Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 2246

  Alan De La Perrelle, Bargara, Queensland Oz

I'm a zillion miles away & I am enjoying your site. I've bookedmarked it & will probably go on it every day. Keep up the good work. I am an ex. British MN seafarer. Best wishes, Alan.

Friday, 31 July 2015 - 01:56

 

Post 2245

  Sea News, Dover

Sail and Beach life tries to go on as normal today under the ominous shadow of Operation Stack which you can see in the background here. You can see the never-ending line of trucks trundling, grinding, inching slowly down the hill. We are strangled by the all conquering Stack ( see 1793)....and so it goes on.

Thursday, 30 July 2015 - 16:49

 

Post 2244

  Sea News, Dover

World’s largest wooden sailing ship coming to Dover
_________________________________________


A special Port of Dover Community Regatta thank you to our community

The Port of Dover is delighted to announce that it is bringing the world’s largest sea-going wooden ship, the Gotheborg, to Dover for the Port of Dover Community Regatta.

At an impressive 59 metres (192 feet) in length and with masts soaring 47 metres (154 feet) above the water, the replica of the original 1738 flagship of the Swedish East India Company has been built using traditional skills and to the very highest standards of craftsmanship. The prestigious ship was the venue for the wedding of Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria in 2010.

The Gotheborg’s 30-strong crew, assisted by 50 trainees and all wearing period costume, will be on hand to guide the public round on a special free tour of the ship on Regatta day, courtesy of the Port of Dover.

The vessel is due to arrive in port at 5pm on the evening of Friday 28th August and will be in Dover for the whole Bank Holiday weekend, departing during the evening of Monday 31st August.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, says: "The Port is bringing Gotheborg to Dover not only as part of our commitment to make the Port of Dover Community Regatta bigger and better, but also to say a special thank you to our community for its support in dealing with the recent and ongoing traffic challenges. It will be a fantastic spectacle for all to enjoy."

The free family fun event takes place on Dover seafront on Sunday 30th August.


ENDS

* *

Coming more down to earth after the exciting news above...this is the Elvira leaving late last evening for Rotterdam...just as the light was failing. The late sun still illuminating the high skies over France...

Operation Stack remains in place...see post 1793 below.




Thursday, 30 July 2015 - 07:19

 

Post 2243

  Sea News, Dover

P&O FERRIES UPDATE ON SITUATION AT CALAIS

IN an update for customers on the situation at Calais, Janette Bell, Commercial Director at P&O Ferries, said: "We are aware of the Foreign Office advice that cross-Channel customers should check with their operator before travelling and would like to make clear that the port of Calais is at present safe and open for business."

"P&O Ferries’ customers at the port of Calais have thankfully not been affected by the well-publicized problems which we have seen at Eurotunnel. Traffic on the slip roads can access the port freely, cars and lorries queue safely and efficiently in a secure area, and there is no point at which illegal migrants come into contact with our passengers."

"We would like to reassure all tourist and freight customers travelling to the continent that P&O Ferries' services will make 58 sailings today to or from Calais and that the port is safe. If the situation were to change for any reason, we would of course inform them immediately."

P&O Ferries is a leading pan-European ferry operator, sailing on nine major routes between Britain, France, Ireland, Holland and Belgium. The company operates 20 vessels which carry more than 10 million passengers, 1.6 million cars and two million freight units every year.

ENDS



Vive le Spirit! Many thanks to P&O Ferries for the latest info above. The 'Spirit' pictures are from the doverforum.com/sea-news collection.


* *


Operation Stack remains in place .....

Operation Stack remains in place with the M20 closed between coast-bound junctions 8 to 11 and the M20 London-bound closed between junctions 9-8, due to ongoing disruptions in Calais and earlier problems at the Channel Tunnel. The Port of Dover remains open for business with P&O Ferries operating a full service to Calais and DFDS Seaways operating a full service to Dunkirk and Calais.

All coast bound freight traffic is being directed to join the back of the queue at junction 8 (Hollingbourne). Any lorries approaching the Port are reminded that, without an Operation Stack ticket, they will be directed to the back of the queue at junction 8. Non-freight traffic is being directed to come off the M20 coast bound at junction 8 to join the A20 and should follow the yellow circle diversion route, and London-bound non-freight traffic will be diverted off the M20 at junction 9 and should follow the yellow square diversion route.

