Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 3291

  Sea News, Dover

AN OPEN LETTER FROM PORT LEADER TIM WAGGOTT FOLLOWING THE EU REFERENDUM
______________________________________________________________________



Uncertainty has been one of the defining characteristics across our wide and diverse British life since last week’s vote to leave the European Union. The town, people and businesses of Dover are no different. Everyone is rightly concerned about what the future holds for them.

Set against this background, however, there is a cast iron certainty – the Dover Western Docks Revival is already happening. Nobody should be in any doubt about that, just take a walk to the seafront and see what is going on today.

The project’s future is not, and never was, entirely dependent on EU funding. We would have been extremely unwise to put all our funding eggs in one basket when designing a project so crucial to our future. As for the grants we have already been awarded by the EU, there is nothing to suggest they will be taken away, but there is no cast iron guarantee and there could possibly be more remote consequences of this in the later years of the project as an exit is negotiated. We will be working as hard as we can to reduce that uncertainty and ensure a strong future for our customers and community.

Dover Western Docks Revival has Government backing for a very good reason. It will create additional cargo capacity in a port which already handles 17 per cent of the UK’s import/export trade in goods. It will create high quality employment opportunities. And it will certainly act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Dover.

In this post referendum period, projects like Dover Western Docks Revival are more important than ever. As Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, said only this week, investment in infrastructure sends a very clear signal to the rest of the world that Britain, and therefore its most important Port, is still very much open for business.

At this time there is one unshakeable certainty - whatever the future holds for our country, we will always be an island, we will always need ships to carry our supplies and exports, and we will always need ports like Dover to service those ships.

Tim Waggott
Chief Executive
Port of Dover


Many thanks to the guys at the Port and indeed to Tim Waggott himself for the message above.



Some pictures now of the departing Saga Sapphire from last evening at 4.30pm. She slowly reversed out with the help of the tug shown ( Dauntless) and headed off down the coast to Portsmouth....so a relatively short hop in comparison to some. It was bright and fresh for departure but we appear to be back in slate grey mode for the the visit of the Pacific Princess this morning. PB.








Friday, 1 July 2016 - 07:44

 

Post 3290

  Sea News, Dover

Above we have the West Winds which I understand is a swimming support vessel. Picture taken a couple of days ago. The vessel is supporting the swimmer in the water just ahead of it, rather than about to run him down. The weather and visibility have been abysmal so it is quite difficult at the moment capturing some interesting shots. Yesterday was almost as turbulent here as it is on the political scene at Westminster...


In the background you can see the resting rower...still with us.
also in today is the Saga Sapphire.

Huge thanks to Colette for the Cruise List below. Great stuff!
and equally huge thanks to Mike for the fascinating pictures from Rye
...nice town Rye, that must have been quite a sight in the flesh as it were.


Thursday, 30 June 2016 - 15:25

 

Post 3289

  ColetteB, Dover

Cruise Visits
__________

And now for some July Cruises

Tomorrow Friday July 1st, once again the beautiful Pacific Princess arrives at CT1, T/R. She arrives at 05:00 and departs at 17:00hrs. We will have the pleasure of her company a few more times again this season

Then on Monday July 4th, Saga Pearl 11 is back with us again at CT1, T/R. Arrives at Midnight and leaves at Midnight on July 5th.

The following day Tuesday July 5th, Saga Sapphire returns to CT1, T/R at midnight, she leaves at midnight on July 6th.

Wednesday July 6th, Cruise & Maritime’s truly stylish, premium four star cruise liner ‘Astor’ returns to Dover after an absence of almost 3yrs. She will cruise into CT1, POC, arriving at 06:00 and departing at 20:00hrs. She was last here in September 2013. She was extensively refurbished in 2010, is fully stabilised and air-conditioned with accommodation for just 600 privileged guests. The unique size of Astor offers an intimate country house style allowing you to enjoy the camaraderie that comes from being among a select number of guests and to be pampered by the very attentive crew

Then Friday July 8th, we have a double header when Fred Olsen’s ‘ Black Watch’ cruises once again into CT2 at midnight for Debark only the following morning and Saga’s ‘Saga Pearl 11’ arrives back with us at CT1, T/R, she comes in at midnight and leaves midnight on July 9th.

