Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 3593

  Colette B, Dover

CRUISE VISITS
____________


Firstly, WOW!!! Ab Fab stuff on Sea News over the last couple of weeks, very impressive!!! Brilliant news stories & a Terrific Variety of photo shots, Huge well done to the 'Sea News Team'

And now for the rest of October cruises: Tomorrow, Thursday October13th, the AIDAsol returns to CT2, PoC. She arrives at 08:00 & departs at 20:00 on another 5day round trip back to Hamburg as before.

On Monday 17th, the AIDAsol is back again with the same schedule as above.

Then on Friday 21st, the AIDAsol returns for the last time this season, again same schedule as before.

But its a double header on Friday 21st as we have a real treat in store when the 'Grand Circle Lines' Corinthian arrives at 07:00hrs & departs at 14:00, PoC. She was here in September last year. She is on her 'Seas of the North' cruise, from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Paris, France, calling at ports in Germany, Holland, Belgium & the Port of Dover, England

Be back next month



Wednesday, 12 October 2016 - 18:11

 

Post 3592

  Ed Connell, Dover

Emerald at the DCT today.



Wednesday, 12 October 2016 - 12:55

 

Post 3591

  Sea News, Dover

Following along from Howards post 3130...in which the Crystal Serenity tackles the Arctic's Northwest Passage. That's a picture of the very ship above when she was here at Dover in July 2015. Quite a gorgeous cruise liner and one would imagine too large for the Northwest Passage but I guess its changing times up there as the science bods tell us the ice is melting at quite a rate. What would have been impenetrable before is now seemingly do-able.

Flying Machine : This chap, or rather these two chaps ( male or female ), flew by yours trulys window yesterday. Didn't even have time to open the window so shot through the glass. Fortunately said glass was fairly clean having recently benefitted from a bit of yours trulys elbow grease. This is the ideal way to beat the current chaotic traffic management system. Just got one picture, the second is a close-up crop of the first.
   
  

Nice pictures below there from Phil taken off Samphire Hoe. Excellent.
Good to get that picture from Ed of all the activity at the eastern arm.

PaulB.




Wednesday, 12 October 2016 - 05:15

 

Post 3590

  Howard McSweeney, Dover

Photos courtesy of Phil Smith taken at Samphire Hoe where he volunteers, gives an idea what our lifeboat crews have to contend with.






Tuesday, 11 October 2016 - 15:40

 

Post 3589

  Ed Connell, Dover

Eastern Arm at lunchtime with Coastalwater, David Church and Charlie Rock.


Tuesday, 11 October 2016 - 12:59

 

Post 3588

  Sea News, Dover

   

DFDS Wins Best Family Ferry Operator at Family Traveller Awards
_______________________________________________________

DFDS was named "Best Family Ferry Operator" at the second annual Family Traveller Awards last week (4 October).

Thanks to overwhelming public support among more than 18,000 people who cast votes for nominees in 25 categories, DFDS scooped the top spot this year, having been shortlisted by a panel of industry experts.

Max Foster, Passenger Director at DFDS, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won the prestigious ‘Best Family Ferry Operator’ award and send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for DFDS.

"From the on-board kids’ areas and soft-play zones, through to our family-friendly restaurants, we aim to offer families a great experience on-board our ferries. This award is evidence that our dedication is delivering a memorable journey for families who travel with us."

With 25 categories up for grabs, the Family Traveller Awards were launched in 2015 to exclusively recognise outstanding achievements in the family travel sector, rewarding companies that continually deliver excellent service.

DFDS partners with a wide range of attractions, including Center Parcs, Disneyland® Paris and Asterix Parc, offering families a great combination of hassle free sailing and family friendly activities. Current family-friendly offers include €25 off bookings to Centre Parcs Europe and 10% off bookings to Disneyland Paris.

For further information please visit www.dfds.co.uk or telephone 0871 521 5522.


-Ends-


Congratulations to DFDS on the AWARD above


Howard an interesting item in 3130. You can see why that trip might be a problem for some.
I will fetch out a picture of the Crystal Serenity, off the top of my head I am sure I have one somewhere.

Jan yes we seem to be on the cusp of a brave new world.
Would be nice to have the traffic difficulties over with though. Everytime I venture out I have to come back to the 'observation tower' via Inverness .. lol...that's what it feels like.



Some of the intense western dock development work above. Picture from a couple of days ago. The machines have taken over.


ps: We appear to be having some web difficulties this morning.Several features not working..bear with.

testing one two three four

Tuesday, 11 October 2016 - 07:02

 

Post 3587

  Howard McSweeney, Dover

Just been reading about the Crystal Serenity that used to call here before the owners switched to Tilbury. 1700 passengers paying at least £.1500 were taken through the North West passage of the Arctic Ocean for a month setting off in August. Environmentalists are rightly concerned but also people in the shipping industry who fear a "Titanic" style accident.In the event of an emergency there is no port between Alaska and Greenland.