Tourist traffic heading for the Port of Dover is strongly advised to use the A2/M2. Routes are expected to be busy so please allow plenty of time for your journey.

The Port and the ferry operators are together working hard to serve all customers travelling to and from the continent. We apologise for any delays or inconvenience as a result of traffic congestion.

Customers are still advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult the Port of Dover website (www.doverport.co.uk) or Twitter account (@PoD_travelnews) for the latest travel information.


Ferry Operator Contacts

DFDS Seaways
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 874 001
Tourist: +44 (0) 871 230 0440
Twitter: @dfdsseaways

P&O Ferries
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 863 340
Tourist: +44 (0) 8716 64 64 64
Twitter: @POferriesupdate


ENDS




Wednesday, 29 July 2015 - 06:32

 

Post 2242

  Sea News, Dover

Latest Operation Stack info below...

A couple of very nice pictures here taken onboard the Star Legend yesterday. She left last night about 9pm or 21.00 hours heading for Oostende. The weather was not very nice for them unfortunately so there wasn't too many passengers enjoying the Gin Sling on the sumptuously delightful deck.

Top picture shows the Ports cruise team presenting Capt Griffiths with a plaque to acknowledge the visit to dramatic Dover. And it did look dramatic yesterday as you can see in the second picture, all wild skies and wild waves but fantastic. On the left we have Head of Marine Operations Steve Masters, then Capt Griffiths himself, and then the lovely Barbara Buczek the Ports general manager.

Many thanks to the Port of Dover cruise team for sending these pictures over to us here.
The Saga Sapphire which you can just see in the background in picture 2, left earlier in the evening heading for Kiel in Germany. Exciting times.

* *


Operation Stack remains in place @13.10hrs on 28.07.15
______________________________________________

Operation Stack has now been extended (M20 closed coast-bound junctions 8 to 13) due to ongoing disruptions in Calais and earlier problems at the Channel Tunnel. The Port of Dover remains open for business with P&O Ferries operating a full service to Calais and DFDS Seaways operating a full service to Dunkirk. DFDS Seaways have started to resume sailings on Dover-Calais service today.

All coast bound freight traffic is being directed to join the back of the queue at junction 8 (Hollingbourne). Any lorries approaching the Port are reminded that, without an Operation Stack ticket, they will be directed to the back of the queue at junction 8. Non-freight traffic is being directed to come off the M20 coast bound at junction 8 to join the A20 and should follow the yellow circle diversion route.

Tourist traffic heading for the Port of Dover is strongly advised to use the A2/M2. Routes are expected to be busy so please allow plenty of time for your journey.

The Port and the ferry operators are together working hard to serve all customers travelling to and from the continent. We apologise for any delays or inconvenience as a result of traffic congestion.

Customers are still advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult the Port of Dover website (www.doverport.co.uk) or Twitter account (@PoD_travelnews) for the latest travel information.


Ferry Operator Contacts
___________________


DFDS Seaways
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 874 001
Tourist: +44 (0) 871 230 0440
Twitter: @dfdsseaways

P&O Ferries
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 863 340
Tourist: +44 (0) 8716 64 64 64
Twitter: @POferriesupdate


ENDS


DFDS SEAWAYS are currently running to Calais.
Excellent post below Mike with fascinating pictures. Bet it was windy up there yesterday. Hope you held on to yer hat!




Tuesday, 28 July 2015 - 07:01

 

Post 2241

  Mike J., Dover

Monday afternoon - a little unusual to see both of the SPIRITS in port together, with EUROPEAN SEAWAY back in service & hoovering up the freight while the MALO SEAWAYS has returned to the Eastern Arm again. - this time she’s a bit further north, probably so that she’s not blocking Port Control’s view of the berths.
We used to call ships laid-up on the Eastern Arm ‘Wallflowers’









Traffic starting to thicken up again & Jubilee Way looked very slow-moving although lorries coming down it seem able to get ahead into the docks ahead of the A20 freight waiting at the Eastern Docks roundabout - when ‘Stack’ is in force they would be sent back up the A20 to join the end of the queue on the other side of Ashford.


