Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 3129

  Ed Connell, Dover

Tug Pegasus with tow proceeding up into the Downs this morning.


Friday, 13 May 2016 - 08:54

 

Post 3128

  Mike J., Dover

My ship is so small !
Arrival of IBERICA HAV from Rouen early Thursday afternoon to load grain on CT1.











I have been shown a most interesting ‘painting’ painted to commemorate the closure of the RMT Dover/Ostend service in 1993.

The owner has kindly allowed me to post a photo of the painting on Sea News.
Would anyone know where the picture was originally displayed ?

The ferry is instantly recognisable of course but if we have any rail experts amongst the readership I’d be interested to know the ‘class’ of the EMU.
Thanks.





Time flies - almost 23 years since the ‘Ostenders’ stopped running from Dover & the PRINS FILIP Is now on her 9th name !


Thursday, 12 May 2016 - 23:35

 

Post 3127

  ColetteB, Dover

Lovely to see the Ocean Endeavour did arrive at midnight tuesday night, she was a late addition to the schedule. She has an interesting history for sure. Hopefully her passengers and crew will enjoy the delights of Dover before she once again slips away into the dead of night

There maybe another late addition tomorrow, but it looks doubtful at this moment in time.

Thursday, 12 May 2016 - 12:15

 

Post 3126

  Ed Connell, Dover

Atlantic Acanthus at the DCT this morning. Not seen this one before.


Thursday, 12 May 2016 - 07:41

 

Post 3125

  Sea News, Dover

We were hampered by thick fog for most of the day yesterday..that lonely fog-warning pulse was ringing out across the harbour all day. Yours truly couldn't see a thing. Eventually it all began to clear as you can see in Jeremy's excellent pictures below page. It revealed a startling secret...the Ocean Endeavour was over at Cruise Terminal One. I don't think that one was on our list, it may have been an extra caller.

Quite an unusual ship, now a cruise liner, but started life back in the days of the Soviet Union, first registered in 1982 way out in Vladivostok of all places. You couldn't get further away from Dover if you tried and here she is....all those years later. She was first called Konstantin Simonov and has had many names since.

Only got one poorish picture alas.

Thanks to Ed for the picture below there...great as ever.
Thanks to Vic for the comment...good you are still enjoying it Vic.
Well done Colette with the Cruise List
and of course thanks once again to Jeremy for the ace fog pictures down below. Great stuff!


Thursday, 12 May 2016 - 06:35

 

Post 3124

  vic matcham, Dover

Some great photos there even when we was in Scotland we looked each morning at them.

Thursday, 12 May 2016 - 02:08

 

Post 3123

  Ed Connell, Dover

Esmeralda at the DCT yesterday.


Thursday, 12 May 2016 - 01:43

 

Post 3122

  ColetteB, Dover

CRUISE VISITS
______________


This Friday 13th May, heralds the return of the Black Watch to Dover at CT2. We haven't seen this fine lady since June 2014, Welcome Home She is embarking on a Special Norwegian cruise taking in scenic fjords and celebrations in beautiful Bergen.

The following day, Saturday 14th May another Fred Olsen cruise arrives, the familiar Braemar at CT2, Debark.

Monday 16th May, the second AIDA cruise this season arrives at CT1, PoC. It's the very impressive AIDAsol, she was here in August last year.

On the same day 16th May, we have a treat in store when the awesome Costa Pacifica arrives at CT2, PoC. She was last here in September 2015.

'A Foggy Day in Dover town', Good Shots Jeremy
I was kept awake for most of the night with the haunting sounds of the fog horn.

Be back again soon with more cruises





Wednesday, 11 May 2016 - 21:12

 

Post 3121

  Jeremy Ward, Whitfield, Dover

Some very foggy photo's taken this afternoon from the White Cliffs.


Wednesday, 11 May 2016 - 17:10

 

Post 3120

  Sea News, Dover

Record month for DFDS on Dover-France freight service
______________________________________________





DFDS recorded a record month for freight on its Dover to France routes in March, carrying more than 110,000 vehicles for the first time.

The company reached the milestone following the introduction of two new ships, the Cotes des Dunes and the Cotes des Flandres, on its Dover-Calais service to provide 15 daily departures each way on the route. DFDS also offers 12 daily departures each way on its Dover-Dunkirk service.

The growth in volumes for the company comes as it launches a new online booking service for freight customers, making it possible for operators to book shipments directly with DFDS via its website. The new booking service can be used on a variety of devices including desktop computers, tablets and smartphones and offers the option to search schedules, track shipments and view real-time departure and arrival information.

Customers can access the new online booking service
www.dfds.com/freight-shipping/book-and-track-online
It is not available for operators booking special loads such as wind turbines, over-sized shipments or other special cargo, which will continue to be booked via a dedicated specialist customer service team.

Wayne Bullen, freight sales director for DFDS on the Channel, said: "We’re delighted to achieve this major milestone, growing our freight business on our routes to France and surpassing the 110,000 vehicle mark for the month. We’ll continue working to provide a superior customer experience and our new online booking service is just one example of how we’re working to make the whole booking and travel experience easier for our
customers."

