Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 5660

  Mike J., Dover

Thanks to Sarah & Andrew for their excellent coverage of the Whitstable Harbour Day.

Thanks for the comments on Friday’s MAYBE ‘incident’
Here’s a couple more.



Earlier the same day the when the weather was a lot better the elegant wooden yacht CRESCENT MOON was in the Tidal Basin.




It was a little early in the morning & there were no signs of life aboard so I was unable to 'make further enquiries' about her.
Maybe we have some ‘yachties’ reading ‘Sea News’ who know a little more.



Sunday, 12 August 2018 - 22:38

 

Post 5659

  Andrew Humphreys, Broadstairs

My two photographs are by way of a footnote to Sarah’s coverage of the ‘service’ craft at Whitstable Harbour Day and show the commercial life of the Port, past and present, with the Thames Sailing Barge GRETA passing the coaster NEPTUNE alongside East Quay. NEPTUNE was proving very popular, being open to the public, a rare chance these days, to visit a cargo vessel. Hopefully it will stimulate interest, especially for the young, on how ships help bring materials in bulk, to maintain our roads and infrastructure around the South East of England. I am sure I am not alone in missing the import and export activity that could be seen in Dover’s Western Docks, now anonymous but more efficiently handled in containers.

Sunday, 12 August 2018 - 12:56

 

Post 5657

  Sarah, Ramsgate

Whitstable Harbour Day.

Margate Lifeboat arriving.



Border Force "Hunter" leaving.



Margate Lifeboat & Border Force "Hunter"



FPV Nerissa & Thames Barge "Greta" (Little Ship of Dunkirk)



Back in Ramsgate
Border Force "Nimrod" with "Hunter" behind it having returned from Whitstable.



Sunday, 12 August 2018 - 07:06

 

Post 5656

  Sea News, Dover

Some catch up pictures now of the general cruise manoeuvrings earlier in the week. The picture above shows Saga Sapphire on a murky tuesday evening as she reverses out of Port ready for her trip to the magnificent St Petersburg in Mother Russia and to the Baltic generally.

Then we have her stablemate a day or so later...Saga Pearl II as she departs a bit earlier on in the evening. Heading off on her Scottish tour while in the foreground of picture two we have the ever familiar Boudicca as she reverses out and off to the icey north.





Excellent man-on-the-spot work below there from Mike our 'inshore correspondent'. Yes indeed Friday was a very rough day here with at least a Force 8 gale bashing us. Must have been bracing on the Admiralty Pier. Ferries were delayed and needed the assistance of the tugs when they got into port..
Yikes weird summer or what.. from one extreme to the other.

Well done Ted below with those pictures of the Hebridean Princess..a 'famous three' this time. Enjoyable pictures for sure.

Thanks Jeremy - yes you're right about Ted's shots there. Also enjoyed your earlier ones too as well.

Thanks Vic....yes you can stroll Deal Pier again now.

PaulB


Sunday, 12 August 2018 - 05:04

 

Post 5654

  Mike J., Dover

On a very windy Friday afternoon the British sail training vessel MAYBE was towed into Dover by the relief lifeboat DANIEL L GIBSON.



The 1929-built ketch had been on passage to Weymouth from Harlingen.
AIS shows her getting well downchannel, past Le Touquet, before turning & proceeding to Dover.

With high gusty winds the DWDR crewboat PAMPERO & the Patrol Launch gave a hand as the tow was shortened & the lifeboat secured alongside the ‘casualty’ to bring her down to the Tidal Basin where she was moored alongside the DAVID CHURCH.




‘Sea-level’ pix on Dover Lifeboat Facebook page.


Friday, 10 August 2018 - 23:09

 

Post 5653

  Jeremy Ward, Whitfield, Dover

What fabulous high quality photo's of the HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS by Ted. Put mine to shame. Well done Ted

Friday, 10 August 2018 - 17:26

 

Post 5652

  Ted Ingham, Canterbury

"Three from the Medway"
Following her recent visit to the Port of Dover I was on the River Medway early Friday morning and managed to catch the HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS inward bound for Chatham Historic Dockyard.
We had anchored in Stangate Creek overnight after a day of torrential rain and a night of Thunderstorms.
Dawn broke with sun rising into a perfect blue sky.
Switching on the VHF Marine Radio later I heard "Medway VTS this the Hebridean Princess... Pilot aboard....anchors aweigh in the Nore Anchorage and now proceeding inward bound for Chatham."
I though to myself "Thank you,someone loves me....

