Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 6794

  Mike J., Dover

Intense activity over Thursday & Fridays with reports of record numbers of 90 & 109 migrants detained as ‘swarms’ of RIBs have attempted the crossing during calm but very cold nights.

At least one RIB eluded the patrols with BBC Southeast TV showing on Thursday an abandoned RIB on the concrete apron by the Warren, just east of Folkestone.

Dawn Thursday, when I photted coaster NIKLAS on DWD4 , the cutter SEARCHER was heading out to sea.

Soon after the arrival of the Dutch lifeboat the SEARCHER returned with a migrant RIB alongside & berthed on the Tug Haven pontoon, later returning to sea, heading off in the Folkestone direction.

As the the KOODMANSDAN arrived the Dover lifeboat was on the fuel pontoon after presumably helping with the migrant operations.
She returned to her berth soon after the arrival of the Dutch lifeboat.

Patrol vessels SPEEDWELL & NIMROD were out at sea, involved in rescue operations, & returned during the morning.

The Littlestone inshore lifeboat had been pressed into service to bring in an abandoned RIB & but didn’t stay long, leaving minutes ahead of the KOODMANSDAM.

Similar activity on Friday but the imminent approach of severe storm CIARA over the weekend will likely discourage further crossings until another improvement in the weather.

A few pix from Thursday.

The SEARCHER berthing on the Tug Haven pontoon, note the RIB alongside.


Dover lifeboat returning to her berth




Arrival of Littlestone lifeboat bringing in an abandoned migrant RIB


Departure of FRED CLARKE returning to Littlestone.


Photo courtesy & copyright of Sarah Hewes.


Saturday, 8 February 2020 - 02:45

 

Post 6793

  Mike J., Dover

Another Thursday arrival, this time in the wee small hours, was the Antiguan-flagged coaster NIKLAS, arriving from Tilbury to load grain.





Friday, 7 February 2020 - 08:25

 

Post 6792

  Mike J., Dover

The Dutch lifeboat KOOPMANSDANK paid a brief visit to Dover on Thursday coming down from her base at Neeltje Jans, an island on reclaimed land on the Osterschelde Dam, about halfway between Rotterdam & the Belgian border



She was conducting engine trials which were apparently highly successful & she could be seen on AIS doing 33 kts.


She is operated by KNRM, the Dutch equivalent of the RNLI.who, like the RNLI, are funded by public donations.

The Dover lifeboat was involved in Thursday’s busy migrant operations but joined the Dutchman on the boathouse pontoon before she sailed.


After a couple of hours alongside the KOOPMANSDANK headed out to return to base






Friday, 7 February 2020 - 02:01

 

Post 6791

  Patrick, Marine Parade

As Paul says - nice to see the return of the AIDAs this year, starting with the AIDAcara yesterday. I thought she had missed us on return from Spain via Honfleur as when I checked she had sailed past Dover and on up the channel. Went to bed thinking 'that's it then' - only to find her sitting nicely on Cruise 2, having done a U-turn mid north sea, arriving around 0700hrs yesterday.

Viewed from Western Heights


She sailed for Antwerp last evening well lit up as she passed through the Western entrance just after 1900hrs The AIDAs are a beautifully lit fleet and we look forward to their return to Dover during the oncoming season.

Thursday, 6 February 2020 - 12:03

 

Post 6790

  Sea News, Dover

P&O FERRIES CHAMPIONS YOUNG TALENT....
.. AS IT WELCOMES LATEST RECRUITS TO ITS MARITIME CATERER APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
_________________________________________________________________________________


New apprentices.

Following a competitive application process, P&O Ferries has welcomed five new recruits to its Maritime Caterer Apprenticeship scheme, a two-year development programme for future ratings within the Onboard Services Department.

The trainees, aged between 20 and 26, joined their allocated ship last week after undergoing a three-week induction at North Kent College. The initial tutoring included STCW ship safety training, a mandatory certificate all individuals must obtain before commencing employment on-board a ship.

