Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 564

  howard mcsweeney, Dover

the groynes are coming along nicely now paul, i think they will look great when it is all complete.

the "pride of kent" underwent a repair to a steering pump on a rudder.

Wednesday, 19 March 2014 - 19:40

 

Post 563

  PaulB, Dover

The Shape of Things to Come..
A new groyne taking real shape earlier on this morning while the tide was low. It is all completely submerged now by high tide as I write, submerged up to the level as seen on the lampshade marker. You can see where the tide rises to...not really sure how such small groynes will make a real difference as they are completely dwarfed by the high tide.. although, they may be about to make them larger. But of course more knowledgeable heads than mine are working on it..

Wednesday, 19 March 2014 - 12:23

 

Post 562

  PaulB, Dover

The Pride of Kent was out of action for most of the day yesterday..languishing at the Cruise Terminal until about 4pm. It left then and went up along the coast towards Deal, presumably testing that all was functioning properly. A short time afterwards she rejoined the action at Pier 8 around about 5pm. The pictures were taken in the afternoons glorious summer-style sunlight..during the time that the aforementioned sunlight managed to make it through the cloud cover.



You will have noted I am sure that all the posts now have a number. Ace man Chris T has added those for us and this will help us now to locate and refer to earlier posts at will.
Also don't forget our side-reader device on Windows 8. Click the Open Book at the end of the page next to the URL and all pops sideways into book form. You might need to right click your mouse and get the tabs to open and then there you are..the open book. Fascinating.




Wednesday, 19 March 2014 - 06:54

 

Post 561

  PaulB, Dover

Its.....National Ferry Fortnight !! (March 15 to March 29 )

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MYFERRYLINK offers free children’s meals to celebrate National Ferry Fortnight

To celebrate National Ferry Fortnight, MyFerryLink is offering families a special onboard meal deal. For every adult’s three-course meal and drink purchased onboard at MyFerryLink’s Le Relais restaurant, customers will receive a free child’s meal comprising a main course, dessert, drink and Kinder Surprise.

This offer is valid on crossings between 4 and 21 April 2014, and must be booked during National Ferry Fortnight, from 15 and 29 March 2014 using the offer code NFF2014. It is not available on day trips. To book the offer visit www.myferrylink.com or call 0844 2482 100.

Le Relais is a friendly self-service restaurant offering a range of delicious French and international cuisine for the whole family to enjoy, all prepared onboard by MyFerryLink’s chefs. The Relais’ seating is situated adjacent to the children’s soft play area, meaning that parents can relax whilst kids run off their lunch, and there are also microwaves available for warming up babies’ bottles.

MyFerryLink operates up to 16 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Fares for a car and up to nine passengers start from £39 each way any duration and from £29 for a day return with special offers often available.

To find the best fares, visit www.myferrylink.com or call 0844 2482 100


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Join the DFDS SEAWAYS ferry family during National Ferry Fortnight 2014

· Kids eat free on all DFDS Seaways cruise ferry and ferry crossings booked during NFF!

· 10% off all ferry crossings to France, Holland and Denmark

DFDS Seaways, the award-winning ferry operator, is celebrating National Ferry Fortnight (NFF) this year by inviting holiday makers to join its ferry family and experience the joy of ferry travel.

Families who book their travel with DFDS Seaways on any of its routes to France, Holland and Denmark during NFF (15-29 March 2014), can take advantage of our free kids meals offer and 10% discount on fares, designed to highlight just how fun and easy ferry travel really is!

DFDS Seaways is also offering a fantastic 40% discount on its 2-night mini cruises, sailing from Newcastle-Amsterdam and Harwich-Esbjerg, in Denmark. These short getaways can be enjoyed from £30 per person (based on four people sharing) on the Newcastle-Amsterdam route and £45 per person (based on four people sharing) on selected departures on the Harwich-Esbjerg route.

Max Foster, passenger director at DFDS Seaways, says: "Ferry travel is one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to start your holiday, where the journey is a fun and important part of the whole experience. We pride ourselves on offering all our passengers a warm, friendly and relaxing experience onboard our ferries and hope that even more families will test the waters and book their ferry travel with us this year.

"Our ships are all equipped with a range of fantastic facilities, including dedicated children’s play areas, restaurants and cafes serving delicious food and beverages, meaning that there is always something to do or see during your journey. Our cruise ferries, which sail on our routes to Holland and Denmark, also include a range of comfortable en suite cabins, including five-berth cabins for larger families, as well as live entertainment onboard."

