Thursday, 28 November 2024
WWW.DOVERFORUM.COM/SEA-NEWS
Sea Pictures from Dover.
Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...
We have 340 plus pages below now...use our own SEARCH ENGINE just below to help you trawl through. All pictures are the copyright of the owners.
Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
WWW.DOVERFORUM.COM/SEA-NEWS
Sea Pictures from Dover.
Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...
We have 340 plus pages below now...use our own SEARCH ENGINE just below to help you trawl through. All pictures are the copyright of the owners.
Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
Post 3493
Sea News, Dover
DFDS NAMED EUROPE’S LEADING FERRY OPERATOR AT WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
_________________________________________________________________
DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the sixth year in a row at the World Travel Awards Europe ceremony in Sardinia, Italy earlier this week (Sunday 4 September).
The awards recognise excellence in the global travel and tourism industry and winners are decided by votes from the public and from travel industry professionals.
Max Foster, passenger director at DFDS said: "Our business celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and it’s great to mark this milestone by once again winning the approval of our guests and travel industry partners. Our seafarers and shore-based teams work incredibly hard to provide all our customers with the best possible service and winning this accolade for the sixth consecutive year is a testament to their success.
"Ferry travel is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to travel and we’re continuously looking to develop our service to meet the needs of our growing customer base. We were delighted to welcome two new ships to our Dover-Calais fleet earlier this year and to celebrate a record number of passengers travelling on our Newcastle-Amsterdam service, making this past year one of our most successful ever."
DFDS Seaways operates a comprehensive route network, including four services from the UK to Europe, via Dover-Dunkirk, Dover-Calais, Newhaven-Dieppe, and Newcastle-Amsterdam, offering passengers a gateway to the heart of Europe. DFDS also operates a number of passenger ferry routes across the Baltic Sea and a service between Copenhagen and Oslo.
To book or for further information please visit www.dfds.co.uk or telephone 0871 521 5522.
-Ends-
Following on from Ed's picture of the Lady Racisce...here she is again yesterday morning watching the sun rise in the east. You can just make her out there at the Cargo Terminal. She left last night, a very dark night, at 20.45 or a quarter to nine pm...and headed off across the Channel to Rotterdam.
And now... a moment of self indulgence. Yours trulys daughter and only child Briony, junior doctor extraordinaire, is getting married tomorrow friday...here we are.. the two of us pictured below. A happy occasion for sure but yours truly at this late stage is getting a touch of the hi-anxiety jitters or the pre-match nerves or something.
But the upshot is I will be taking a couple of days off from the Sea News but see you all soon.
Well done with that nice shot below Ed. Ace.
Congratulations to DFDS on their excellent award above.
PaulB.
Thursday, 8 September 2016 - 07:04
Post 3492
Ed Connell, Dover
Lady Racisce at the DCT today.
Wednesday, 7 September 2016 - 13:15
Wednesday, 7 September 2016 - 13:15
Post 3491
Sea News, Dover
Joint statement by Port of Dover, P&O Ferries and DFDS on announced closure of Calais jungle
____________________________________________________________________________
STARTS.
We unequivocally welcome the announcement by the French government that the migrant camp in Calais known as ‘the jungle’ will be closed. The priority now is to ensure that the camp is closed as quickly, efficiently and humanely as possible with the inhabitants relocated to alternative accommodation away from major international ports. Everyone who travels through the Port of Calais has a right to a fluid, safe and secure journey, ensuring people and goods keep moving. We will continue to work closely with the French government to ensure that the Channel ports remain open for business and that the current situation is not allowed to recur, something which is in the vital interests of millions of tourists, hundreds of thousands of importers and exporters, and the national economies of Britain and France.
ENDS.
Great post below Mike. Quite a scoop getting the Russian superyacht
Wednesday, 7 September 2016 - 11:52
Post 3490
Mike J., Dover
The Thames Estuary is a little out of Dover Sea News usual coverage area, but after Ed’s post 3021 of the Russian landing ship here’s another Russian which may be of interest & which definitely looks a little different to the MINSK.
