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Sea Pictures from Dover.

Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...


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Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
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Post 3861
  Howard McSweeney, Dover
The "Duzgit Harmony" as mentioned further down on her way to the "Spirit of Britain".

Photo courtesy of Phil Smith.




Friday, 13 January 2017 - 15:15
 
Post 3860
  Sea News, Dover

Man on a Hot Tin Roof
__________________

One couldn't resist the headline although the chances of the roof being hot these days are slim to none. But man on a cold tin roof doesn't have quite the same ring to it. Further down the post we have news about the boost to Dover District Tourism...so these guys are fixing the roof while the ermm sun shines...even though its freezing out there....so in a wider way and in the grand scheme of things, it all helps to keep those tourists coming.

This, for those that don't know, is the seafront shelter opposite the Premier Inn...a very popular shelter with all levels of the community...work started two days ago.
  
   

Tourism Thriving In Dover District
_____________________________


Tourism continues to thrive in White Cliffs Country – with 3.9 million day visitors to Dover District in 2015, and a total economic impact of almost £265m, according to recent figures.

According to the most recent tourism research, commissioned by Visit Kent, the total economic impact of tourism in Dover District was £264,821,000 in 2015, an increase of £16,507,000 compared to the last survey for 2013. Visitor numbers rose by 195,000 compared to 2013, while the total number of actual jobs rose by 422.

The figures were derived using the Cambridge Economic Impact Model, an industry respected tool for measuring the volume and value of tourism. The research was undertaken by Destination Research on behalf of Visit Kent.

Deal was recently named as one of the Top 10 coastal places to live by The Sunday Times Home Section and Inside Kent Magazine named 5 places in White Cliffs Country in its Top 10 Romantic Spots in Kent.

Cllr Keith Morris, DDC Cabinet Member for Tourism, said: "A range of exciting investments continues to boost tourism for the future for Dover District. This includes £3m investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund for the Kearsney Parks to restore their unique landscapes and heritage and improve facilities. Work continues on the redevelopment of the St James area in Dover Town Centre, which will see the construction of a new Travelodge hotel, six screen Cineworld cinema, restaurants and retail units."

For more information about White Cliffs Country, please see the White Cliffs Country website....www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk

Ends

That's a staggering amount raised from tourism as shown above there..long may it continue.

A 'cold day picture' below of the January channel...with the only thing moving being our ol friend the dredger David Church.


Thanks Mike re info and pictures below...was down there the day before got some pictures of the returning tug...will sort those out..up next.
PaulB.

Friday, 13 January 2017 - 06:36
 
Post 3859
  Mike J, Dover
A misty murky miserable morning found the HOLYHEAD BAY on the Crosswall Quay on Thursday, pausing from her 'tendering' duties to the OLYMPIC TRITON & the cable repair job off Capel.




Come the evening she was tucked up in the Tug Haven with the guard ship AFON CEFNI & the 'regulars' as the weather continues to deteriorate.

Gavin [post 3391] - regret no news from my spy in the docks about CORALWATER

Thursday, 12 January 2017 - 22:25
 
Post 3858
  Sea News, Dover
  
As mentioned yesterday we did indeed feature the huge Marit Maersk before ( I knew the name was familiar ) and there we are above. We have several pictures in the files but have chosen that one above for today...good to see it again, and obviously with familiar tug Dauntless in the foreground. The colours of course are from balmier times..ie high summer. Remember that !?..says he with his timbers a-shiverin' ...brrrr

And now for some serious news..
as the Academics study our traffic flow.
 

Port and academics map traffic to keep Dover and trade flowing
A Port and University of Kent joint venture
____________________________________________________


The Port of Dover has joined forces with the University of Kent to map traffic flows through Europe’s busiest ferry terminal.
Academics from the University’s Kent Business School and traffic specialists at the Port have been analysing the Port’s extensive data sources to build a comprehensive picture of vehicle movements through the Eastern docks.