The first photograph she is passing Grain Fort.


Abeam the Isle of Grain

Passing Thamesport Container Terminal for Kethole Reach with the Medway towns in the distance.



Friday, 10 August 2018 - 16:04

 

Post 5651

  vic, dovor

nice to see Deal pier open again we like Deal a lot and always walking along the front.

Friday, 10 August 2018 - 09:19

 

Post 5650

  Sea News, Dover

The cruise terminals as we know have been very busy, yes indeed, but so too has the cargo terminal. We try to keep up with everything ( its getting harder! but we almost get there .. ) and here we are with some pictures of the cargo activity earlier in the week. The pictures show the departure of the Lombok Strait ( called after the region which sadly suffered the abysmal recent earthquake with much loss of life ). She was helped by the tugs in fine hard-working style and was soon on her way.




There she goes...
and as she went out of Port in came Elvira within minutes...now I think it was Elvira...embarrassing moment as yours truly neglected to make a note of it and as she nipped in behind the Pride of Kent and was only visible for a moment...her name wasn't showing and in the hustle and bustle yours truly forgot to check later.



DEAL PIER...for those fond of Deal Pier
DDC image

Deal Pier to Re-open on Saturday
_________________________________

Deal Pier re-opens to the public on Saturday (11 August) following the completion of works to install a new gas main. The extensive works involved installing over 300 metres of new gas main. Problems with the pier’s gas supply were discovered during enabling work prior to the refurbishment of the café.

An announcement concerning the new café operator will be made once contractual arrangements have been completed.

During the pier’s closure, works were also undertaken to complete the resurfacing, repair and replace sections of railing, complete a major overhaul of the pumped drainage system, and paint the railings and entrance gates.

Contracts for the final phase of the revamp of Deal Pier have been awarded, and include the installation of new seating and repairs to the lower deck which is a popular fishing venue.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Cabinet Member for Corporate Property, said: "We’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us whilst we completed these urgent works to the pier’s gas supply.

"We’re delighted to be re-opening the pier this weekend and look forward to sharing some exciting news soon about the new café operator."


Ends


PB

Friday, 10 August 2018 - 05:14

 

Post 5649

  Sea News, Dover

The Latest News from P&O FERRIES …

P&O FERRIES HAS BEST JULY FOR TOURISTS ON THE ENGLISH CHANNEL SINCE 2015
___________________________________________________________________________

Release time: immediate

P&O FERRIES today reports the best tourist carryings for a July on the English Channel in three years, with the hot summer weather inspiring more people to travel between Britain and the Continent by ship.

The integrated ferry and logistics company carried 161,468 cars between Dover and Calais during the month - a 4.5 per cent increase on the previous year and the highest July volume since 2015.

Janette Bell, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: "More people started their summer holiday by taking a P&O ferry across the English Channel in July, with our outstanding on-board offer and the glorious summer weather proving an irresistible combination."

"We have been able to handle these high volumes because of our continuing investment in the Spirit-class of ships which have helped to transform our customers' experience of cross-Channel travel. The Spirit of Britain and Spirit of France are both capable of carrying 2,000 passengers, twice the capacity of a standard ferry, whilst offering first class food, shops and entertainment."

"It is often said that we are moving to an 'experience economy' where memories become the product. Imagine you and your family travelling on one of our ships in the glorious sunshine against the backdrop of the glistening blue sea and you get a sense of what a trip with P&O Ferries has to offer this summer."

Last month P&O Ferries launched a new 'grab and go' menu on its English Channel ships which is designed to put fresh, high quality, seasonal food at the heart of the customer experience. It also launched a mobile app which means that customers no longer have to use any paper for their tickets.

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 annually.