For the duration of the course, the group will split their time between the classroom and their designated ship. On-board, the apprentices will progress through the Merchant Navy Training Board’s Training Record Book, which logs all practical skills they have undertaken on the job. Core skills they will learn include food preparation, costing and budgeting, menu planning for both customers and crew as well as stocktaking.

The group will come back together for one day a week in the classroom, alternating between North Kent College and Channel House â€" P&O Ferries’ Dover HQ. At the college, the students will work towards a Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery, while at Channel House, the group will undertake further specialist training with additional tutoring in maths and English.

The following apprentices have each been allocated to a ship operating on P&O Ferries’ Short Sea Routes between Dover and Calais; Sean Evans (Pride of Kent), Lewis Green (Pride of Canterbury), Jake Squires (Spirit of Britain), Louis Beales (Pride of Burgundy) and Pete Smith (Spirit of Britain).

Commenting on the programme, trainee Pete Smith, aged 26, said, "When I applied to the apprenticeship scheme, I was out of work and receiving benefits. I saw it as a brilliant opportunity to challenge myself. It’s been great to get stuck in on my first-week on-board the Spirit of Britain, and I’m excited to advance my skills as I go along."

Fellow apprentice, Sean Evans, aged 21, added, "I was already employed by P&O Ferries as a Steward and Kitchen Porter, however when I saw the opportunity to join the Maritime Caterer Apprenticeship scheme, I jumped at it. I’m confident that the course will put me in great stead to achieve my ambition to become a chef."

Mike Willis, Learning and Development Advisor at P&O Ferries, said, "It’s been a delight to watch our new intake of apprentices throw themselves into the course, firstly at North Kent College and now on the ships. The course is tailored to set apprentices up for a successful career in the catering sector, and through a structured training programme and regular touchpoints with Learning and Development Advisors, we hope to put our students in the very best position possible."

For more information about career opportunities with P&O Ferries, visit www.poferries.com.


-ENDS-

* *

Great to see all those new apprentices above there. Enjoyable picture.
Good luck to them and many thanks to the team at P&O Ferries once again

Yesterday saw the first cruise ship of the year...AIDAcara
____________________________________________________

Yes here she is approaching Dover...time of first shot 07.14. Great to see a cruise ship again, roll on Spring...
Nice to see many of the passengers strolling about during the day.

And here she comes...



She left last night at 7pm for Antwerp....obviously pitch dark, but we may have another pic or two taken earlier in the day..


Thanks for that one below Terry


PaulB



Thursday, 6 February 2020 - 06:02

 

Post 6789

  terry, |Dover

Paul, and another one called Lady Rosebud. Imo 9412749.

Thursday, 6 February 2020 - 04:47

 

Post 6788

  Sea News, Dover

Flight of the Container


Airborne Containers: A couple of pictures above there of the containers being unloaded on Monday from the reefer Lady Rose...both cranes in operation there. We were hoping to get some further pictures but the ship came in the dark and left in the dark...impossible but disappointing..in the short term. But we have longer brighter days ahead.

Somebody somewhere in the reefer business is fascinated by a lady named Rose...since the new western terminal opened..we have had Lady Rose, Lady Rosebay, Lady Rosemary...what next..? To be fair we have had one or two others as well...

She left us for Vlissingen on Monday night.

PaulB

Update: Cruise ship AIDAcara arriving.... doesn't appear to be scheduled...

Wednesday, 5 February 2020 - 06:58

 

Post 6787

  Sea News, Dover

Above we see the dazzling jet streams emblazoned across the sky yesterday morning...time of picture 08.02. We used to gaze at these things and regard them as a 'thing of beauty' ... as very often these streams made (or make) striking images. Now of course all we see, rightly or wrongly, are climate change concerns... carbon emissions and carbon footprints. The aviation industry has come in for particular criticism. The news this morning suggests they are phasing out petrol/diesel cars by 2035...it will all be electric from then on...electric planes anytime soon??