Is this someone going out to sort out the problems in Calais ?






Monday, 27 July 2015 - 15:41

 

Post 2240

  Sea News, Dover

That's the Pacific Reefer arriving here with us yesterday, it was a rough ol day, you wont need me to tell you, so all looks a bit grey and grim but there we are nonetheless. Great to see the cargo trade going forward with leaps and bounds. I for one am looking forward to the trade expanding further in the years to come.
Another pic of the super sleek Star Legend..the small but beautifully formed luxury liner. PB.

Monday, 27 July 2015 - 15:03

 

Post 2239

  Sea News, Dover

Above we have a picture of the Star Legend which is in with us today. See Colette's post on Cruise Visits for more (1744).
That seagull still insists on getting into shot!
Also in today is the Saga Sapphire, so we have another double header. The Saga came into Port last night at 8pm. Unusual arrival time ..perhaps trying to avoid the worst of the rough sea and the howling gale. Its going to get windier again later too it seems. Batten down those hatches!

Still busy this morning Jan. Yes an unfortunate turn of events again re the Calais situation (1787). Grim for holidaymakers for sure..holidaymakers who may make alternative plans for next year. It is very bad for business all round.
Will have pictures of yesterdays Pacific Reefer later too...running a tad behind schedule here.

Monday, 27 July 2015 - 09:54

 

Post 2238

  JanT, Dover

The latest information about the DFDS suspended services to Calais yet again makes grim reading to holiday makers and freight traffic, but you have to give credit to the port and everyone else working 24/7 to keep things moving as best they can it must be an exhausting time.
Let us hope a solution can be found soon, as the summer months are ticking by very quickly for holiday makers, but for freight wider concerns.

Seanews for up to date information.

Sunday, 26 July 2015 - 17:36

 

Post 2237

  Sea News, Dover

Unfortunately some further depressing news for a dreary rainy sunday....

DFDS Seaways Services to Port of Calais suspended until 28/07/15
_______________________________________________________


Following further action at the Port of Calais affecting its services, DFDS Seaways has currently suspended sailings to Calais until 28th July. It will continue to operate additional services to Dunkerque during the period and customers will be accommodated on the Dunkerque route.

The Port of Dover is open for business and P&O Ferries continues to operate a full service to Calais. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by situations totally beyond our control.

Customers are still advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult the Port of Dover website (www.doverport.co.uk) or Twitter account (@PoD_travelnews) for the latest travel information.

Ferry Operator Contacts


DFDS Seaways
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 874 001
Tourist: +44 (0) 871 230 0440
Twitter: @dfdsseaways

P&O Ferries
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 863 340
Tourist: +44 (0) 8716 64 64 64
Twitter: @POferriesupdate


ENDS

ALSO NOTE

Operation Stack Lifted @13.41hrs on 26.07.15
______________________________________

Operation Stack has now been lifted on the M20 coast bound following the problems at the Channel Tunnel and high volumes of freight traffic seeking to use all the Channel Ports. The Port of Dover remains open for business with P&O Ferries operating a full service to Calais and DFDS Seaways operating a full schedule to Dunkerque.


Thanks to the Port once again for the latest information.


Sunday, 26 July 2015 - 15:47

 

Post 2236

  Sea News, Dover

Have added the Operation Stack latest to post 1783 below.
Thanks to the Port as ever for the latest info which arrives in with me here all through the night. You are right Vic, people are working 24 hours and are indeed getting a wee bit worn out. The teams running Operation Stack do a great job too, often overlooked in the heat of the situation. PB


Just to emphasise further..
Any lorries approaching the Port are reminded that, without an Operation Stack ticket, they will be directed to the back of the queue at junction 8.

Sunday, 26 July 2015 - 07:45

 

Post 2235

  vic matcham, Dover

With sailing a full load each time the staff looking after the public in the cafes and bars must be worn out by the end of the day or night .

Sunday, 26 July 2015 - 07:40

 

Post 2234

  brian., dover.

vic,we need it to be free moving for that idea. we all live in hope.

