Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 3392

  Mike J., Dover

Sorry - my last post escaped into the outside world before I had finished playing with it !

Missing was a photo of EGS PIONEER who was still alongside in the Tug Haven & is still there tonight altho' the VIGILANT seems to have sailed.

I was also going to add that there's a tiny Finnish survey launch called the KIPPO working in the harbour who pops up on AIS from time to time.
Looking at photos of her on the internet she seems little larger han DHB's own survey launch the DIANA.
Perhaps Paul will spy her from his 'privileged position'

& that's quite enough from me . . . . .

Thursday, 4 August 2016 - 00:35

 

Post 3391

  Mike J., Dover

Wednesday morning - the Dutch survey vessel VIGILANT [built in Bonnie Scautland in 1982 as a fishery protection vessel] was still alongside at Cruise-1 whilst the AFON GOCH was in the old Jetfoil terminal & looking at her AIS track she had anchored CHARLIE ROCK off Dymchurch.



The German tug DMS STORK was off the port yesterday & made off with the big STEMA rock barge that had been anchored offshore & is now towing it to Larvik, presumably for another load of rocks.
The STEMA was the ‘stockpile’ for CHARLIE ROCK.

In the Tug Haven EGS PIONEER remained alongside & the TOPLIFT had emerged from her long slumbers in the Wellington Dock.






If you look closely you can see the ‘join’ on her stern where her two halves are bolted together - the idea being that she can be split in two for transport by lorry to work at inland sites.



She later sailed during the afternoon & headed downchannel, ‘spraying’ well in the lumpy seas with southwesterly gales in the forecast.
Destination unknown - no AIS.



Out on the horizon you may be able to make out the strange shape of a semi-submersible heavy lift ship, heading south & running 'light' without any cargo.

Thursday, 4 August 2016 - 00:05

 

Post 3390

  Howard McSweeney, Dover

Excellent but very depressing photos Mike, the barbarians are at the gates and continue to demolish all in their path. Listed structures and history mean nothing to t he Harbour Board who love their vanity project despite the eyesore that will ensue thus destroying the lovely vistas we used to enjoy.

Rest assured when it all goes wrong the present head honchos will walk away with pensions that normal people would crave.



Wednesday, 3 August 2016 - 22:13

 

Post 3389

  Mike J., Dover

The Prince of Wales Pier today, but not now as we used to know it.

A sad loss, but part of the 'Brave New World' of the Western Docks project.
Lets hope that BREXIT doesn't cause problems.

The first two views looking up the pier from the shore entrance.







One of the early stages of of the project has been the 'reduction in height' pf the shore end of the pier.
The last remaining hoverport building in the background to the last photo.

Wednesday, 3 August 2016 - 17:03

 

Post 3388

  Sarah, Ramsgate

As Paul says it is interesting to see the Border Force in the news again. The reports seem to be rather confusing saying three vessels are in use. In Dover & Ramsgate we regularly see Valiant & Seeker but the third one Protector is not patrolling our coast it is in the Med. So the best & most modern of the vessels isn't being used to patrol our coast. Currently two further vessels are moth balled namely Vigilant & Searcher. I used to see both regularly in Ramsgate but have not seen them this year. Surely they need to get them both back in action as soon as they have further staff trained or just put the Royal Navy on them. They say eight new vessels are going to be built but we really can't wait for that to happen surely some of the Royal Navy Cutters could be used and/or they could buy eight lifeboats from the RNLI that have been taken out of service. The RNLI often paint the orange grey before selling them so they would be a perfect short term fit to the problem. Sorry for the rant but this situation makes me very cross indeed

Here is Valiant sitting in Ramsgate Harbour yesterday.



Wednesday, 3 August 2016 - 07:21

 

Post 3387

  Sea News, Dover

FOND FAREWELL: The Port of Dover bids farewell to Disney Cruise Line
__________________________________________________________



As the sun went down behind the iconic White Cliffs on Monday 25 July, Dover Cruise Port, Britain’s second most popular cruise destination, bade a fond farewell to Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic for the final call of the 2016 season.

The Port of Dover ensured that cruise passengers had a memorable embarkation by arranging for them to be greeted in Cruise Terminal 2 by the sounds of The Shard Quartet, a saxophone quartet featuring some of the UK’s most prolific and pioneering young musicians, playing a medley of Disney classics to the delight of all.