Monday, 10 October 2016 - 17:22

 

Post 3586

  Jan T, Dover

Very interesting reading about Dover investment a long time coming but very welcome.
Also a great selection of pictures over the last week well done guys


Monday, 10 October 2016 - 10:31

 

Post 3585

  Sea News, Dover

Investors Take a Fresh Look at Dover as town, port and waterfront projects get underway
_______________________________________________________________________
 
Multi-million pound investments in town centre, port and waterfront developments, along with a major house building programme will be showcased by INVEST IN DOVER at MIPIM UK, Olympia (19-21 October) the UK’s premier property event.

Investors are being encouraged to take a fresh look at Dover as one of the largest construction projects in a generation delivers a range of exciting new developments.  This includes Bond City/Legal & General’s £53m St James retail and leisure development, and the Port of Dover’s £250m Western Docks Revival which incorporates a new cargo terminal, logistics hub, and a mixed-use waterfront development.  A major house building programme is also underway across the Dover district.

Bringing together over 400 investors MIPIM UK is the first major property exhibition since Britain voted to leave the EU.  Development opportunities in Dover are expected to attract strong interest as new trading relationships with Europe are forged.
  Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "Dover is key to our trade with Europe.  Nowhere is better located with the most efficient links to mainland Europe.  We’re confident about the future with new infrastructure to support our ferry operators and their passengers, alongside one of the most ambitious port construction projects in Europe.

"The £250m Western Docks Revival unlocks the potential of the port’s estate to support our growing cargo and logistics trades, as well as creating an exciting new waterfront development opportunity set against the backdrop of the English Channel and the White Cliffs of Dover."

Major UK investor, Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets took a fresh look at Dover in May 2016 when it announced a £53m deal to finance and acquire 156,915 sq. ft. of new retail and leisure space in Dover town centre.  The St James scheme is anchored by a six-screen Cineworld cinema, 108-bed Travelodge hotel, and a host of major retail brands, including M&S and Next. 

Neil Crawford, Head of Retail & Leisure, Legal & General, said: "We see huge potential in Dover.  The St James development provides a step change in the town centre retail and leisure offer and we’re seeing strong interest in the scheme as more and more retailers look to return to the traditional high street.  Coastal communities can be overlooked, but the potential footfall generated by the district’s growth agenda and the Port of Dover traffic is huge."

Dover District Council was the first local authority in East Kent to adopt a Local Plan.  This includes a major house building programme as part of plans to grow the population and improve the range and quality of housing.  With HS1 providing high speed links to central London in an hour the Dover district is seeing strong interest for its affordability and coastal lifestyle. 
   Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader, Dover District Council, said: "We’re seeing the results of many years of hard work to refocus the investment opportunity in Dover and create 3,000 new jobs.  We’ve built on the strengths of our proximity to Europe with better connections to the capital and a stronger local economy built on key sectors, including maritime, science and engineering.

"More and people are taking a fresh look at the Dover district with its excellent transport connections, affordable homes and commercial space, and a wealth of leisure and recreation activities." 

Mark Quinn, Managing Director, Quinn Estates, said: "We’re delighted to be supporting Invest in Dover at MIPIM to showcase our exciting range of residential and commercial developments in the Dover district.  There is a strong level of interest in East Kent, as more and more people find out about the excellent transport connections and quality of life on offer with fantastic coastal and countryside locations."

Significant incentives are also on offer to new and growing businesses at Discovery Park.  The UK’s most successful Enterprise Zone is home to over 150 companies and 2,500 employees, with a strong focus on the science and technology sectors.  Discovery Park is currently building 70,000 sq. ft. of new high-tech manufacturing space, and starts work on 500 new homes in 2017.   


ENDS

INVEST IN DOVER.

   
   

Pictures above show AIDA Sol yesterday at different times of the day. Top shot was taken very early, around 7am as she arrived, that's Trinity House vessel Patricia in the background, one of the ships we featured very recently.... and the second picture taken in late afternoon as she rested at Cruise Terminal 2. She left us at 8.15pm last night in a blaze of glorious light.

The pictures below follow on a few minutes after Ed's in post 3127 below. They are of course pix of Nederland Reefer as she approached and entered the harbour. She had come all the way from Peru in South America - that's a long oul haul and no mistake.

   
  

Great coverage below from all. Ace pictures of Alert and Eagle from our roving correspondent Sarah..
and Mike doing similar here at Dover. Great work.
The ones from Ed of both the Nederland Reefer and the DELFT SEAWAYS crew in various stages of calamity are great.
Great stuff teamsters!







Monday, 10 October 2016 - 07:29

 

Post 3584

  Mike J., Dover

Sunday morning & the Western Entrance saw the return of the Border Agency’s EAGLE at some speed & the more stately arrival of CHARLIE ROCK, under supervision of the AFON GOCH & DAUNTLESS before CHARLIE was berthed on the Eastern Arm..