The bizarre-looking 'superyacht' ‘A’ came into the Thames last Saturday, probably from Portsmouth & was photographed heading up the navigation channel between Shoeburyness & Sheerness.
She is currently tied up alongside HMS BELFAST, above Tower Bridge.
Sad that she didn't put into Dover.
Built in Germany in 2008 for the Russian multi-billionaire Andrey Melnichenko the ‘A’ is 390ft long & is one of the world’s larger ‘superyachts’
She can do 23kts if needed, is packed with ‘executive toys’ & a crew of about 40 look after just 14 guests.
Plenty more information on the ‘net if you Google ‘superyacht A’
The economics of operating such a ship are out of quite a different world - the owner has built a second larger yacht, apparently at a cost of £313 million, a bizarre 3-masted sailing yacht, & the ‘A’ is said to be up for sale for £223 million.
So keep on buying the lottery tickets.
'Why the odd name' I hear you cry - there are several theories, but one is that with that name she will always be at the top of any list which is apparently important to the owner.
Nothing succeeds like excess.
Shortly after the frenzy of photting the ‘A’ we met HMS ARCHER / P264 who was also inbound, she's the ‘lead ship’ of the ‘Archer’ class of RN patrol craft/training vessels who are often seen in Dover & Ramsgate.
She was doing an impressive 18kts but what would normally be a great photo-opportunity seemed much less interesting after the ‘A’
Wednesday, 7 September 2016 - 06:59
The bizarre-looking 'superyacht' ‘A’ came into the Thames last Saturday, probably from Portsmouth & was photographed heading up the navigation channel between Shoeburyness & Sheerness.
She is currently tied up alongside HMS BELFAST, above Tower Bridge.
Sad that she didn't put into Dover.
Built in Germany in 2008 for the Russian multi-billionaire Andrey Melnichenko the ‘A’ is 390ft long & is one of the world’s larger ‘superyachts’
She can do 23kts if needed, is packed with ‘executive toys’ & a crew of about 40 look after just 14 guests.
Plenty more information on the ‘net if you Google ‘superyacht A’
The economics of operating such a ship are out of quite a different world - the owner has built a second larger yacht, apparently at a cost of £313 million, a bizarre 3-masted sailing yacht, & the ‘A’ is said to be up for sale for £223 million.
So keep on buying the lottery tickets.
'Why the odd name' I hear you cry - there are several theories, but one is that with that name she will always be at the top of any list which is apparently important to the owner.
Nothing succeeds like excess.
Shortly after the frenzy of photting the ‘A’ we met HMS ARCHER / P264 who was also inbound, she's the ‘lead ship’ of the ‘Archer’ class of RN patrol craft/training vessels who are often seen in Dover & Ramsgate.
She was doing an impressive 18kts but what would normally be a great photo-opportunity seemed much less interesting after the ‘A’
Wednesday, 7 September 2016 - 06:59
Post 3489
Sea News, Dover
Following on from Ed's picture below, we have a few more images above there of the fabulous Costa Favolosa taken yesterday morning as she arrived here in Dover, you see her above there moving slowly elegantly across the tranquil harbour. It was an awesome sight and no mistake. These great Costa ships are a real treat.
She left last night about 8.15pm, was hoping for extra pictures but it was very dark by then and it didn't work out...the nights draw in fast now. She left in a blaze of light heading south to le Havre.
Thanks Del, lots of atmospheric misty nights approaching now with autumn in the air. PB.
Wednesday, 7 September 2016 - 06:40
Post 3488
Del Styan, Norwich
Great night time photo there. Very atmospheric.
Tuesday, 6 September 2016 - 23:32
Tuesday, 6 September 2016 - 23:32
Post 3487
Ed Connell, Dover
Costa Favolosa at the cruise terminals today.