Soon, with all passengers on board, it was time to sail. The majestic Disney Magic announced her departure to the tune of "When You Wish Upon a Star" and swept into Dover Harbour past a spectacular water salute from the Port of Dover tugboats and safely on her way to her next destination.

Head of Business Development (Cruise), Sonia Limbrick said: "It continues to be another fantastic year for Dover Cruise Port, and it has been an honour to have the Disney Magic visit us four times this year. I would like to thank Disney Cruise Line for their continued support this year and am looking forward to their return to Dover next summer."

Ends


Thanks to the guys at the Port for the message above and for the stunning picture at the top of page. Ace work! I have added an extra picture below .. but bear with ... the colours went a wee bit askew here as the tugboats sprayed a Disney farewell. We had some annoying gremlins in the gubbins...I've used a technical term there. But I mustn't drone on...
PaulB - By the way, scroll down and over for more pictures of Disney Magic..or use our search engine above. Easy peasy !



Mike photographed survey vessel Vigilant previously ( post 2895) and here she is again prowling up and down the channel over the past few days. She is now in Port here but with the weather the way it is no further pictures were possible.

For anyone confused, this is the other Vigilant below....
photographed in fine style by Sarah Hewes, our roving correspondent. The Border Force are in the news again this morning, with MP's calling on the Royal Navy to supplement the meagre three ships Border Force currently have available...
they being off the top of head. Vigilant, Valiant and Seeker.


Below we have an added extra pic to add to the mix, this time of Simon Jones reporting for the BBCTV yesterday at 6.30PM...photographed on the seafront here in Dover.


Great and interesting posts from all the team below. Colette, Sarah, Ed, Mike, Vic..well done guys. Ace work!



Wednesday, 3 August 2016 - 06:01

 

Post 3386

  Colette B, Dover

CRUISES VISITS
_____________

And now we continue with our August cruises, there have been no cruise calls over the last 3 Days, it seems it's either a famine or a feast. Lo and Behold we can now look forward to 3 cruise ships all on the same day, this coming Thursday August 4th

Saga Sapphire returns to us at CT1, T/R, she cruises in at approximately 08.00 leaving at 16.00 hours.

After a two year absence the Seabourn Quest graces us with her presence at CT2, T/R + PoC, she arrives from her Norwegian Fjords cruise via Stockholm at 07.00 hours and leaves at 17.00 hours. She is a luxury cruise ship and offers 225 luxury suites, 6 bars & lounges, 4 dining venues and a fabulous seabourn spa. She will be off on her British Isles and Irish cruise, first stop Torquay. After many ports of call she will visit my home town of Dublin and arrive back in Dover from Cork on August 20th.

The third call of the day which is not on my list, but I've noticed her visit on the Port of Dover site is the MV Hamburg at CT3 PoC, arrival time approx 08.30 leaving at 19.30 hours. Built in 1997 in Wismar, Germany, she is a 15,000-ton 420 passenger luxury cruise ship, her last PoC was Bremerhaven, Germany. She was last here in May 2015.

Tuesday August 9th Oceana Cruises, Insignia (we have not seen her since Sept 2011) arrives at CT1 T/R, at 08.00 and departs at 20.00 hours. She cruises to Magnificent destinations around the world and is on her 19 Day cruise to Rome, calling at some exciting ports of call including, Le Havre, St Malo, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Lisbon, Alicante .... Monte Carlo, get me on this cruise

Friday August 12th Pacific Princess returns to CT2, T/R, arriving at 05.00 leaving at 17.00 hours.

Then on Sunday August 14th Saga Pearl ll is back with us at CT1 T/R, arrives at 08.00 and departs at 16.00 hour approx.

Enjoy the above cruise ships and I will be back mid-August


Tuesday, 2 August 2016 - 20:16

 

Post 3385

  Sarah, Ramsgate

Trinity House Vessel "Galatea" was busy off Ramsgate this morning, sadly the weather was awful so the photos are not the best.