Sunday, 9 October 2016 - 20:49

 

Post 3583

  Sarah, Ramsgate

Wowsy guys you have excelled yourselves with the recent photos. Glad you managed to get "Patricia" Paul, I could only just see her from Ramsgate. Thankfully her sister vessel "Alert" paid us a visit, as did "Eagle". Must try to find out how many more Border Force have added to their fleet.

THV Alert





Eagle





Margaret Jean returning from an exercise.



Sunday, 9 October 2016 - 17:39

 

Post 3582

  Ed Connell, Dover

Nederland Reefer approaching the Eastern Entrance at lunchtime.



Sunday, 9 October 2016 - 12:46

 

Post 3581

  Mike J., Dover

The Border Agency’s latest acquisition to supplement VIGILANT etc, the fast launch EAGLE sailed from the Tidal Basin this morning for a short run out to sea.
Looking at AIS this looks like her second attempt to get to Fawley.

She’s a familiar shape that we saw in Dover in June, post 2766 refers.

She didn’t hang about, AIS shows her doing over 27kts [31mph] at one stage.

Local diving boat MAVERICK this morning came across a gentleman on a sailboard, complete with luggage, & alerted VIGILANT who picked him up.
Take a look at Nigel Scutt’s Dover Marina Facebook page.

Interesting pix Ed, thanks - are you sure that DFDS weren’t having a Halloween Party ?








Sunday, 9 October 2016 - 11:55

 

Post 3580

  Ed Connell, Dover

The crew of the Delft Seaways were required to go over to the Dover Seaways early this morning during our overnight layover in Dunkerque to act as passengers in a major drill. Trauma FX applied horrifically realistic makeup to several crew to represent injured passengers.





Sunday, 9 October 2016 - 08:43

 

Post 3579

  Sea News, Dover

  
  
A couple of pictures above there of HMC Valiant returning to harbour on Friday evening and catching a little bit of rough sea. She stayed in harbour for a day or so but appears to be gone again now....but its still darkish so cant see for sure. She was probably giving the crew a wee bit of a break because its all go for those guys.

Below we have the Trinity House buoy laying vessel Patricia back in these waters again yesterday Saturday...posing under a dramatically dark sky with flashing strips of sunlight striking the water. Note the guys fishing on Admiralty Pier in the foreground...at least three in shot on a relatively small section. Bet it was a bit chilly down there, but good to see that the fishermen have found a good alternative.

   
 

Terrific pictures of the canonball below there Ed from the Delft Seaways. Great to see those..bit of a scoop there for sure. Ace man.


AIDA Sol cruise ship just coming in as I write. The great ships keep on coming. PB.

Sunday, 9 October 2016 - 07:09

 

Post 3578

  Ed Connell, Dover

This cannonball is displayed in the Ships Office on the Delft Seaways. It is an original cannonball from the Dutch warship "De Delft" 1783.




Saturday, 8 October 2016 - 07:27

 

Post 3577

  Sea News, Dover

   
   
The Balmoral surprised us all yesterday by leaving us here at 0900. A chap could spill his coffee down his shirt in surprise so he could...as he grappled for the camera. The pictures are a bit grey and dull but there we are anyway. You can see the pilot boat in the shadows on the first shot and returning to Port in the second. We understand the Balmoral was off to Southampton to pick up new passengers.

Nice collection of pictures below there Mike - great to see the comings and goings there and fascinating to see the new lifeboat. Excellent!

Saturday, 8 October 2016 - 05:54

 

Post 3576

  Mike J., Dover

While visiting lifeboat 13-16 was on the pontoon Friday morning Riley Marine’s workboat DOVER WORKER came alongside with divers who had been surveying along the cruise ship berths.

The DOVER WORKER is one of several workboats operated by this local marine company who operate in Dover & supply services to contracts along the south & east coasts.



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Saturday, 8 October 2016 - 01:01

 

Post 3575

  Mike J., Dover

Friday morning found the brand new ‘Shannon’ class lifeboat ELIZABERTH & LEONARD on the pontoon in the Tidal Basin.
13-16 came in during Thursday evening on her delivery trip from the RNLI HQ in Poole to her first post at Amble, Northumberland.

She didn’t linger long in Dover, sailing about 1000 & by 1430 she was taking a late lunch in Harwich.







Friday, 7 October 2016 - 14:56

 

Post 3574

  Sea News, Dover

Spotted this monster moving down the channel yesterday morning about 10.30am. This was a whopper for sure weighing in at around 200,000 tons and called the Al Zubara. She almost blocked out the sun, well okay one exaggerates a mite, but she certainly blocked out the view of Boulogne as she passed. She was heading to the Suez Canal having left the Thames according to AIS, by Thames I guess they mean Tilbury...update: it looks like it left London Gateway, thanks Mike for the info. I included the other ship in the picture to try and show the scale of the beast. The other ship showing is similar to the reefers that call here to Dover so that gives you an idea of scale.



The Balmoral is back in with us today, so we are still getting a good level of cruise visits even though its October.
Will keep an eye out for Coastal Water. PB.

Friday, 7 October 2016 - 07:27