The two-year project began last November when University of Kent graduate Cliff Preston joined the Port’s Business Optimisation team. Now, as the project marks its first anniversary, the Port has made significant steps to better understand traffic flows and bottlenecks in order to support decisions on future requirements as well as predicting potential periods of congestion.

The combination of the new buffer zone – capable of holding 4km of traffic within the Port - and the improved traffic forecasting resulted in the temporary traffic management system ‘Dover TAP’ being used 13 fewer times in April and May alone, compared to last year.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: "The University has been helping the Port gain a better understanding of the dynamics of traffic flow and how to handle these flows more effectively.
"Fluidity of movement and utilising the space we have as efficiently as possible is a fundamental aspect of master planning that benefits both our customers and the community.
"Along with our buffer zone investment and junction improvements to the A20 to support local regeneration and connectivity, we are doing more than ever to keep Dover town moving while 17 per cent of the UK’s international trade passes through the Port, serving British businesses and consumers."

Cliff Preston’s role with the Port is the result of a programme known as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) – part-funded by Innovate UK - where a business can utilise academic excellence to up its game.

Lesley Chater, the University of Kent’s Senior Business Relationship Manager, said: "The KTP scheme has been operating for more than 40 years nationally but this is the first time we have collaborated with the Port in this way.
"KTP is a UK-wide Government programme helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity. We are delighted that academics from the Centre for Logistics and Heuristic Optimization are supporting such a successful project with the Port of Dover."

Ends

PaulB.

Thursday, 12 January 2017 - 06:34
 
Post 3857
  Sea News, Dover
  
Its not often during these wintry chilly days that we are able to get views out into the channel, but yesterday...well it wasn't too bad at all. When these three great beasts appeared in close proximity, off Calais as it were, yours truly just had to have a stab at getting a picture. The giant on the left..heading south to Malta is the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin...while the two going in the opposite direction are the Marit Maersk and the Erving Maersk. Fabulously huge ships for sure. We may have featured the Marit Maersk before.

Below we have the complete opposite, the small but beautifully packaged Gemini leaving the harbour. This pic is from the day before. In the distance is a large tug moving south...I believe it might be called Norne. Couldn't swear to it on a stack of bibles though...

 
Hi Gavin. I'm not sure re the Coral Water. These bunker vessels do move about from time to time...she might just have a temporary contract elsewhere. I don't know anything definite... Mike might know...
PaulB.


Wednesday, 11 January 2017 - 08:24
 
Post 3855
  Gavin, Dover
Re 3384 Duzgit Harmony bunkering Dover vessels, has the Coralwater left our port for good? She has been to Falmouth, Immingham and now en route to Holyhead.

Tuesday, 10 January 2017 - 22:10
 
Post 3854
  Sea News, Dover
CARGO AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL
   
   
   
A sequence above of the arriving Swedish Reefer a day or so ago...on sunday to be precise, at 15.40.
  
Another Chance to make note of this one....
Dover Harbour Board has secured the long term success of cargo operations within the Port of Dover...
__________________________________________________________________________________

Dover Harbour Board has secured the long term success of cargo operations within the Port of Dover as work forges ahead to create new facilities in Dover’s Western Docks. The Board has reached an agreement to incorporate the Port Services Division of George Hammond PLC into its wider Port business, ensuring growth and long term loyal customer continuity into the new Dover Western Docks Revival era.

Established in 1767, Kent-based George Hammond PLC developed the general cargo business in Dover more than 60 years ago and, with the support of the Port of Dover, has operated the Dover Cargo Terminal successfully since its inception in 1990.

From 31 December 2016, however, the cargo stevedoring operation will transfer to Port of Dover Cargo Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dover Harbour Board. The new business will be overseen by Sam Stewart who has over 30 years’ experience in the ports and shipping industry – holding senior positions for cargo operations within busy cargo terminals in the South East of England.

George Hammond PLC’s dedicated senior team and staff will transfer to Port of Dover Cargo Limited with the Port Services Division to preserve existing expertise while enabling the business to grow.