Windfarm Vessel "Typhoon Tow" & THV Galatea



Galatea's No 1 Tender









Tuesday, 2 August 2016 - 15:52

 

Post 3384

  vic matcham, Dover

When I was a boy my dad would take us down to the front and we would walk along by the sea and you walk in and pick out with your hands the fish lots of the public would be doing the same it was fun for us,then take them home and cook them and even sold some on.

Tuesday, 2 August 2016 - 03:43

 

Post 3383

  Ed Connell, Dover

Further to all these fascinating pictures of sprats and mackerels, Dover used to play host to a fleet of drifters which followed the annual migration of herring around the coast. This photo shows the fishing fleet gathered in the Camber in the early fifties. In the centre is the Lowestoft drifter Impregnable (LT1118). The Camber has long been filled in, of course, and the area where the drifters are congregated is now occupied by the Check-In Plaza for the ferries. Photo taken from the DHB Official Handbook 1954.


Tuesday, 2 August 2016 - 03:05

 

Post 3382

  Mike J., Dover

Re Paul’s post with the photos of the ‘sprat attacks’ the shoals of sprats attract shoals of mackerel who themselves attract shoals of anglers who were packing the landward section of the Admiralty Pier on Monday morning.
The outer part of the pier, beyond the turret, was closed.


There is always a boom in anglers on the pier when the mackerel are running & the Dover Sea Angling watchman on the pier usually has a lot of mess to clear up after some of the visitors.



Also on Monday & alongside the DAVID CHURCH was the smart little survey vessel EGS PIONEER who started life in 1975 as the Royal Norwegian Navy patrol boar ADA WAAGE & was converted for survey work in 2011.
She was still alongside on Monday night.



Another visitor was The Border Agency cutter SEEKER who was in the old Jetfoil terminal.




Monday, 1 August 2016 - 22:28

 

Post 3381

  vic matcham, Dovor

Our MP is like a longplaying record saying the same old thing and talking but not acting .

Monday, 1 August 2016 - 17:20

 

Post 3380

  Sea News, Dover

Local MP Charlie Elphicke looks at the dire traffic situation.
The traffic was reasonably good this weekend until the DFDS Computer System failed and from 5pm yesterday Sunday we have been stuck near-solid again...see pic further down...and it remains that way right now, and all through the long night it was tail to tail misery.

(UPDATE @ 09.30 - the worst appears to be over for now, traffic flowing into Port )


CHARLIE ELPHICKE : My plan for investment to restore order at the border
___________________________________________________________

Once again Dover was plunged into traffic chaos over the weekend as 14-hour queues built up at the port. The delays were caused by French border officials. Our Government was warned this situation was developing. It should have been prepared. But the Government was caught sleeping at the wheel. This must change.

It's always the same story. Every year we have a nightmare on roads, whether it's caused by French workers striking, bad weather or even migrants storming the Port of Calais. Every year the people of Dover suffer and feel trapped. We can't carry on like this. It's wrong for people to be stuck for 14 hours in the sweltering heat. Nor can we stand by while the lifeblood is sucked out of Dover. We need a plan to restore order at the border.

We must start by ridding Dover of gridlock. We can no longer tolerate tailbacks in the town. Port traffic needs to be moved into a tunnel. This would mean the people of Dover would be able to move around. While the Dover town centre could once again be connected with its stunning seafront. Dover town would be transformed - the pride of the White Cliffs and a Jewel in the crown of the nation.

Road capacity has to increase. Dover is the busiest ferry port in the World. Incredibly the A2 into Dover from the North is just a single track road. Meanwhile the M20 peters out at Folkestone and turns into an A road. We need full motorways, able to handle port traffic at all times.

After last year's annual Kent traffic crisis, the Government finally agreed to build a car and lorry park. It's still on the drawing board. They need to stop dithering and get on with it. We need the park to get traffic off the roads when disaster strikes. That way the people of Kent will be able to go about their business while weary travellers can get food, water and go to the toilet.

Finally it's time we had major investment in the port and town of Dover. The British Government has handed over tens of millions of pounds to Calais to help bolster their borders. Now we need investment at home. The port must be able to hold more traffic and do security checks more efficiently. The Government must help connect our town to our harbour. Yet investment cannot stop at the seafront. It must be used to transform our town centre and give us the foundations upon which to build something great. To create Destination Dover. Our town has a proud history. Now it it's time to build its future.