Together with its logistics division, P&O Ferrymasters, the company also operates integrated road and rail links to countries across the continent including Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain and Romania. P&O Ferrymasters also owns a rail terminal in the Romanian city of Oradea, which facilitates the onward movement of goods to Britain from Asian countries via the Silk Road.

The Spirit of Britain top and the Spirit of France here

ENDS

* *
Many thanks once again to the team at P&O for all the news and info.
As promised a couple of pictures now of the departing Brilliance of the Seas from Tuesday evening. As Jeremy said...she is 294 metres long and here she squeezes her giant size out through the western exit. How do they do it?...well with such 'brilliance' is the answer.


The pilot boat coasts alongside...


And now from the evening before, much later in the evening, you can see the fading rays of the dying sun as the Viking Sky moves away. More info on destinations and itinerary in the cruise listing...type in cruise visits in the search engine above. Beautiful ships visiting Dover for sure.


Thanks Del and Mike. Another fine picture collection below there from Mike once more.
Scroll down to see all the pix of HMS Diamond. Don't miss those ….


PaulB


Thursday, 9 August 2018 - 05:11

 

Post 5648

  Del Styan, Norwich

Lovely pinned shot of the early hours all-lights-ablaze Eastern docks. As you say, let's keep it that way.

Wednesday, 8 August 2018 - 23:07

 

Post 5647

  Mike J., Dover

Nice HMS DIAMOND departure pix from Paul B.

There were reports that after HMS DIAMOND sailed from Dover she escorted two Russian warships downchannel, the cruiser ADMIRAL USTINOV & destroyer SEVEROMORSK.
Such 'escorts' are quite routine.

Here's a few more pix from the Ad.Pier.






Perhaps Colin Lewis's son is amongst the working party aboard the DIAMOND shortly before she sailed on Monday.




Wednesday, 8 August 2018 - 21:20

 

Post 5646

  Sea News, Dover

And now...HMS Diamond as she moves away.. time of first pic 16.44 (Monday).






I will leave the pictures to do the talking above there. A great visit.

* *

Yes indeed Del the tugs help out in most cases. Viking Sky a big ship and the Brilliance of the Seas even bigger. Another two cruise ships in today...Boudicca and Saga Pearl - a hugely busy time right now.

Well done again Jeremy. Brilliant shot below there of...Brilliance..
Will aim to add a picture or two myself soon as well.

PaulB

Wednesday, 8 August 2018 - 06:09

 

Post 5645

  Del Styan, Norwich

It must have been quite a task for the tugs ( assuming there were some ) to get the Viking Sky berthed. If it did alone - wowee!

Tuesday, 7 August 2018 - 23:02

 

Post 5644

  Jeremy Ward, Whitfield, Dover

The brilliant 294m long BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS this afternoon.

Tuesday, 7 August 2018 - 15:55

 

Post 5643

  Sea News, Dover

That's a very ordinary picture above in most aspects save for one thing...look at that bright blue line along the entire horizon. A couple of evenings ago this somewhat bizarre strip of light became intensely visible ...its obviously heat related and at a guess pollution related. Hopefully I at least partially captured it there so all can see.

The small pic below is an enlargement of the tiny section of horizon from the extreme right of top shot. You can see our ol friend the silo/refinery or whatever it is in Calais. Above it and around it... a layer cake. You have a thick brown layer on the bottom, a bright blue intense layer in the centre, and a weaker/looser brown layer on top of that. It looks like nasty pollution all round. Not a very tasty layer cake! And if we can see it as we look over there, it is of course over here too.



And now the inaugural arrival of the Viking Sky yesterday morning in the blinding sunlight...





Some excellent pictures below there from Jeremy and Mike of the delightful Hebridean Princess. Lovely shots there for sure. Very enjoyable indeed so don't miss those below.

Thanks Vic for your interesting comment as always.
Triple whammy of cruise ships today.. Brilliance of the Seas, I think that's Saga Sapphire also, and the Hebridean Princess is still with us. Brilliant !

PaulB
ps: I took some pix of the departing HMS Diamond... haven't caught up as yet, still in camera, but if any good will get some up on display in due course.