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: "These are exciting times with work on the Dover Western Docks Revival underway. The project is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with over £200m committed to deliver the first phase.
"This new cargo infrastructure, however, is only part of the story. We want to future-proof cargo services so that we can deliver on our commitment to be the best port in the world for the benefit of our customers and community."

"I and my fellow Directors of Port of Dover Cargo Limited, Barbara Buczek and Shaun Pottage, would like to thank James and John Ryeland, Paul Lee, and everyone from George Hammond PLC for their support. We welcome Sam Stewart to our team and we look forward to working with staff transferring to Port of Dover Cargo Limited in order to deliver the best of service to all our customers in the future."

James Ryeland, Managing Director at George Hammond PLC, said: "While it is with some sadness that a chapter in Hammond history has come to an end, the considerable investment in the Dover Western Docks Revival by Dover Harbour Board will pave the way to a new and diverse era in cargo.
"As a subsidiary of Dover Harbour Board, Port of Dover Cargo Limited will be best placed to take long term investment decisions aligned to generating significant growth and long term employment security."

ENDS


AND NOW THE VERY LATEST NEWS.......

   

Port of Dover makes good on its promise to deliver for Dover as major construction stage commences
__________________________________________________________________________________

Here we go! Smiley

The first stage of construction is now underway with the appointment of VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, bascule bridge and capital dredging work.

The revival of the western part of the Port estate supports the developing destination agenda for Dover, being identified as the key catalyst for the wider regeneration of area. It will deliver valuable employment opportunities both during construction and on completion of the new cargo facility.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "This is the next important step towards the realisation of our shared vision.

"We are moving ever closer to significantly increasing the local economic benefit derived from the Port through a host of new job opportunities for local people and a transformed waterfront experience that Dover Western Docks Revival will provide."

"Already, together with our contractors, we are beginning to generate opportunities by working with local suppliers and skills providers to maximise the local benefits throughout the construction phase. What a great way to start the new year!"

Rob Coupe, Managing Director at VolkerStevin, said: "We are delighted to be awarded the contract by the Port of Dover to design and build this stage of the Dover Western Docks Revival. Our extensive experience in managing complex marine projects leaves us well qualified to deliver this significant scheme.’’

Boskalis Westminster will undertake dredging, reclamation and compaction work. Paul de Jong, Managing Director of Boskalis Westminster Ltd, said: "We look forward to bringing our UK and international experience of dredging and related works to this prestiguous, nationally and locally significant infrastructure project and renewing our long association with the Port of Dover."

Following key enabling works, this major phase of the construction programme is set to begin within the next few weeks and is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2018.

For the latest DWDR animations, illustrations and project plans visit www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR


ENDS



Glad you liked those lifeboat pix below Sarah . Great stuff Smiley



Tuesday, 10 January 2017 - 08:38
 
Post 3853
  Sarah, Ramsgate
Loving the lifeboat photos Paul SmileySmileySmiley

Monday, 9 January 2017 - 12:19
 
Post 3852
  Sea News, Dover



Port partners with Kent Road Safety Team for new A20 campaign
___________________________________________________


The Port of Dover has joined forces with Kent County Council (KCC) Road Safety Team to bring greater awareness of the changing A20 layout in Dover.

The A20 Junction Improvement Scheme, part of the town’s key regeneration projects including the Port’s Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) and Dover District Council’s (DDC) St James development, has dramatically changed the road layout in Dover from roundabouts to a traffic-light controlled system. On completion, it will improve traffic fluidity through Dover, into the Port, and between the seafront and town.

The awareness campaign will involve a suite of posters featuring drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, urging them to take greater caution while acclimatising to the changes. These will be posted strategically on billboards around the A20 and the DWDR construction site as well as featuring on social media as part of the drive which launches in January.

Jack Goodhew, General Manager – Special Projects at the Port of Dover, said: "Safety is our number one priority with the Dover Western Docks Revival project.