Some jet stream images from recent times below ...




The reefer Lady Rose has been in with us.. off top of head a first I think...alas she came in the dark and left in the dark, however will have some docked shots in due course.

PaulB

Tuesday, 4 February 2020 - 07:04

 

Post 6786

  Sea News, Dover

Travel with confidence from Dover by Ferry
___________________________________

"Book your ferry tickets and sail from Dover with confidence in 2020".
That is the message from the Port of Dover, P&O Ferries and DFDS.



With the UK entering a transition or implementation period while its future relationship with the EU is negotiated, current arrangements remain in place and nothing changes until at least 31st December 2020.

Speaking on behalf of the Port and the two ferry operators, Doug Bannister, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "To our tourist customers, whether it is for Easter, summer or Christmas getaways, weekend breaks or day trips, I would like to reassure you that nothing changes this year, so you can book your ferry tickets and travel with confidence."

"For our freight customers, it’s business as usual throughout 2020 with no new documentation needed. With over half of the freight using Dover heading beyond London, we continue to support businesses and consumers across all parts of the nation."

Mr Bannister added: "As the negotiations move forward, we will be working hard to ensure we are prepared for 2021 and beyond so that customers can continue to enjoy the benefits of choosing the Port of Dover and ferry services provided by P&O Ferries and DFDS on the shortest sea crossing."

"The investment in new dedicated ships being committed by both ferry operators to the cross-Channel route also demonstrates long-term confidence in Dover."

Kasper Moos, Vice President and Head of Short Routes & Passenger, DFDS, said: ‘We are confident we have done all we can to prepare and ensure that trade continues to flow between the UK and Europe. The Port of Dover continues to be very important to DFDS and our support for Dover can be seen with our introduction of a new vessel, the Cote d’Opale, on this route in early summer 2021."

David Stretch, Managing Director â€" Short Routes at P&O Ferries, added: "We have consistently said that as long as there are families and freight travelling between Britain and Europe, P&O Ferries will continue to provide a comprehensive ferry and logistics service to and from the continent. I am confident that our hugely experienced team will maintain a punctual, reliable and efficient service for our customers throughout the coming years, whatever the final relationship between the UK and EU."

Mr Bannister concluded: "In the meantime, enjoy sailing over from Dover with confidence in 2020."

ENDS

EXTRA: To support the fact that there are no changes to the practical arrangements for travelling via Dover throughout 2020, the Port and ferry operators will be running an #IsailDover competition from 11pm on Friday 31st. Follow @Port_of_Dover @POferries @dfds_uk

* *

Many thanks to the team at the Port for all the info above.
Good to know that nothing changes in the short term...long may it remain so.
"Enjoy sailing over from Dover!"

Picture shows Chief Executive Port of Dover Doug Bannister.

* *

Thanks Del - hope you didn't have to spend too many hours pushing that motorbike.

PaulB



Monday, 3 February 2020 - 07:17

 

Post 6785

  Del Styan, Norwich

Blimey - and not a mention of the fact she is divorcing him!

My memories of being a biker include quite a bit of of breaking down in remote areas and the ignominy of wheeling said bike home. Never got so far as to try the nets!

Sunday, 2 February 2020 - 23:10

 

Post 6784

  Sea News, Dover

Building a strong, prosperous country together
___________________________________________

Dear Mr Boland,

Last week I delivered my maiden speech to the House of Commons. The first time a Member of Parliament rises to speak in the Chamber is a big moment â€" a chance to tell the House about their constituency, their predecessor and their priorities.

I spoke of the history of our area as the frontline â€" as the guardian, gateway and custodian of our nation. And the crucial part that Dover & Deal has to play as we leave the European Union and reclaim our independent place in the world.

Our community is not simply home to the greatest people. It is home to the White Cliffs too â€" and their timeless values of liberty, freedom, justice, faith and friendship, community and caring for others.