The following day Saturday July 9th Princess Cruise’s Awesome World Cruise Liner ‘Sea Princess’ is here with us in Dover at CT2, T/R +POC after an absence of 3yrs. She will arrive at 07:00 and depart at 23:00hrs. Feast your eyes on this Razzmatazz of a truly impressive cruise liner, I would certainly love to relax in their Premier Cru – Champagne bar. There is a choice of four cruise segments on this cruise, London (Dover) to New York, 5 ports, 11 days, to Sydney, 19 ports, 49 days, to Brisbane, 20 ports, 51 days and to Fremantle, 27 ports, 66 days. This is a great photo opportunity so I hope the weather is kind on the day

No more cruises until Friday July 15th, be back then


Thursday, 30 June 2016 - 13:32

 

Post 3288

  Mike J., Dover

Excellent picture of the SOMA OF ESSEX !
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Rower - remember the movie ?

A few pix of the arrival & departure of the BALMORAL at Rye Harbour early Tuesday evening after coming down from Gravesend.
She was only alongside for about 25 minutes before sailing for Portsmouth, trailed by the pilot launch, for a few days on the Solent.












Wednesday, 29 June 2016 - 08:50

 

Post 3287

  Sea News, Dover

DOVER HARBOUR BOARD CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCED
_________________________________________

Richard Everitt CBE appointed


The Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin MP has appointed Richard Everitt CBE as the new Chairman of Dover Harbour Board. Mr Everitt will take up the role from 1 July 2016. He replaces George Jenkins OBE who stands down after taking the helm in 2013.

Commenting on his appointment Mr Everitt said:

"It is a privilege to be asked to lead the Dover Harbour Board at this time. The Port is a vital part of the transport infrastructure of this country and I look forward to working with the Board and the whole team at the Port as we continue to build strong links with the Dover Community and our Customers and invest for future growth."

Reflecting on the news, Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:

"Richard Everitt brings a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge; with his support in leading our excellent Board through the many challenges ahead I continue to look forward to a bright future for the Port of Dover, our customers and community."

"On behalf of the management team and our stakeholders I want to thank George Jenkins for his contribution as Chairman. I am proud of all we have achieved together".

Outgoing Chairman, George Jenkins, said:

"I have really enjoyed my time with the Dover Harbour Board. We have made great strides in the last few years, and I wish Richard every success in the continuing journey of this great organisation."


Ends


The container ship Berwick in-close to Port yesterday afternoon...probably dropping off a pilot. She is currently on her way from Antwerp to the Port of Turbo in Columbia... long haul for sure. The pilot didn't want to go that far...







Wednesday, 29 June 2016 - 05:48

 

Post 3286

  Sea News, Dover

Here we are Mike...round Britain rower Charlie Pitcher.. aboard SOMA of ESSEX..



Looks like he is checking his fan mail above there. More info from Mike in the post below. PB.




Tuesday, 28 June 2016 - 15:11

 

Post 3285

  Mike J., Dover

Midday Tuesday - just noticed on AIS a 'target' close-in to the base of the Prince of Wales, not where you normally see yachts.

She's showing as SOMA OF ESSEX & I assumed that she was a yacht much closer in than usual.

Googling her name showed that she was not a conventional yacht, but something completely different.
She's a 'long-distance rowing boat' & is apparently on a 'Round the UK' fundraising trip.

If he stays where he is [anchored ?] Mr.B should be able to get a good shot from his lookout post.


Plenty of info on the internet - a typical piece -

. . . . An intrepid sailor has set off on his bid to become the first person to row solo around the British Isles.

Charlie Pitcher, a father-of-four from Felsted, has previously twice broken the world record for the fastest solo row across the Atlantic.

He will now attempt to circumnavigate the British Isles in his grey one-man ocean-going rowing boat, named Soma.

The 52-year-old is hoping to complete his mission and raise money for three charities, the RNLI, The C Group and Big Change . . . . . .




Tuesday, 28 June 2016 - 12:20

 

Post 3284

  Sea News, Dover

Leaving Calais...onboard the Calais Seaways...




On the day was hoping to be outgoing on one of the Cote ships just to see what they were like since the transformation...it was scheduled, but with the intense security taking hours, we missed the ship. The ferry companies however at the moment are very accommodating and are passenger friendly, they put you on the next available ship with a smile and a sigh....

An extra pic below..... of our ol friend the refinery. Well it looks like a refinery anyway. Might be a grain silo...


Will watch for Balmoral today Mike. Thanks for the info PB.

Tuesday, 28 June 2016 - 07:01

 

Post 3283

  Mike J., Dover

White Funnel's BALMORAL will pass Dover on Tuesday afternoon bound for Rye Harbour at the end of her Thames season.

Today she is circumnavigating the Isle of Sheppey.

The WAVERLEY will be in the area late September/early October &, as usual, will NOT be calling at Dover.