Tuesday, 6 September 2016 - 13:11
Tuesday, 6 September 2016 - 13:11
Post 3486
Sea News, Dover
The fog and mist wafted about last night, moving this way and that...it was all too eerie as the electronic pulse wailed and ...well, pulsated. The streets were deserted as you can see, yet it was only about 9pm. Twas a spooky night on the ol seafront.
Tuesday, 6 September 2016 - 11:09
Tuesday, 6 September 2016 - 11:09
Post 3485
Sea News, Dover
Picture below of the Swedish Reefer which arrived on sunday. Didn't catch it at the time so I am resorting to a previous picture and here we are below. Its great to see the ever increasing flow of cargo calls. She has since left us... that's Dauntless tugging away there..
The early bird catches the Lifeboat Sarah...that's for sure. Very nice set of pictures in both 3025 and 3012. PaulB.
PS: that magnificent giant the Costa Favolosa is in with us today. Great ship...see also post 3006. Photos to follow later..
Tuesday, 6 September 2016 - 07:08
Post 3484
Sarah, Ramsgate
Glad to have been able to help Paul, post 1312 has her arrival at Ramsgate & I had to get up very early to see her leave so I'm delighted you caught her on route to Poole .
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 18:45
.Monday, 5 September 2016 - 18:45
Post 3483
Sea News, Dover
Thanks for that great info re the passing Lifeboat 'The Will' Sarah
...so that's what was going on in post 3019. Well I didn't twigggg...
I like those pictures better now in 3019 than I did initially as I thought the weather was a bit against them but glad to have them now.
That's a cracking set of it leaving Ramsgate Harbour prior to it passing here. Great stuff all round below from Sarah the roving correspondent..
Well done Ed with both the warships posts and the MPI Discovery. Saw the Discovery but couldn't get anything worthwhile myself.
There doesn't seem to be too much trouble this side of the Channel. The A16 is suffering blockage over there just beyond Calais so lets hope it all passes over with minimum disruption. There are diversions in place. Essentially it is easy to agree with Charlie our MP in post 3022 below..The Calais jungle problem needs to be sorted for all our sakes, not least the traders in Calais who are probably suffering most. Although disruption isn't easy for anyone, one has much sympathy for the plight of truckers everyday and everyone else who suffers fallout through the current mess.
PaulB.
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 14:55
...so that's what was going on in post 3019. Well I didn't twigggg...
I like those pictures better now in 3019 than I did initially as I thought the weather was a bit against them but glad to have them now.
That's a cracking set of it leaving Ramsgate Harbour prior to it passing here. Great stuff all round below from Sarah the roving correspondent..
Well done Ed with both the warships posts and the MPI Discovery. Saw the Discovery but couldn't get anything worthwhile myself.
There doesn't seem to be too much trouble this side of the Channel. The A16 is suffering blockage over there just beyond Calais so lets hope it all passes over with minimum disruption. There are diversions in place. Essentially it is easy to agree with Charlie our MP in post 3022 below..The Calais jungle problem needs to be sorted for all our sakes, not least the traders in Calais who are probably suffering most. Although disruption isn't easy for anyone, one has much sympathy for the plight of truckers everyday and everyone else who suffers fallout through the current mess.
PaulB.
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 14:55
Post 3482
Sarah, Ramsgate
Here she is departing from Ramsgate.
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 11:16
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 11:16
Post 3481
Sarah, Ramsgate
Lovely photos Paul of the "The Will" passing Dover on route from Ramsgate to Poole. It was good of your recent relief lifeboat to come so close for you to get the photos.
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 10:55
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 10:55
Post 3480
Ed Connell, Dover
Wind turbine installation vessel MPI Discovery proceeding down the Southwest lane past Dover in the drizzle this morning.