For families who book with us during NFF, kids can eat for free on our Dover-France routes and can also eat free on our North Sea routes when an adult meal is purchased. Children’s meal options include everything from chicken nuggets and chips, Mexican chilli, burgers and hot dogs all finished off with jelly and ice cream!

The 10% discount offer is valid for all ferry crossings booked during NFF, on DFDS Seaways’ routes from Dover-Dunkirk, Dover-Calais, Newhaven-Dieppe, Portsmouth-Le Havre, Harwich-Esbjerg and Newcastle-Amsterdam, for travel on selected departures. This means that ferry tickets for a car and up to four passengers start from as little as £26 each way on the Dover-France routes and from £33 each way per person on the Newcastle-Amsterdam service, based on four people sharing a cabin + car, or £65 each way per person on our Harwich-Esbjerg route service based on four people sharing a cabin + car. All offers are subject to availability.

Northern Europe is home to a whole host of family friendly destinations and when travelling by ferry, your luggage goes free, so you can load up your car with all your family holiday essentials, without worrying about additional luggage charges!


To take advantage of these offers or to find out more information, please visit www.dfds.co.uk/ferryfortnight or telephone 0871 574 7235.

ALSO

To see the Ports response to National Ferry Fortnight see Post 505 below.



Tuesday, 18 March 2014 - 20:39

 

Post 560

  PaulB, Dover

We are running a little late with this news release but still just as relevant..

PORT PLANS WIDELY WELCOMED
... progress being made to deliver the shared vision
___________________________________________


Proposals from Dover Harbour Board to develop a new multi-million pound cargo terminal have been widely welcomed by local residents and businesses in the town, signing up to the shared vision.

Dover Western Docks Revival would see the redevelopment of the Western Docks and creation of more than 600 quality jobs involved in the handling of fresh produce and other cargo for customers using the Port. The vision will provide an opportunity to kick start the regeneration of the local area and create inward investment opportunities.


Derek Leach, Chairman of the Port and Community Forum, and Dover Society, said:

"The Board’s plans were warmly received by the Port and Community Forum with the possibility of several hundred new jobs, a boost to the local economy and the regeneration of the Western Docks area. The Board is also looking for the support of the community in delivering the project, which I am sure we shall do in any way possible."


Adeline Reidy, speaking on behalf of The White Cliffs Dover Hotel & Guest House Group, said:

"The dynamic team led by Tim Waggott and new members of the Dover Harbour Board have given Dover a second opportunity to rejuvenate the Western Port, securing future jobs and very welcomed engagement with the local community. The master plan and vision will come with key benefits to business and the district. We congratulate the Board and encourage the people of Dover to support this fantastic initiative."


A further 140 jobs would be safeguarded by the development of a new cargo terminal, relocating the existing operations from Eastern Docks. The expansion of activity at the Western Docks would enable the Port to accommodate increased ferry passenger capacity at new berths in the Eastern Docks.


Dover Harbour Board has been working on the plans with longstanding customers, including local business George Hammonds PLC, which handles approximately 350,000 pallets of fresh produce a year, accounting for more than a quarter of all the bananas imported into the UK.


James and John Ryeland, joint Managing Directors of George Hammonds Plc, said: "We were consulted in the run up to the announcement and are fully committed to working with the Dover Harbour Board (DHB), other stakeholders, and trade customers to generate a financial model that provides a sustainable and viable future for a multi user cargo facility. It is ironic that we would be going full circle back to the Western docks, but this zone would deliver space, multiple sheltered berths, much improved access and the opportunity to directly interact with other complimentary businesses, such as ripening and packaging services. We would not wish to imply this will be an easy project to deliver but there has been a significant and positive shift in the attitude of the DHB to drive the Port forward. We are delighted to have been included in developing this opportunity, which will both generate further employment and invigorate the local economy, something we all agree Dover is in desperate need of."


They added: "They are encouraged to hear of the proposed regeneration of the Western Docks. For some 25 years, the business has been tempered by only having one berth available and an extremely tight operating area at the Cargo Terminal. The business has been in strong growth over the last 3 years with both temperature storage and container space stretched to capacity. Hammond have just completed the build of a new temperature store at a cost of £1.2m, seen as an essential move to provide security for the increased trade projections."