Monday, 27 June 2016 - 12:49

 

Post 3282

  Sea News, Dover

Port of Dover Responds to EU Referendum
Responding to the EU Referendum result, Port of Dover Chief Executive Tim Waggott said:

"Naturally there is uncertainty following the outcome of the EU referendum, on that we have been clear for some time. Our organisation, our community and our business partners have risen to many challenges in the past and I am sure we will continue to do so in order that Dover retains its rightful position as a key port delivering for our island nation.

Europe remains the UK’s biggest export market, it is also the supplier of a large proportion of our imports, and the estimated £119billion of trade in goods handled via the Port of Dover will very definitely not cease overnight.

We will remain resolute in our commitment to being the best port in the world for our customers and community, however that world changes from time to time, and dare I say as it has been constantly changing throughout the last 410 years since our organisation has been responsible for this gateway."


Ends


Lets hope all the great trade continues without a significant dip.
And speaking of trade...pictures below of the Hellas Reefer arriving yesterday morning Sunday....





and just to add a wider shot of the arrival..

Hellas Reefer has already left us again and is now enroute to Hamburg in Germany.






Monday, 27 June 2016 - 06:23

 

Post 3281

  Sea News, Dover

A couple of pictures here of the Aegean Odyssey from saturday. The top shot shows her arriving in the weak early morning light and the pic below shows her departing later in the day at 17.15 for Honfleur. Ahhh Honfleur is a real delight so I bet all will have a great time there...and I bet there's not too much hardship onboard either.



Nice pictures below there from Mike and Sarah...don't miss those. Great info Mike.
Cracking top shot of the Lifeboats Sarah...wowser!


Sunday, 26 June 2016 - 06:32

 

Post 3280

  Mike J., Dover

The CLIFFWATER coming in to bunker the BLACK WATCH on Saturday morning.
I think that this is her first visit to Dover.



A more frequent visitor to Dover is the LS CONCORDE, usually only seen at a distance as she bunkers the cruise ships, but on Friday morning she was heading up the Thames & a 'closer-upper-view' was possible.



You can see on her decks the big black floating fenders that she deploys when coming alongside ships that she is about to bunker.
They're usually nicknamed 'Yokos' after the Japanese rubber company in Yokohama who introduced them, DHB use many of them on the cruise berths & the Eastern Arm.

Our regular tanker for bunkering the ferries, the CORALWATER, was anchored off Rotterdam on Saturday evening, waiting to go in to load.



Saturday, 25 June 2016 - 23:59

 

Post 3279

  Sarah, Ramsgate

It was Walmer's Lifeboat today. Dover Lifeboat joined the two Walmer Lifeboats for a display at the end of the event.






Saturday, 25 June 2016 - 19:01

 

Post 3278

  Sea News, Dover

While enjoying a glass of wine or two at Cullins Yard ( as ye dooo ) I was delighted to see this artist at work in the glorious sunshine. He is as many will know at the very edge of Dover Marina doing his thing and making an excellent job of it by all accounts. One didn't like to disturb him to get his name but artist extraordinaire if you are looking in let us know....

I gave the ancient Nikon another run out on the day and it still produces the occasional good shot. All these pictures were taken on....ermmm Thursday. The pictures below were taken a little time after the top pic.. on the sizzling seafront. First following pic shows one of the P&O Spirit ferries across the highish tide, and the other colourful shots show the natural 'meadow' on the seafront...




* *

Now we don't really do politics on here on the Sea News pages but as these are momentous times we realise people generally might want to read this letter below from the Prime Minister...it came through yesterday....



Dear Paul,

The country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise, perhaps the biggest in our history. Over 33 million people from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar, have all had their say. We should be proud of the fact that in these islands, we trust the people with these big decisions. We not only have a parliamentary democracy but on questions about the arrangements for how we are governed, there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves, and that is what we have done. We not only have a parliamentary democracy but on questions about the arrangements for how we are governed, there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves, and that is what we have done.


The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected. I want to thank everyone who took part in the campaign on my side of the argument, including all those who put aside party differences to speak in what they believed was the national interest. And let me congratulate all those who took part in the Leave campaign for the spirited and passionate case that they made. The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organisations about the significance of this decision so there can be no doubt about the result.

Across the world, people have been watching the choice that Britain has made.

I would reassure those markets and investors that Britain's economy is fundamentally strong and I would also reassure Brits living in European countries and European citizens living here that they will be no immediate changes in your circumstances. There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold. We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union. This will need to involve a full engagement of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments to ensure that the interests of all parts of our UK are protected and advanced. But above all, this will require strong, determined and committed leadership.