"The A20 Junction Improvement Scheme has produced a fundamental change to the road layout and the whole community needs to be aware of just how much it has changed. So we are really pleased to have joined forces on Kent road safety’s Share the Road campaign, reminding our community who frequently use the A20 to - Stay Alert, Stay Safe, and Be Road Aware."

Kent County Council’s Road Safety Officer, Philippa Janaway, said: "Distractions are a contributory factor in many crashes on our roads.

"We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Port of Dover to highlight the risks to road users of a changing road environment.

"Together we can help reduce the number of crashes on Kent roads."

The A20 roadwork at the York Street Junction is expected to last until January 2017. The works will then conclude with the traffic lights at Woolcomber Street upgraded before the scheme is completed in February 2017.


ENDS

Just to mention that their are four safety posters, we are just showing one above there. Road safety is paramount. Smiley

And now...The Lifeboat on Sunday morning..
____________________________________

Hard to believe it now but there was a wee bit of colour in the sky yesterday morning sunday when Dover Lifeboat came out on the usual sunday morning training session. They got up close and personal with a buoy as you can see below in picture 2, but all part of the wider training program no doubt. Always good to see the guys in action.
   
   
Will just add this extra one below here while I am in the Lifeboat files...taken mid 2016 when by chance I was passing along the beach and the guys powered by several times in super dynamic action. PB
 
We will have pictures of the arriving Swedish Reefer in due course, yesterday was a busy day all round.

Smiley



Monday, 9 January 2017 - 08:28
 
Post 3850
  Sea News, Dover
We talked about the fascinating cable-laying Olympic Triton previously and here she is again. Picture taken a few days ago when there was a marginal break in the gloom. In the foreground you can see the Afon Cefni which was conveniently (for picture purposes) winding its way back and forth in the foreground.
 
A picture below of Holyhead Bay which appeared to be heading from the Port towards the Olympic Triton on several occasions during the past few days, probably working in tandem..


Don't miss yesterdays pictures below from our roving correspondent Sarah H.

Sunday, 8 January 2017 - 07:49
 
Post 3849
  Sea News, Dover
Great pictures from the moody miserable morning Sarah. Enjoyed seeing those. Bet it was cold out there. PaulB

Saturday, 7 January 2017 - 17:37
 
Post 3848
  Sarah, Ramsgate
It is a wet cold day in Ramsgate today but I went down to the harbour to see Alert which was in the harbour over night.

Eagle was also in the harbour seen here through the rain along with Ramsgate Lifeboat.



Alert







Tug Christine is back with us, hopefully she will be in the water soon.



Saturday, 7 January 2017 - 11:58
 
Post 3847
  Sea News, Dover
Night falls on the Duzgit Harmony as she approaches the Spirit of Britain. This picture above follows on directly from the pictures of the departing Emerald in the previous post. The one above was taken just a few minutes later...and in the distant background you can see the Emerald just after leaving Port here and now on her way to Flushing, as we mentioned previously. The colourful Duzgit Harmony has been very busy since her arrival here in Port just a few days ago.

Saturday, 7 January 2017 - 06:38
 
Post 3846
  Sea News, Dover
Following along from Ed's nice picture of Emerald in the previous post, here she is a few hours later leaving the Port of Dover and moving off through the western exit. It was late in the day as you can see, with light fading fast, but with just enough left to help us get some reasonable pictures. She was on her way to Flushing in the Netherlands. Both tugs Doughty and Dauntless assisting.. doing their thing!
 
   
 

Friday, 6 January 2017 - 06:09
 
Post 3845
  Ed Connell, Dover
Emerald at the DCT yesterday.