For us, it is not just about what we can do. It is about who we are.

As is traditional for a Maiden Speech, I spoke of my predecessor’s service and record of delivery. Charlie Elphicke’s election success in 2010 was one of the stand-out results of that election. His trademark in politics was time and again winning against the odds and delivering for our area. Early on, he fought to see off the planned sale of the Port of Dover to the French or whoever. With the support of Dame Vera Lynn, the sell-off was ditched and a ground-breaking People’s Port delivered at the docks.

Since 2010, more than £500 million of investment has swept into Dover and Deal, including a brand new hospital in Dover and the fast train to Deal. He also took up more than 23,000 cases for local residents.

Building on this record is a high hurdle for any new MP. Yet build on it I will to deliver on our community’s priorities â€" stronger borders, free-flowing trade, more investment in roads and rail, better healthcare, more jobs and money.

I also care deeply about improving opportunity, prosperity and life chances. I am proud to have started life in the safety and security afforded by a council house. My education at a Catholic faith primary and a grammar school transformed my life chances - and indeed my life.

Growing up in the 1980s, I was one of a generation who benefited from a time of national ambition, shared prosperity and opportunity for all, where hard work could bring rewards. I am committed to providing for others the tools for social mobility and opportunity that were given to me: good-quality and affordable housing, help for those in need, faith, grammar schools, economic growth and shared prosperity.

This is an historic time for our nation. As your representative, I am looking forward to the independent, successful, prosperous and strong country that we can build together in the decades to come.

Natalie Elphicke MP for Dover and Deal


* *

That's the view above there of our new MP.


Vic I remember the nets lifting...I just caught the tail end of that, but not in Dover. I remember my much-adored BSA Shooting Star motorbike being lifted in a net, I think it was either in Liverpool or Holyhead for a trip across the rough oul Irish Sea. It gave me a touch of the horrors seeing it scooped up like that and flying airborne...but all went well, not a scratch.

For those who know about this kind of thing...the aforementioned BSA Shooting Star was gold and silver...with racing clip-ons and rearsets with a semi racing seat...it looked the business and it could "do a ton on the M1".
Wish I still had that one...
Anyway there we are, yours truly is rambling on...but well its Sunday...


PaulB


Sunday, 2 February 2020 - 06:27

 

Post 6783

  matcham, Dover

Having been here from 1942 I have seen the port grow from just one ferry crossing over and that one was about 4,500tons to the ones we have today which are about 30,000tons and roll on and off when we had at war time one ferry and put the cars not many on the deck by a net if my mum and dad was still with us and not for getting the train that went from one end to the other with a man in front ,they both would say how was that all done in a few years

Saturday, 1 February 2020 - 09:16

 

Post 6782

  Sea News, Dover

The reefer Emerald, a familiar friend, has been here with us for the past few days...she departed yesterday lunchtime for Vlissingen. Some shots here looking across the port showing her at the new western cargo terminal..WD5...



Shot number 3 above is a crop and zoom of shot 2...
The ship was shrouded ( bit of a tongue twister that, try saying it out loud!) in mist for most of her visit this time....pictures were hard to get but here we are with a picture from a former time.



Yes indeed Vic we are out of the EU now...I think I heard one firework at about 11.07pm !

For more info see the recent posts from P&O 6780 and of course see the new ships, a sign of optimism, in post 6775.

PaulB

Saturday, 1 February 2020 - 08:34

 

Post 6781

  matcham, Dover

Well I was here when we went in and still here now that we have come out of the EU, that is good news and the port will still grow .

Friday, 31 January 2020 - 11:22

 

Post 6780

  Sea News, Dover

P&O FERRIES EXTENDS ˜BUSINESS AS USUAL" BREXIT BUFFER
......FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING BETWEEN BRITAIN AND EUROPE
_____________________________________________________________


Ahead of Britain’s departure from the EU this Friday 31st January, P&O Ferries has extended its ‘Brexit buffer’ offer allowing free cancellation across all routes until the end of February, reassuring its passengers that it’s business as usual.