I am very proud and honoured to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years. I believe we have made great steps, with more people in work than ever before in our history, with reforms to welfare and education, increasing people's life chances, building a bigger and stronger society, keeping our promises to the poorest people in the world and enabling those who love each other to get married whatever their sexuality. But above all restoring Britain's economic strength. And I'm grateful to everyone who has helped to make that happen. I've also always believed that we have to confront big decisions, not duck them. That is why we delivered the first Coalition Government in 70 years, to bring our economy back from the brink. It's why we delivered a fair, legal and decisive referendum in Scotland and it’s why I made the pledge to renegotiate Britain's position in the European Union and hold a referendum on our membership and have carried those things out.


I fought this campaign in the only way I know how, which is to say directly and passionately what I think and feel, head, heart and soul. I held nothing back. I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union. And I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone. Not the future of any single politician, including myself. But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path. And as such I think the country requires a fresh leadership, to take it in this direction.


I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months, but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination. This is not a decision I have taken lightly. But I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required. There is no need for a precise timetable today, but in my view we should aim to have a new Prime Minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October. Delivering stability will be important and I will continue in post is Prime Minister, with my Cabinet, for the next three months.


The Cabinet will meet on Monday, the governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps that the Bank and Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets. We will also continue taking forward the important legislation that we set before Parliament in the Queen's speech. I have spoken to Her Majesty the Queen this morning and advised of the steps I am taking. Negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new Prime Minister and I think it is right that this new Prime Minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU. I will attend the European Council next week to explain the decision the British people had taken and my own decision. The British people have made a choice. That not only needs to be respected, but those on the losing side of the argument, myself included, should help to make it work.


Britain is a special country. We have so many great advantages. A parliamentary democracy where we resolve issues about our future through peaceful debate. A great trading nation with our science and arts, our engineering and creativity, respected the world over. And while we are not perfect I do believe we can be a model of a multiracial, multi-faith democracy where people can come and make a contribution and rise to the very highest that their talent allows. Although leaving Europe was not the path I recommended, I'm the first to praise our incredible strengths. I said before that Britain can survive outside the European Union and indeed that we could find a way. Now the decision has been made to leave, we need to find the best way. And I will do everything I can to help. I love this country, and I feel honoured to have served it. And I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed.


Thank you very much,


David Cameron


ENDS.





Aegean Odyssey and the Black Watch in today saturday...another double header. PB.

Saturday, 25 June 2016 - 07:02

 

Post 3277

  Sea News, Dover

The Saga Sapphire leaving us yesterday at about 4.30 PM...
The big news this morning is of course that the UK has voted to leave the European Union. A brave but uncertain new world awaits....

Friday, 24 June 2016 - 07:15

 

Post 3276

  Sea News, Dover

With the storm raging all about us you can just make out the delta shape in the water last night of a late lone swimmer (8.30pm )...a serious swimmer too by the looks of it. With Armageddon raging to the left of us and Armageddon raging to the right of us...on he goes, powering through the water and the storm at speed. What would have made the menacing picture complete was a lightning flash in the threatening sky but you cant have everything..

Earlier in the evening the Artania departed for Amsterdam...it was obviously brighter but with a grey mist everywhere, so picture range limited.



Thursday, 23 June 2016 - 06:43

 

Post 3275

  Sea News, Dover

The Artania arriving this morning at 07.07 ...




Many thanks Vic, I am sure all the team will appreciate that message below..

Nice work below there from Andrew over at Ramsgate. Thanks to Mike for putting them up.
Well done to Ed once again and of course also nice work from our 'roving correspondent' Sarah H. Will watch for the departing Artania later but the visibility is...well..



Wednesday, 22 June 2016 - 15:07

 

Post 3274

  Vic Matcham, Dovor

Again I can only add to what all the public say that look into the sea news pages, they are great photos and good write ups about what you can see by looking at them, and news of this major world port of ours, if it was not for this page I for one would not be logging into the forum,Thank you for all that do the photos and run the sea news.

Wednesday, 22 June 2016 - 05:39

 

Post 3273

  Mike J., Dover

As the BALMORAL sailed yesterday [Paul's post 2814] she was followed out by her bunker barge, the Gibraltar-flagged SULLBERG.
Minutes later both disappeared into the fog which persisted until about midday today.



Sarah has competition in Ramsgate !
Last Thursday a pal of mine had a busy half hour there in perfect light.


The brand new Eastonian-built pilot boat AHTO-15 came in for fuel after attending the SEAWORK trade show in Southampton the previous week.
The pilot boat ESTUARY WARDEN & the TITAN DISCOVERY are wellknown Ramsgate 'residents'






Ramgate photos courtesy of Andrew Humphreys

Tuesday, 21 June 2016 - 21:59

 

Post 3272

  Ed Connell, Dover

Esmeralda at the DCT today.




Tuesday, 21 June 2016 - 20:07