To restore order at the border: Dig a tunnel. Fix our roads. Bust the gridlock. And make Dover the destination it deserves to be.


Charlie Elphicke MP for Dover and Deal.

___________

This picture below taken at 8PM last night Sunday shows life in the fast lane once more. People getting out of their cars, having a chat, having a fag, even going to answer the call of mother nature in the adjacent bushes. Where will it end? When will it end?


Below..The Norgas Orinda spotted just offshore on Saturday morning. She is an LNG Tanker...you will remember Ed's pictures of the huge new LNG ( Liquefied Natural Gas ) terminal in Dunkerque post 2855. There wasn't any detail about the ships path at the time of pic, she paused in Dover and perhaps was heading on to Dunkerque to the new terminal.






Monday, 1 August 2016 - 07:23

 

Post 3379

  Sea News, Dover

We are having that annual but all too brief situation along the seafront...shoals of mackerel feeding. Yes there has indeed been, over the past few days and particularly evenings, near frenzied feeding taking place. The shoals are chasing small sprats in demented fashion right along the shoreline. The terrified sprats in turn dash for the safety of the beach...only sadly to be eaten by the hanging hovering hording seagulls. Yes its a tough life being a sprat and no mistake. Rock and hard place springs to mind...

I tried to photograph it but as most of it happens underwater you can see the difficulties. I've made some of the pictures as big as I can so hopefully all can see...

You can see the mackerel breaking the surface of the water above there while the seagulls wait in eager anticipation.

If you look closely below the surface in the pic above you can just see the shoals dashing about.

The unfortunate sprats dash for the safety of the beach, you can see them above there leaping about. The seagulls eat them while they are wriggling and jumping. The interesting thing is...after they are dead the seagulls don't appear to touch them. Rather odd as you would think seagulls would eat any thing at any time. But there you are..a sophisticated palate...connoisseurs of fine dining.

So many people were looking deep into the water that the police launch feared the worst, a body or some such, they called the land police who came to check it out...but then they understood what was happening. Fascinating. It was somewhat amusing on several occasions watching local swimmers wondering whether to actually go in the water...and some did but some weren't so sure about swimming with the fishes. Well...you don't want your assets nibbled do you!?
PB


Never a dull moment!

Sunday, 31 July 2016 - 06:57

 

Post 3378

  Sea News, Dover

Some pictures above there of the Lady Racisce arriving with us here at Dover a few mornings ago. It was early but not quite as early as the 5am departure for the Messina Strait a day earlier ...see below. Also with us in the past few days was Swedish Reefer. Yours truly could have swore he got pictures of that one but cant find them...not in camera, not on computer.
Yikes! The ghost in the machine.
So as you can see a busy few days indeed for the cargo side of things here at the Port of Dover.

Hold on to yer hat its Black Saturday! So far all traffic seems to be running okay at 06.33.
UPDATE at 09.50 : still no queues into the Port of Dover at the moment. Compared to last weekend its a total breeze..
PB.



Saturday, 30 July 2016 - 06:35

 

Post 3377

  Sea News, Dover

The Pacific Princess moving away this evening about 5.15pm. Its a bit more blustery/choppy than you might expect this time of year but no doubt all will be fine 'n' dandy onboard. They are heading on down to St Helier in Jersey.

Just adding this extra shot of a tall ship meandering up channel about 20 mins ago as I write. It is called the Stad Amsterdam. The picture isn't great as the visibility is a bit poor over the long range. Even though it is poor you can still see Hotel de Ville in Calais in the distance...so its good and bad at the same time...if that makes sense...




We had a busy week of cargo ships calling, all in the past few days ...will aim to have a selection tomorrow.
PB.



Friday, 29 July 2016 - 19:30

 

Post 3376

  Sea News, Dover

Port of Dover's summary of the recent Event...


Fourth Community Regatta is a resounding success
_________________________________________


The sun glinted off the turquoise sea in Dover harbour on Saturday 23 July as the Port of Dover Community Regatta got underway. It was ‘anchors aweigh’ at 9.30am with the start of the Port Dash, which saw teams race across the harbour in Thames cutters, pitting their wits against the waves and challenging their strength to raise funds for this year’s charity, the Dover Sea Cadets.