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 08:39
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 08:39
Post 3479
Sea News, Dover
The Calais Blockade is scheduled for today, it is likely to cause much disruption everywhere. Below we have the latest letter from Charlie Elphicke MP on the topic, so will show this now today before things develop and as the situation may change..
Time to tackle causes of Calais crisis .. says Charlie Elphicke MP
_________________________________________________
For years the Calais migrant camp has grown. The number of people crammed into the so-called "Jungle" has now swelled to a shocking 9,000.
For years hard-working truckers have had their journeys to the Port of Calais disrupted by evil people traffickers. The lengths they will take to stop lorries so migrants can get on board become ever more extreme – from setting fire to trucks, to lobbing petrol bombs, to cutting down trees to block the route and threatening drivers with chainsaws and machetes. The current situation is shameful. Last week I met with truckers in Calais faced with these daily attacks. They agreed that Britain and France must work together to dismantle the Jungle camp.
For years the French and British Governments have tried in vain to tackle the ever-growing problem. They have built fences to keep migrants away from the docks – but the attacks on trucks now just occur further down the road. They have built containers for migrants to stay in – and thousands more have arrived. These attempts at ending the chaos have only targeted the symptoms. It is now time to tackle the cause of this crisis and build a better future for Calais and Dover.
Dismantling the camp will remove this magnet for migrants, conned into heading for Calais by evil people traffickers. These ruthless gangs take thousands of pounds from vulnerable people to get them to Calais. Some are smuggled into Britain to a future in brothels or fruit fields where they will work to pay off huge debts to the people traffickers. It is a form of modern day slavery. We need far greater and tougher action to tackle these traffickers. They must be caught and jailed – put behind bars for at least 20 years and have all of their assets seized. We urgently require a new Dover Patrol to guard the Channel and catch the people traffickers. Let’s protect our truckers and the vital trade they carry between Britain and France.
Some French politicians have talked about scrapping the Le Touquet treaty, which establishes British border checks at Calais. But the French know just as well as we do that maintaining these juxtaposed border controls are as much in their interest as ours. Axing the treaty altogether would be a disaster for France and Britain. It would simply force the ferries and tunnel to become border guards - meaning higher ticket prices and longer queues.
And enabling people to apply for UK asylum from France would be a big mistake. It would just make Calais a greater magnet for migrants.
It’s time to negotiate a new, stronger deal with France. Let’s restore order at the border by dismantling the Calais Jungle camp, smashing the modern day slavery peddled by evil people smugglers and protecting our truckers.
Britain and France must work together to deal with the causes of this crisis once and for all.
Ends
A couple of pictures below now of the Balmoral from yesterday sunday..
Above we have her arriving in the early light being aided by tugboat Dauntless...and below departing for the Fjords of Norway at 6pm on sunday evening with the pilot boat in attendance..
The Swedish Reefer was also in with us yesterday.
Pinned item
Don't miss Ed's pictures below of the naval hardware in the channel plus... Great catch Ed!
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 07:35
Time to tackle causes of Calais crisis .. says Charlie Elphicke MP
_________________________________________________
For years the Calais migrant camp has grown. The number of people crammed into the so-called "Jungle" has now swelled to a shocking 9,000.
For years hard-working truckers have had their journeys to the Port of Calais disrupted by evil people traffickers. The lengths they will take to stop lorries so migrants can get on board become ever more extreme – from setting fire to trucks, to lobbing petrol bombs, to cutting down trees to block the route and threatening drivers with chainsaws and machetes. The current situation is shameful. Last week I met with truckers in Calais faced with these daily attacks. They agreed that Britain and France must work together to dismantle the Jungle camp.
For years the French and British Governments have tried in vain to tackle the ever-growing problem. They have built fences to keep migrants away from the docks – but the attacks on trucks now just occur further down the road. They have built containers for migrants to stay in – and thousands more have arrived. These attempts at ending the chaos have only targeted the symptoms. It is now time to tackle the cause of this crisis and build a better future for Calais and Dover.