Since the launch of the vision at the Port and Community Forum, the Board has issued a Prior Information Notice (PIN) in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), acting as a notice that the Port of Dover is planning the investment in a major redevelopment project estimated at £100-£120 million. It will allow the Port to start an early engagement process for interested contractors/suppliers with a view to obtaining further market feedback and finalising its business plan.

Port management are maintaining dialogue with the potential customer partners who are crucial to the success of this project and who will use the facilities in the future. The team participated in Fruit Logistica 2014, the most comprehensive trade exhibition for the international fresh produce sector, where Dover Western Docks Revival was welcomed by the current and future users of the cargo facilities in Dover. Non-Disclosure Agreements are already in place. Discussions have also taken place with funding partners and there is a good opportunity to secure a funding contribution to the project, which fits with the wider East Kent regeneration agenda.


Most importantly, the Board wants to continue to speak to the community, stakeholders and customers to develop the vision and outline all the milestones that need to be achieved. A presentation and discussion regarding the vision was well received at the recent Dover Marina Berth Holders Representatives Meeting.


Andrew Pires, Dover marina user and Berth Holder representative said "Dover Western Docks Revival represents a fantastic commitment to Dover’s marina, which is greatly valued by berth holders. The prospect of a new marina in the harbour and the associated waterfront regeneration will provide a wonderful future facility and create an ambience that will attract even more visitors to the area."


The Board is also clear that a project of this scale and delivery of this shared vision will require careful consideration and input from various partners and employees.


Yvonne Buddle of Port of Dover Staff Association (PODSA) said: "The feedback received from PODSA members shows they are looking forward to seeing this project materialise in the near future. Many employees are really excited about this opportunity and are keen to be involved in its delivery. The general feedback from colleagues is ‘let’s get on with it and get it done!’. We all feel it is an excellent idea for both the Port and the town in enhancing Dover’s economy and supporting our community. We really hope that everyone gives this development the support it deserves. Let’s make Dover beautiful and prosperous."


Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of Dover Harbour Board, added: "Dover Western Docks Revival would protect long-term port capacity, create much needed jobs, and enable the transformation of the Dover waterfront with a new marina boosting the local visitor economy. Recognising the role that Dover plays in the nation’s economy and commitment to a prosperous town, Dover Harbour Board is supporting the work of Kent County Council, Dover District Council, and South East Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver growth and regeneration in a strategic manner.

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SEE ALSO PAGE 6 SEA NEWS FOR THE ORIGINAL STORY...
"Dover Western Docks Revival – the Board’s Vision"

Picture at top shows the eastern docks in busy action under the latest full moon




Tuesday, 18 March 2014 - 06:37

 

Post 559

  Ray H, Dover

I am wondering where the rockery will be built with any left over rocks

Monday, 17 March 2014 - 17:39

 

Post 558

  vic matcham, dover

The more I see of the rocks the more it all looks unsafe for our young ones.
They will be climbing all over them and falling off .
A better and safer job could have been done.
The D.D.C have done a good job in Deal and still working on it now.
The D,H.B. should have looked at this from the young ones eyes.

Monday, 17 March 2014 - 08:57

 

Post 557

  PaulB, Dover

An extra pic added to those in the previous post below, I just remembered that this picture was still in the camera...so here we are. Shown below the guys working into sunday evening as the light begins to fail..a triple whammy assault on the ocean bed and the Norwegian Larvic rocks with nature itself lapping round and about. Pretty soon the digger drivers toes will be wet. The tide waits for no man...as they say.

Working long hours and working to tidal times...its all action at the moment. Monday morning now and the diggers are in the sea again.
See also the newly added pictures below.

Monday, 17 March 2014 - 07:27

 

Post 556

  PaulB, Dover

Yes nice pictures there Mike. Well done with those. I also got a few pix of the aforementioned Trinity House vessel Alert leaving Dover on Saturday morning. Heading for Harwich according to the info on Chris T's feature Channel Traffic (see top of page dover.uk.com). I will just put up one shot of Alert as Mike has it well covered in the post below there.
The picture above of Alert taken while the day was still slate grey unfortunately...many seagulls on the wing there as she moves out of harbour..
No shortage of sun on the scene above. It sizzles across the water in truly sparkling blinding form...taken from the seafront itself and shows one of our new islands during high tide Sunday morning. All I needed to make the picture complete was a mermaid sitting on top of the rocks. But no...I waited and waited..
The guys seem to have been working most of sunday night...by floodlight, so the work goes on apace. The wide beach scene shown above is once again from Sunday morning. This time pictured very early though while the prevailing light was still very orange. Three diggers in action, while the early riser bottom right watches on with fascination. Hard work fascinates me too...I can sit and watch it all day..