The contest was hard fought but congratulations go to The Wacky Racers for winning the challenging final. A total of £1260 was raised for the Dover Sea Cadets – well done to all involved.

Thanks go to the Hythe Bay Restaurant and P&O Ferries for providing the fantastic prizes and to the Dover Sea Cadets for providing the Coxswains, a Safety Boat and the Beach Masters, Riley’s Marine for providing the main Community Boat and a Safety Boat and the Royal Cinque Port Yacht Club for providing the buoys for this "oar-some" event.

Lunchtime was no time to ‘pipe down’ for the Dover Sea Cadets Band as they provided the music in the arena.

Then it was ‘all hands on deck’ for the Dover RNLI crew who wowed onlookers with their breath-taking recreation of a man-overboard scenario and rescue. Thanks to the brave crewmen of the Dover Lifeboat for showcasing their skills and entertaining the crowds again this year.

There was no ‘taking the wind from the sails’ of the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Race as they sprinted across the harbour to the finish line.

Along with all of this the day also included a classic car display, free sailing tasters, and other activities including a children’s fun fair and sporting activities with Dover Rugby Club. Stalls lined the seafront offering everything from food, drinks, crafts and community information to local produce, glitter tattoos and charities.

Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, Tim Waggott said: "The Port of Dover Community Regatta has always been a fantastic free summer family event along our beautiful seafront. Bringing the Port and the community together, it is always a triumph but this year has been exceptional. As well as a superb day of entertainment, by joining forces with the Dover Music Festival, the first ever ‘Dover Festival’ weekend event was launched at our magnificent Cruise Terminal 1 building to the delight of the music fans attending."

"I would personally like to thank everyone who made this event possible for all of their exceptionally hard work and dedication to our commitment to be the best port in the world for our customers and our community. My thanks also go to all of those who supported and participated in the weekend’s events, helping make this years’ flagship summer event another resounding success."

Ends
Colourful postcard of the busy busy Regatta day.


Interesting pictures below there Mike of the demolition. Its all happening!

Friday, 29 July 2016 - 07:38

 

Post 3375

  Mike J., Dover

Nibbling away at the Prince of Wales on Thursday morning.





Out at sea the monster MSC SVEVA headed down channel, bound for Algeciras.



Friday, 29 July 2016 - 07:07

 

Post 3374

  ColetteB, Dover

Fantabulous photos there of the awesome 'Disney Magic' leaving us for the final time this season. What a send-off!! Our Tugboats done her proud with copious amounts of spraying, I'm guessing it wasn't champagne!!

Thursday, 28 July 2016 - 15:36

 

Post 3373

  Sea News, Dover

DISNEY PICTURE SPECIAL
_______________________

But first...... the Port of Dover have issued the following statement re the upcoming weekend.....



Port of Dover advice for customers this weekend:

Alongside our ferry operator partners, the Port of Dover has spoken with UK and French authorities this week. Whilst we do not anticipate further severe delays, this remains our busiest time of the year and we do expect increased traffic volumes as the holiday season continues to get underway.

Currently, roads to the Port remain clear and free flowing and there are no queues inside the Port.

To ensure passenger welfare we advise those travelling to the Port of Dover to watch our Twitter feed @PoD_travelnews and our website doverport.co.uk for regular travel updates and allow plenty of time for your journey. We suggest customers pack sufficient food and water, blankets and anything else you may require should your journey be extended.

On arrival at the Port, please check the overhead gantry for your correct lane, stay in your lane and remain in your vehicle. Have your passports ready and open on the photo page for French border control to speed up the process.

In summary, the Port of Dover is not expecting severe delays this weekend but advises those travelling to the Port to be properly prepared.

We would once again like to thank our customers for their continued support and wish them a pleasant journey.


Ends


* * *

And now some wow-factor pictures up close of the Disney Magic departing, complete with spraying tugboats, giving the huge ship a glorious send-off...as she moves away for the final time this year. She had a true Dover welcome throughout all her summer visits. And like they say in all the best movies ... Come Back Soon!

Many thanks to my ace Port colleague for the pictures below. Great work!






One needed long arms to get this one of the early arrival


Huge thanks once again for the pictures. Cracking shots!
See also more Disney on 2915.






Thursday, 28 July 2016 - 06:37