Tuesday, 7 August 2018 - 07:25

 

Post 5642

  vic matcham, dovor

Yes she is a great small ship to sail in and build in 1964, but would I like to sail in her with a gale force 10, I do not think so, I done it many years ago when in the army going to one of Scotland Islands. On it for some 10hrs and sick all the time, again great photos coming in of the Royal Port of Dover.

Tuesday, 7 August 2018 - 06:35

 

Post 5640

  Mike J., Dover

Further to Jeremy’s arrival pix from Langdon Cliffs here’s the HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS approaching Cruise-3 & just about to disappear behind the VIKING SKY berthed on Cruise-2.



Sadly the Ad.Pier was closed beyond the Turret so no closer-upper view of this elegant little vessel, formerly a Scots ferry & twice privately chartered by HM the Queen after the Royal Yacht BRITANNIA was withdrawn in 1997.

The outer end of the Admiralty Pier will remain closed until Thursday.


Monday, 6 August 2018 - 23:54

 

Post 5639

  Jeremy Ward, Whitfield, Dover

Seen arriving this afternoon is the 1964 built HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS. Lovely little cruise ship.

Monday, 6 August 2018 - 16:10

 

Post 5638

  Sea News, Dover

Talented female engineer returns to Dover:
VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, that is delivering the first stage of the Port of Dover' prestigious Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development, is bucking the national trend in terms of the number of females working on-site - currently running at 16% of the workforce.

One of those women in question is Paula Cruttenden, a project manager with VolkerStevin.

Paula is in fact a local girl, born in the area and educated at St Edmunds Catholic School in Dover before leaving to complete a BTech in Building and Construction studies in Folkestone. Paula then went on to university in London – Queen Mary and Westfield, where she attained her degree in Civil Engineering and Project Management.

After graduation, Paula openly admits: "I knew what I wanted to do with my career, but I honestly didn’t know how to get into the industry", so she decided to go freelance with the ultimate goal of working her way up through the ranks in engineering.

Paula has worked on a variety of high profile projects in different industries, including marine, railway and building projects such as the iconic Shard building in London, Battersea power station and even the Olympics.

"I started my career as a setting out engineer, was then promoted to senior engineer and then site manager. I then worked my way up to construction manager and project manager", says Paula.

"Being freelance has given me a great deal of flexibility to try out new experiences and develop my knowledge and expertise. Becoming Chartered has never been high on my radar and fortunately in my varied 21 year career has never been a requirement."

When asked if Paula liked being ‘back home’, she said: "It is strange to only have a 25 minute commute to work at the moment and to know the area in which I am working, but a real pleasure too."

As a working mother with a young son, Paula is very keen to not only ensure a good work/life balance, but also to demonstrate being a good role model for her son for the future.

Paula also said: "I am immensely proud and privileged to be working with an outstanding team who have gone the extra mile in delivering this challenging programme, and who are committed to maintaining the highest standards while ensuring the work is completed on time.

"The DWDR development is definitely close to my heart and is a pleasure to work on, as it is not only a prestigious and innovative project in terms of engineering and delivery, but it will also have a lasting legacy for my home town."

ENDS

Pic top ..Left to Right: Rory Sutton - VSBW Apprentice Engineer, Paula Cruttenden – VSBW Piling & Demolition Project Manager, Harry Maybank – VSBW Site Engineer and James Scott-Stewart – VSBW Senior Engineer

* *

My thanks to the team at the Port - a very interesting item above there.

A couple of pictures now of the Pacific Princess as she moves away a couple of evenings ago. She was off on her British and Irish tour in glorious weather...also in shot is the Pilot Boat doing the essential necessary, dashingly darting this way and that. In the background the rolling hills of France ...yours truly has often leisurely ambled through those and very nice they are too....



Just following Mike and adding these extra few shots of the Maersk Connector. First shot at the Cruise Terminal, the second as she reverses for imminent departure, and third one the rear view with the pilot again. And away she goes...





Well done Mike again...nice shots below there of the Maersk Connector right up close...and indeed the Lifeboat too.
Great stuff Mike!

And also ..Well done Patrick once again with HMS Diamond …
I'm sure Colin's family will enjoy all those Patrick as have lots of others too.


PaulB



Monday, 6 August 2018 - 06:49