-Ends-


PICTURE BY GEORGE HOLLAND


EXTRA ....

Record result for DFDS on Newcastle-Amsterdam route
_____________________________________________

Award-winning ferry operator DFDS enjoyed a record year on its Newcastle to Amsterdam service in 2015, carrying more than 580,000 passengers.

The result was boosted by the company’s strongest ever May to September performance, during which the two ships on the route carried more than a quarter of a million people. Sister ships, the Princess Seaways and the King Seaways, provide daily sailings on the route and the growth in popularity of the service means the operator is looking to set new records this summer too.

Max Foster, passenger director for DFDS said: "We’re excited to have set a new record on the Newcastle to Amsterdam service in 2015 and we’re looking forward to building on that with another record-breaking summer this year. The four month summer period is a key time, and our teams at the port and onboard work really hard to provide our guests with an enjoyable and relaxing start to their holidays."

Passenger numbers hit record highs last summer, with almost 70,000 people using the service in August alone. The steady growth in the popularity of the route has provided a boost to tourism in the North East with more than 395,000 visitors from Europe and further afield using the ferry service to visit the region in 2015.

Max Foster added: "A key element of our success is our ability to attract a diverse group of passengers to visit the North East, especially from Germany and the Netherlands. These visitors play an important role in boosting the contribution of tourism to the regional economy."

DFDS provides overnight foot passenger minicruise sailings for passengers looking for a couple of nights away and also welcomes passengers travelling in their vehicles for longer breaks on the Continent. Onboard the ships, passengers can dine in one of four restaurants including the Blue Riband à la carte, a steakhouse, an Italian or an all-you-can-eat buffet. There are a number of bars onboard featuring live entertainment, along with a cinema, shops and play areas for children.

The 2015 result on the route continues a three-year growth trend that has seen performance exceed previous record highs recorded in 2009, before the full impact of the global recession was felt.

-Ends-


DFDS SPECIAL
Many thanks to DFDS for all the information above. Great news there.


Nice set of pictures below Mike. Welcome info all round guys.
Thanks again to George Holland for the second picture above.



Wednesday, 11 May 2016 - 06:57

 

Post 3119

  Mike J., Dover

An unusual sight during Tuesday afternoon’s high tide was the DAVID CHURCH in the Granville Dock doing a spot of ‘grabbing’ around the marina pontoons.















Wednesday, 11 May 2016 - 00:07

 

Post 3118

  Howard McSweeney, Dover

That dredger photographed by Sarah looks like a fairground attraction, puts our one in the shade.




Tuesday, 10 May 2016 - 22:17

 

Post 3117

  Sea News, Dover

Celebrating 10 years of nurturing enterprising young people in Dover
_______________________________________________________


The Port of Dover has celebrated 10 years as lead sponsor for the business education charity, Young Enterprise, in Dover district.

As Dover’s enterprising young talent gathered once again for the Dover Area Company Programme Final sponsored by the Port, Tim Waggott, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover, was delighted to present the tenth set of awards since the Port increased its involvement.

Reflecting on 10 years of support, Mr Waggott said:

"The Port of Dover’s commitment is to be the best port in the world for the benefit of its customers and community. A major part of that is nurturing young local people so that it is Dover’s home-grown stars of the future who in turn will help us meet that commitment as well as providing a talent pool for Dover more widely.

"I am extremely proud of the achievements of Dover’s next generation and their enterprising ambition. Celebrating a decade of driving forward local young enterprise, this goes to show the long-term commitment the Port has to its community and to fostering a fantastic future of opportunity."

Acknowledging the Port’s significant contribution over the past decade, Trudie Hartridge, Manager – East Kent, Young Enterprise, said:

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Port of Dover for supporting Dover Schools and enabling them to run Company and Team Programme, this is the tenth year that they have run this scheme."


ENDS


• The photo shows Tim Waggott with the Dover Young Enterprise Company of the Year, Hydro Hood, from Astor College for the Arts.
A thumbsup for the above


Below we have a couple of pictures of the small cargo ship Swift leaving Port last evening. it was getting dark and gloomy as she departed. The AIS said she was heading for Antibes in the South of France. But in fact she headed north...perhaps more Antwerp than Antibes...but after all who wouldn't want to be in Antibes lowering the Chablis as the sun goes down. I guess it was wishful thinking on someone's part.





Re the Oops moment Sarah... the punishment alas for an Ooops moment is 40 lashes and ...and...you also have to have your rum ration removed.


Seriously though don't worry at all, I have plenty of ooops moments myself...
it all adds to life's rich tapestry. That's our story and we're sticking to it!

Good to see those nice close pictures of the dredger at Ramsgate.

Thanks Howard..interesting comments below.
PaulB.

Tuesday, 10 May 2016 - 06:38

 

Post 3116

  Sarah, Ramsgate

Ooops he sent it to me in an e-mail it wasn't posted here

Monday, 9 May 2016 - 22:42

 

Post 3115

  Sarah, Ramsgate

Mike recently posted a photo of this small dredger in Ramsgate Harbour. Today I caught her in action.





