quite a bit of time on the ship but I feel they are definitely proud of what I have achieved. My friends are always asking lots of questions about my job and the ships and I know a lot of my friends find what I’m doing interesting and different.

What was it like working on board and how did it differ from life on the DFDS ships?
At first it felt very different because the role of the ship was completely different from a ferry. After a few days on board however I started to learn the job and my colleagues were excellent at showing me how to do everything. From working on the ferry before I felt I had a good idea of how to do the seamanship side of the job, such as tie-ups and using anchors, and studying at college also helped me prepare for the side of the job.

How did you learn from the experience?
Being on board helped me put into practice some of the skills that we learnt at college that weren’t applicable to the ship I had worked on before. For example, the Pole Star didn’t have any winches so all the mooring ropes had to be tightened and tied off using a stopper, but on the Dover Seaways all the ropes can stay on the drum.

Would you recommend this experience as a part of apprenticeship training?
Yes, definitely. I think it’s a good idea because it will help apprentices have a wider understanding of working on different ship types. I had a really positive experience on board and working on different ships has given me more practical skills that I can use more widely.

Ends

DFDS: Cote des Dunes yesterday.


Below we have the BBC Maine leaving us for Rotterdam yesterday. She had been sheltering here from the storms for several days after we believe her cargo shifted. All was relatively tranquil as she left us yesterday morning about 10.30. See also post 3258.
   
 

All pictures from yesterday wednesday.





Thursday, 24 November 2016 - 07:37

 

Post 3724

  Sea News, Dover

One last one above there of the Lifeboat and the troubled Saga Sky in horrendous conditions
....in the post below you can see the Lifeboat returning from the scene after a long stint.

Thursday, 24 November 2016 - 04:35

 

Post 3723

  Sea News, Dover

Some rough oul pictures now from a rough tough operation...
the Lifeboat returns from that dangerous incident in foul weather with the Saga Sky...blasting its way through terrible seas.
More on the Saga Sky incident down the page.
   
   
   
   
 


Well done Mike with those pictures of BBC Maine below - that ship still in port.
Dead right Vic, any port in a storm...


Wednesday, 23 November 2016 - 07:47

 

Post 3722

  vic matcham , Dovor

Sorry that should have been port not post. its that age thing again.

Tuesday, 22 November 2016 - 16:42

 

Post 3721

  vic matcham , Dovor

Any post in a storm ,and who can blame them,not nice out there at this time .Thanks again for the photos.

Tuesday, 22 November 2016 - 16:41

 

Post 3720

  Mike j., Dover

The Antiguan cargo ship BBC MAINE came into Dover on Sunday evenIng as storm ANGUS was subsiding.
She had had problems with her cargo shifting.

She has a small dredger lashed down on her hatch covers & this may have been the cause of the problem.




Tuesday, 22 November 2016 - 14:46

 

Post 3719

  Sea News, Dover

   
  
Almost impossible getting pictures at the moment here on the seafront as the wind still very strong indeed after yet another uncomfortably rough night....windows in observation tower cant be opened without fear of structural damage to both building and person etc etc ... yours truly retreated to a secondary position to get the pix above in the last half hour or so. PB.
Pride of Canterbury
Delft Seaways.

Tuesday, 22 November 2016 - 10:35