The offer, which is valid across all ticket types and routes for travel between now and 29th February 2020, guarantees that crossings can be cancelled free of charge when booked directly through P&O Ferries. The extension of the offer, originally introduced in 2019, aims to encourage passengers to continue to book to mainland Europe with confidence.

Sarah Rosier, Director of Passenger Sales at P&O Ferries, said, "As Britain enters an important period of transition, P&O Ferries wants to reassure its passengers that they can continue to book their travel with complete confidence.

"We have been sailing in and out of Europe for over 180 years, and so, while Britain focuses on formulating its future agreement with the EU, our passengers can rest assured that we are perfectly positioned to manage any Brexit-related issues, should they impact their travel plans. As the situation currently stands, we don’t anticipate any changes to passenger travel until the end of 2020."

At a time when how we travel is considered as important as where we travel, Brits can look to P&O Ferries to provide a memorable European break taken at their own pace, whether that’s on foot, bicycle, car or campervan. Offering up to 23, 90-minute sailings a day from Dover to Calais, it’s never been easier to get to France and beyond. In addition, overnight routes between Hull and Rotterdam and Zeebrugge offer comfy cabins, extensive dining experiences and on-board entertainment. Finally, a scenic sailing from Cairnryan to Larne is the shortest way to cross the Irish Sea, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in its spectacular sights, including Northern Ireland’s magnificent Causeway Coast.

To provide further peace of mind to its passengers, P&O Ferries has put together some top tips offering advice to those travelling to Europe after Brexit.


1. Passports

Travellers, whether an adult or a child, visiting the EU after 31st January are advised to have a passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival in the EU. It is recommended that Brits with soon-to-expire passports apply for a new one as soon as possible, to avoid being caught up in the inevitable rush to renew.


2. Visas

For the time being, travellers will not need a visa to travel to the EU. However, from 2021 the European Commission is rolling out a new U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for non-EU visitors, called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). British citizens, as third country nationals, will need to pay a fee expected to be 7Euro (£6.00) for visa-exempt travel, which will likely be valid for three years.


3. Travel to the Republic of Ireland

Travel between Britain and Ireland is covered by the Common Travel Area, a long-standing arrangement which covers Britain, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Ireland, allowing free travel between these areas without the need for a passport. The Government has indicated that this commitment will stay the same after Britain leaves the EU.

For more information about P&O Ferries, visit www.poferries.com.

-ENDS-

New dawn.

* *

Many thanks once again to the P&O team for all the latest info. Very welcome.

Extra: The eagle-eyed will have noticed that we have lost a couple of post numbers this morning...
this is due to an intrusion...unfortunate.

PaulB



Friday, 31 January 2020 - 06:02

 

Post 6777

  Sea News, Dover

Mike mentioned in post 6774 that the breeze was just strong enough to warrant tug assistance...Tug Dauntless was out in the bay on same day ready to lend assistance if called upon. The Pride of Burgundy made that call and the slumbering tug burst into life.....


The 172,000 ton CMA CGM Argentina moving south a couple of days ago...the picture marks the return of brighter conditions a couple of days ago after a very grey period. This ship is fairly brand spanking new..less than one year old... launched 2019.


Good to hear from you Vic...yes you will need to have a trip over on those new ferries for sure, an exciting prospect isn't it. Happy New Year to you toooo…

The new ferries...see the P&O post 6775.

PaulB

Thursday, 30 January 2020 - 06:08

 

Post 6776

  matcham, Dover

Well I am still about, one year older .Thank you again for the great photos we get year by year of the port which is getting bigger and better each time you look at it,and the new ships that cross over are also getting bigger, hope we get on one of the new ones in two years time.Well happy new year all, better late then never,

Wednesday, 29 January 2020 - 09:18

 

Post 6775

  Sea News, Dover

P&O FERRIES RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF ….
260M NEW SUPER-FERRIES DESIGNED TO REVOLUTIONISE TRANSPORT BETWEEN BRITAIN AND EUROPE
________________________________________________________________________________________

Release time: immediate

P&O FERRIES today releases the first official images of the 260 million new generation of super-ferries which will transform the experience of travelling between Britain and the Continent.