Monday, 9 May 2016 - 20:04

 

Post 3114

  Howard McSweeney, Dover

Superb facility that every truck driver would love to utilise but these things don't come cheap and hauliers look at every cost in order to compete for business. We all know that most East European drivers earn very little, have next to no expenses and can't even afford greasy spoon cafes and no doubt will continue to park wherever they think they can get away with it.

Monday, 9 May 2016 - 19:40

 

Post 3113

  Sea News, Dover

News from MOTIS IRELAND LTD
_________________________________





PRESS RELEASE – MOTIS INVESTING £1 MILLION IN THE PORT OF DOVER
_____________________________________________________________

In line with their commitment to Invest in Kent, MOTIS are pleased to announce the completion of phase 1 of this ambitious project with the opening of their new driver amenities at their Freight Clearance & Truckstop facility in Dover.

The MOTIS Dover Facility now includes wet-rooms, new toilet blocks, Launderette, Food and drink vending machines, gaming machines, convenience store, cinema TV lounge, Sky and BT sports, free wifi, Digital tachograph download, low cost "phone home" mobiles and a hand truckwash in addition to the existing services.

Cargo handling facilities have also been upgraded to include ambient, frozen and chilled storage/transhipment.

Safety and security is being further enhanced with 1km of new fencing, upgraded ANPR and additional CCTV equipment.

Located within the Port of Dover, this 350 space dedicated truck facility is ideally placed for international drivers requiring a safe haven for their legal rest period. Additional services include HGV Levy, Dart Charge, Customs Clearance, TIR Sealing and POD dispatch.

The Motis Freight Clearance and Truckstop Facility is located off Lord Warden Square in the Port of Dover’s Western Docks, a 2 minute drive from the Ferry. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and is the largest facility of its kind in the UK.

Motis Ireland Limited is a long established freight services provider and now has offices in UK, Ireland, Benelux, Poland, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Romania and representation beyond these regions. It provides Bookings on over 500 Freight Ferry routes throughout Europe, Motorway Tolls Services, Alpine Tunnel Bookings, Rolling Highway Services throughout the Alp’s, Backload Services, TIPP Reclaim and other services to the European Transport Industry. We operate 24 hours a Day, 7 Days per week. For further information please contact sales@motis.com


ENDS





Exciting news from MOTIS above there. Great to see this continued investment in the future at the PORT OF DOVER.





Monday, 9 May 2016 - 06:46

 

Post 3112

  Sea News, Dover

Passengers onboard the Saga Pearl II were treated to their usual air display friday evening around about 4.30PM as the ship departed northwards. Yours truly was shaken out of his slumber by the roar of the fighter engine powering into nearby action. If as a passenger you weren't quite prepared for the aerial buzzing...then the display would definitely shake and stir your martini on the foredeck. Gadzooks! That's the first Saga ship this year...one quite forgot about their usual air display.
PB.

Saturday, 7 May 2016 - 07:37

 

Post 3111

  Sea News, Dover

As promised, here we are with another couple of pictures above there of the departing MSC Opera. She was heading off to Copenhagen on the gorgeous Wednesday evening. Twas all beautifully tranquil and colourful out there in the Channel...all that the passengers could wish for.

A picture of sorts below of the Lady Racisce...unfortunately yours truly's view was blocked for most of the departure but here we are rather long range...shooting across a ferry as it were. She was off to Rotterdam, departing roughly the same time as the MSC Opera, which was about 6pm.


Thanks for those comments below Mark. Very interesting all round. I myself am not sure which memorial it is that the drawings refer too ( see post 2652 )...you may be right and if anyone knows for sure please let us know. dover7@msn.com. More details above on page or just post direct.

ADDED: 07.25 and the Saga Pearl II is meandering across the harbour..


UPDATE: Had this email through from Mike J who is out of Dover at the moment..

Paul -

I think the 'memorial' is the section of armour-plating of one of German batteries recording the shells fired across the Channel.

Can't supply a photo as I'm up in the Midlands at the moment.

Plenty for you to watch over the next few years as the 'works' take place !

Cheers

Mike +

Friday, 6 May 2016 - 06:03

 

Post 3110

  Mark Rushton, Northants

Thanks for the update on POW Pier redevelopment. I note that the plans describe relocation of a memorial - is that the one the marks all the Luftwaffe air raids on Dover in WW2 ? If so, it was very tatty and uncared for the last time I saw it, and could do with renovation before it goes back - maybe a project of this scale can find a few bob to get this done ? Oh, and as for Mr Elphicke's glowing description of the attractions on offer in and around Dover for new GP's, take a reality check and have a read of Bill Bryson's impressions of Dover 40 years on from his first glimpse of the place in his new book "The Road to Little Dribbling" - he's not a little scathing in his description of what the politicians have done to the place. It pains me to say it, but he has a point.

Thursday, 5 May 2016 - 20:54