Monday, 17 March 2014 - 05:39

 

Post 555

  howard mcsweeney, Dover

interesting photos mike, surprised to read that there are more rocks to come - i thought that it was just a matter of moving the ones already here to their final location.

Sunday, 16 March 2014 - 20:38

 

Post 554

  Mike J., Dover

Trinity House's ALERT sailing on Saturday morning after overnighting alongside the DAVID CHURCH in the Tug Haven.
She is passing the tug AFON GOCH & the rock barge CHARLIE ROCK on Cruise-1 who are waiting for the next shipload of large chunks of Norway for the groyne replacement job.


A few more views of the dumping operations on 6th.March





Saturday, 15 March 2014 - 22:53

 

Post 552

  PaulB, Dover

Port of Dover supports National Ferry Fortnight
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The Port of Dover is delighted to support National Ferry Fortnight, which runs from 15th to 29th March 2014.

As the only port member of the Discover Ferries industry body, the Port of Dover is committed to supporting its major ferry customers – P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways and MyFerryLink – and helping to promote the great consumer choice and benefits of ferry travel available from Europe’s busiest international ferry port.

This year’s theme is raising awareness of how family friendly ferry travel is with no hidden costs, stress free crossings and great facilities for children and families.

Sean Chaffey, Marketing and Customer Relations Manager, Port of Dover, said: "It is great to get behind a campaign that really highlights why the Port, together with its ferry partners, represents the number one way of crossing the Channel. I am sure that there will be some great offers to further entice customers to return to Dover once again."

One big advantage of travelling by ferry from the Port of Dover is that you can take as much baggage as you can fit in your car and it is at no extra cost.

Bill Gibbons, Discover Ferries Director, said: "Free baggage is one of the great family competitive advantages of ferry travel – others include the freedom to walk around enjoying the ship’s facilities and restaurants, great family value on fares, and the simplicity of driving on and then straight off at a port such as Dover which itself offers great facilities such as free customer Wifi and excellent customer service."


Friday, 14 March 2014 - 11:56

 

Post 551

  PaulB, Dover

Thankyou NDC...Will continue and hopefully be able to deliver more...with help from the other guys who will be joining in too. Should be good when the cruise liners start. They seem late coming this year, Have just added another picture at the tip top of the page...welcoming the return of the sun. Its been a long winter.

Friday, 14 March 2014 - 07:08

 

Post 550

  NDC, Dover

Just want to say Paul B, your photographs are brilliant, very jealous..!

Thursday, 13 March 2014 - 21:59

 

Post 549

  PaulB, Dover

Yummm all those Chocolates and Cakes : Treat mum to a great day out ..

MyFerryLink proposes the perfect Mother’s Day outing
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Chocolate, cakes, shopping, beautiful scenery and a lovely market to browse - what more could mum want for her perfect Mother’s Day? Dover-Calais ferry operator, MyFerryLink has come up with the ideal way to treat mum this Mother’s Day, 30 March, and with day return fares starting from just £29 for a car and up to nine people, you can certainly afford to indulge her when you get to France!


The beautiful French city of Lille is only an hour’s drive from Calais and it’s a wonderful place for a day out. Enjoy a laid back breakfast on one of MyFerryLink’s luxury superferries and indulge in some duty free shopping in the onboard Boutique before heading off on the autoroute to Lille. The morning is just the time to browse one of Lille’s colourful street markets. There’s a market every day of the week apart from Monday, where you can find delicious regional produce and gifts and even if you don’t buy anything, the smells and sights are heavenly.

The Rodin 'superferry' just after entering Dover Harbour. Looking good for the new season.