The largest ships ever to sail between Dover and Calais, the first of the 230-metre super-ferries will be operational by 2023.

David Stretch, Managing Director - Short Routes at P&O Ferries, said: "These remarkable images provide a glimpse of the transformation which our customers will experience when they travel between Britain and Europe on the most sustainable, most reliable and most customer friendly ships ever to sail on the route."

"This major investment will be a vital part of Europe's transport infrastructure into the 2040s and symbolises our commitment to making trade flow for our customers."

Major innovations of the new super-ferries will include:

Cutting fuel use by 40 per cent through a combination of fuel and battery propulsion.

The heat recovery system saves fuel which reduces the vessel's carbon footprint.

Future proofing anticipates the zero carbon emissions ship.

A double-ended design and two bridges on the ship, meaning that there is no need for it to turn around.

Outside deck areas to provide viewing platforms of the White Cliffs of Dover.

Panoramic sea views for passengers.

A power management system to efficiently close down parts of the ship when not in use.

A revolutionary new shape of hull for the English Channel and azimuth thrusters which increase manoeuvrability of the ship.


P&O Ferries is a leading pan-European ferry and logistics company, sailing 27,000 times a year on eight major routes between Britain, France, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Holland and Belgium. It operates more than 20 vessels which carry 8.4 million passengers and 2.3 million freight units every year.

Together with its logistics business, P&O Ferrymasters, the company also operates integrated road and rail links to countries across the continent including Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain and Romania, and facilitates the onward movement of goods to Britain from Asian countries via the Silk Road. P&O Ferries is part of DP World, the leading enabler of global trade and an integral part of the supply chain.


ENDS

Many thanks once again to the team at P&O Ferries.

NOTE: We will have difficulty reading the notes on the final picture but unfortunately it cant be helped...we're trying to fit a large pic into our relatively small slot...even though we have increased our size lately. It may be possible to zoom-in on your computer...

* *

Thanks to our 'inshore correspondent' Mike once again for the excellent pix below...


PaulB





Wednesday, 29 January 2020 - 07:27

 

Post 6774

  Mike J., Dover

A sunny but chilly stroll on the cliffs on Tuesday afternoon with enough wind for some of the ferries to take tugs.

Weather delays & reduced capacity with ferries off for refit caused freight to build rapidly.




DFDS on the lefthand check in booths with P&O in the right as DUNKERQUE SEAWAYS makes her approach



The disused linkspan by the Eastern Arm is soon to be demolished & the old reefer sheds on the DCT face an uncertain future.

Wednesday, 29 January 2020 - 01:57

 

Post 6773

  Sea News, Dover

Another picture of Border Force Searcher above there, this one to run in harmony with the picture currently at the top of page...both taken at roughly the same time in the foggy conditions a couple of days ago...some artwork needed to reduce the fog in the pix. Up to 28 migrants rescued in the past few days, initial estimates suggested seven but the figure was upgraded. Busy times for Border Force. You can see the wildlife in the picture going their way too... or are they..?

The Obelisk !
The platform showing below is situated in the castle grounds. It overlooks the harbour and offers striking views in normal times, in recent days it has taken on a new demeanour. The flagpole, well it looks like a flagpole but is it just a flagpole?...well it has acquired extensive scaffolding... I mean what can ye do with a flagpole...?! The new structure seems to dominate the landscape...
The 'viewing platform' was formerly used as an Admiralty Lookout and Signalling Station in WW2 ...




Will aim to have new P&O info and imagery tomorrow...just need to sort it all..

PaulB

Tuesday, 28 January 2020 - 06:16