Dismantling the camp will remove this magnet for migrants, conned into heading for Calais by evil people traffickers. These ruthless gangs take thousands of pounds from vulnerable people to get them to Calais. Some are smuggled into Britain to a future in brothels or fruit fields where they will work to pay off huge debts to the people traffickers. It is a form of modern day slavery. We need far greater and tougher action to tackle these traffickers. They must be caught and jailed – put behind bars for at least 20 years and have all of their assets seized. We urgently require a new Dover Patrol to guard the Channel and catch the people traffickers. Let’s protect our truckers and the vital trade they carry between Britain and France.
Some French politicians have talked about scrapping the Le Touquet treaty, which establishes British border checks at Calais. But the French know just as well as we do that maintaining these juxtaposed border controls are as much in their interest as ours. Axing the treaty altogether would be a disaster for France and Britain. It would simply force the ferries and tunnel to become border guards - meaning higher ticket prices and longer queues.
And enabling people to apply for UK asylum from France would be a big mistake. It would just make Calais a greater magnet for migrants.
It’s time to negotiate a new, stronger deal with France. Let’s restore order at the border by dismantling the Calais Jungle camp, smashing the modern day slavery peddled by evil people smugglers and protecting our truckers.
Britain and France must work together to deal with the causes of this crisis once and for all.
Ends
A couple of pictures below now of the Balmoral from yesterday sunday..
The Swedish Reefer was also in with us yesterday.
Pinned item
Don't miss Ed's pictures below of the naval hardware in the channel plus... Great catch Ed!
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 07:35
Post 3478
Ed Connell, Dover
Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel shadowing the elderly Russian landing ship Minsk, which is belching copious quantities of smoke, as she proceeds up the Northeast lane yesterday, passing behind a particularly ugly car carrier. RFS Minsk was in Valletta in Malta a week or so ago and is probably on her way to the Baltic.
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 06:51
Monday, 5 September 2016 - 06:51
Post 3477
Ed Connell, Dover
Elderly Russian landing ship RFS Minsk proceeding up the Northeast lane this afternoon shadowed by a Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel.
Sunday, 4 September 2016 - 23:28
Sunday, 4 September 2016 - 23:28
Post 3476
Sea News, Dover
This is the Lifeboat powering past the harbour on...emm.. Friday morning. It came from east of the harbour and yours truly was expecting it to come into harbour but it powered right on by heading west, presumably the team were on an emergency call. The pictures aren't great but at least capture the situation.
Just behind the harbour are allotments and somebody was doing some serious burning on friday. A scorched earth policy....and just when all the G20 leaders are meeting to discuss pollution and its effect on the planet! Bet the people living in those houses weren't too happy....but there we are. Shot the picture through the pane of glass in the window due to a tricky wind situation blustering the observation tower.
Yes Del the mayoral situation in Dover has hit a spot of rough weather...
A great tale there below Mark. Always good to hear those travellers tales from yourself. Great story.
Yes Vic some like the big ships, some like the more intimate ones. A fascinating visitor.
Sunday, 4 September 2016 - 07:05
Post 3475
del styan, Norwich
Funny ole Mayor you've got down there in Dover. Maybe he needed a little something to get him down to the seafront.
Saturday, 3 September 2016 - 23:40
Saturday, 3 September 2016 - 23:40
Post 3474
Mark Rushton, Northants (rushton.mark@hotmail.co.uk)
Nice piccies of the Serenissima there. What you may not know is that her old sister ship the Lofoten is still plying her original trade on Hurtigruten's core Bergen to Kirkenes run after more than 50 years, marketed with a "heritage" branding. I spent a couple of days on her last year and inside she's a delight of snug lounges, rich red carpets and varnished wood panelling, and even an old fashioned hold with a working crane. Cabins are a bit basic, but so what....
Saturday, 3 September 2016 - 18:03
Saturday, 3 September 2016 - 18:03