Thursday, 5 January 2017 - 20:36
 
Post 3844
  Sea News, Dover
Brilliant piece of information below there Mark. You clearly know your stuff...Happy flying 2017 Smiley

Thursday, 5 January 2017 - 15:15
 
Post 3843
  Mark Rushton, Northants
Happy New Year to all of you doing such a good job on keeping us all informed as to Dover do-ings. As to the specific query on the legality of low flying, well it depends where it is really. The airspace around Dover up to, I think, 5500 feet is uncontrolled - ie not subject to the need for air traffic control guidance, but nevertheless constraints do still apply. The normal minimum height in such circumstances is 500 ft above the surface, and 500 ft away from any vessel or structure - which is pretty close when you think about it. So my guess is that the flight pictured was legal. My objection to flying at 500 ft is that if the engine stops it will only be seconds before you hear a big splosh" noise and find your wellies filling with water. The higher up you are, the further an aircraft can glide to a safe landing. In theory my glider could safely glide across the channel from 3500 feet above the sea at Langdon Cliffs. Not sure if I'd be tempted, though, it does look an awful long way with no engine !

Thursday, 5 January 2017 - 12:55
 
Post 3842
  Sea News, Dover
And speaking of low low flying take a look at these...
   


FROM MIKE J :
Former Coastguard Ted Ingham kindly sent me this photo, taken with superb timing over ten years ago from Langdon Coastguard, back in the days before the funding for the Coastguard aircraft was withdrawn.

He sent the photo to the the pilots & said that next time the anti-arcraft missiles [actually old anchors] would be armed & also said -

. . . . . No problem putting it on 'Sea News' It was taken on the 28th June 2006 at 13:29.

It certainly created waves, they were banned from flying low across the harbour in the future unless they had permission.

Dover Port received hundreds of complaints from American passengers on the cruise ship . . . . .
Had there been Brits aboard the cruise ship there would probably been hundreds of cheers & a request for them to do it again.

* *

Thanks to Mike and Ted for that one above
and also for the info below. Great stuff!

Thursday, 5 January 2017 - 10:28
 
Post 3841
  Mike J., Dover
The aircraft in Paul's photo of the OLYMPIC TRITON is probably from 'Fotoflite' a welknown Ashford-based aerial photography company who regularly do 'sweeps' along the Channel & Dover Straits, particularly when 'interesting' ships are to be seen & the TRITON certainly counts as 'interesting'

Googling 'Fotoflite' will find their excellent website with an impressive gallery of shipping photos & many of their photos have been digitised & are available for viewing.

In the 90s Fotoflite took over another wellknown aerial photography 'Skyfotos' who had been in business since just after WW2 & with their photos now have a vast archive.

There is a tale that Skyfotos used to have a contract with the U.S Government during the Cold War era to make a daily sweep of the Dover Straits area, photographing any Soviet shipping.

Before being axed by the Government to save money the Coastguard used to have their own aircraft which at times patrolled at very low level, often being sent out to identify 'rogue' ships that were not obeying the traffic regulations.

Another shipping photography company well worth a Google, this time based in Holland, is 'Flying Focus' who have made a speciality of heavy weather photos.

Thursday, 5 January 2017 - 07:57
 
Post 3840
  Sea News, Dover
The picture above there shows the aforementioned cable-laying Olympic Triton on the right of shot, with an un-named ship passing to the left. Its not a great picture, will aim to get a better clearer shot in due course, but for the moment it at least shows what we are talking about.

But look above....do you see to the front of the Olympic Triton.. something in the sky. Yours truly thought initially it was a seagull flying into shot...but no it turned out to be a hedge-hopping or in this case wave-hopping plane whizzing through. It was not the RAF. Is this legal? Is flying like that legal?? I ask the question as this kind of thing could open up the possibility of all sorts of nastiness in the modern age. That's the plane below.
   

Following on from Mike and Jeremy...here we are with another couple of shots of the newly arrived Duzgit Harmony yesterday. Jeremy is right, always good to see new vessels round and about. Well done with those pictures in post 3375 Mike...she is certainly colourful..its an eye-popping red for sure, but photogenic. PB.
   
 

Thursday, 5 January 2017 - 06:48
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