There are plenty of restaurants around the city serving regional specialities such as Carbonnade - beer in beer - and - Waterzoi - poultry or fish in a creamy sauce. After lunch, head to Vieux Lille - the charming old quarter with its cobbled streets and 17th century architecture. Browse the shops in and around the heart of the city for those typically French goodies: local cheeses in Philippe Olivier or La Cave des Fromages; chocolates in Au Chat Bleu or the Chocolaterie Jean Trogneux; patisseries and speciality bread in Aux Merveilleux and Fou de Pain. Other gorgeous artisan boutiques include the Famille Mary honey products, Le Palais de Thes tea shop and the Compagnie de Provence soaps and bathing goodies. Of course, there are plenty of clothes shops and the famous French department store, Printemps, has a shop in Lille as well.


The highlight of the day has to be afternoon tea at Meert, Lille’s iconic cake shop. Established in 1761 this has long been one of the most fashionable shops in Lille, and the place to take afternoon tea in its Louis XVI-styled tearoom created by the famous architect Cordonnier. The sumptuous cakes are simply to die for! And of course, if you travel by car, there’s plenty of room to take all your gifts and goodies home with you.


MyFerryLink operates up to 16 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Fares for a car and up to nine passengers start from £35 each way any duration and from £29 for a day return.

To find the best fares, visit www.myferrylink.com or call 0844 2482 100



Thursday, 13 March 2014 - 06:34

 

Post 548

  vic matcham, dover

who are they going to hang along side me there?

Wednesday, 12 March 2014 - 21:03

 

Post 547

  ColetteB, Dover

Well done to young Brandon Payne & of course to Gemma Griffin of DFDS, all the way to No 10 too, very impressive!!!

Terrific deals there for Mother's Day from P&O, yes Howard the clocks do indeed go forward that weekend so it will be lighter longer for all to enjoy. I'm off to drop a few not so subtle hints to the family

MrB, perhaps they're erecting a kind of pyramid on the seafront like the one at the Louvre in Paris, our very own Dover work of art
Ed, did they offer you a part in the french movie with those rugged good looks of yours

Wednesday, 12 March 2014 - 19:24

 

Post 546

  PaulB, Dover

No problems with small boys a-climbing yet Vic. The rocks are cordoned off I believe for the moment anyway and work is still progressing on a grand scale. Very early yet but the rocks should look good when all completed. This structure below made an appearance yesterday. Photographed earlier today. Its almost a work of art...




Wednesday, 12 March 2014 - 16:07

 

Post 545

  vic matcham, Dover

O! DEAR. We are going to see lots of young folk jumping off those rocks and some will get injured, a notice will not stop them, and the rocks do look out of place, they could have done a better job then that.

Wednesday, 12 March 2014 - 12:15

 

Post 544

  PaulB, Dover

Further to our earlier story ( now at the top of page two here on Sea News) re the DFDS Trailblazer Apprenticeships. Here we see young DFDS apprentice Brandon Payne, on the right in photograph above, mixing it at No10 Downing Street with none other than the Chancellor of the Exchequer himself....George Osborne. The pictures are from the official launch of the New Maritime Trailblazer Apprentice Scheme. That is a very exciting start to anyone's career. Well done Brandon.

With the young apprentice at Downing Street was Human Resource Director of DFDS SEAWAYS....Gemma Griffin.

Now with an extract from the earlier press release....

Gemma Griffin, Vice President HR & Crewing for DFDS Seaways, and Chair of the Employment Committee at the UK Chamber of Shipping, chairs the Maritime Trailblazer Apprenticeship Scheme, which also includes representatives from Princess Cruises, Carnival, P&O, James Fisher and the Royal Navy. She comments:

"Employer-led apprenticeships of this kind are not only vital for DFDS Seaways, but also for the maritime sector as a whole. They help us safeguard the future of our industry by ensuring that we have young people entering the industry with the right skills, expertise and support they need to be able to work effectively and safely.

"At DFDS Seaways, we also have a ratings to officer scheme, providing our Able Seafarers with the training and support they need to progress to the top of their chosen field. That means that the apprentices who sign up to our scheme could feasibly become a Captain or Chief Engineer in the space of 15 years or so, if they demonstrate the right aptitude and competence. And although we might not be able to guarantee a job for life in our particular organisation, we can definitely help our apprentices gain a life-long career in the maritime sector."

* * * *

Many thanks to DFDS for sending the pictures through.
Yes indeed Howard very unusual pix those below re the French TV thriller...great to see.



Wednesday, 12 March 2014 - 07:18