Sunday, 26 July 2015 - 07:26

 

Post 2233

  Sea News, Dover

The picture above shows the ferries working hard yesterday afternoon. It was a horrendous day for traffic in Dover but as ever we hope for better today. The Port and the Ferry companies, both P&O and DFDS Seaways, are working flat out to clear the backlog as is Eurotunnel further up the line. Better days ahead hopefully.

OPERATION STACK:
Operation Stack remains in place @07.00hrs on 26.07.15
_______________________________________________

Operation Stack (M20 closed coast-bound junctions 8 to 11) remains in place following further problems at the Channel Tunnel and high volumes of freight traffic seeking to use all the Channel Ports. The Port of Dover remains open for business with both P&O Ferries and DFDS Seaways operating a full service.

All coast bound freight traffic is being directed to join the back of the queue at junction 8 (Hollingbourne). Any lorries approaching the ports are reminded that, without an Operation Stack ticket, they will be directed to the back of the queue at junction 8. Non-freight traffic is being directed to come off the M20 coast bound at junction 8 to join the A20 and should follow the yellow circle diversion route.

Alternative routes are expected to be busy so please allow plenty of time for your journey.

Tourist traffic heading for the Port of Dover is, however, strongly advised to use the A2/M2 route, but please still allow plenty of time for your journey.

The Port and the ferry operators are together working hard to serve all customers travelling to and from the continent. We apologise for any delays or inconvenience as a result of traffic congestion.

Customers are still advised to contact their chosen ferry operator before travelling and consult the Port of Dover website (www.doverport.co.uk) or Twitter account (@PoD_travelnews) for the latest travel information.


Ferry Operator Contacts
____________________


DFDS Seaways
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 874 001
Tourist: +44 (0) 871 230 0440
Twitter: @dfdsseaways

P&O Ferries
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 863 340
Tourist: +44 (0) 8716 64 64 64
Twitter: @POferriesupdate


ENDS

Yours truly had to have a double take this morning when looking across the harbour. It was a touch of the deja vues for sure...no sooner had the Crystal Serenity moved off, all 70,000 tons of her, when the Crystal Symphony moved in and is now here in its place on CT2.
There she goes...heading for St Peter Port in the Channel Islands, and very nice too. See the earlier picture below also. PB.

Sunday, 26 July 2015 - 05:58

 

Post 2232

  vic matcham, Dover

I do feel we need a footbridge or even two across the A20 so we can get to the seafront for the town there is only the under pass which cannot be used at times .And at this time trying to across the road is taking your life in your hands and for us older ones it is a no,no.

Sunday, 26 July 2015 - 00:39

 

Post 2231

  Sea News, Dover

The Crystal Serenity - enjoying its visit to Dover today.

Indeed Vic it is 24/7. Everyone working very hard. Was hoping to report that Operation Stack ( see 1773) had been lifted by now but not so alas ..
and the roads are just as busy as before as I write. PB.

Saturday, 25 July 2015 - 15:52

 

Post 2230

  vic matcham, Dover

The port that never sleeps. open 24/7.

Saturday, 25 July 2015 - 07:54

 

Post 2229

  Sea News, Dover

The beautiful Excelsior passing by Dover yesterday around midday, heading to ..well destination unknown.
The traffic at midnight last night. Operation Stack remains in place see POST 1773.
The fab Crystal Serenity is in Port today. Superduper!

Saturday, 25 July 2015 - 07:01

 

Post 2228

  Sea News, Dover

To add to our woes down here on the main road, as if the situation isn't difficult enough, this thing went on fire a few moments ago as I write...I have just heard the wail of the fire engine approaching just out of view. A fire in this building is alas alas a regular occurance. PB.
Time below..

Suggestion: Demolish it and put in a 24 hour café for world-weary travellers.
OPERATION STACK REMAINS IN PLACE SEE POST 1773.

Friday, 24 July 2015 - 16:13

 

Post 2227

  Sea News, Dover

Hi ,
With the ongoing grief at Calais and the inaction of the French government (is there one ? -- no wonder the Germans had no problems walking in 3 times) you'd think other ideas would be tried -- divert all ferries to Dunkirk ( allow P and O there too) Open up Boulogne again -- used to use it for many years up to 2009 -- Speedferries and LD lines . No big deal going to Dunkirk --we live in France and last 3 times out of 4 , before all this crap started , we arrived at Calais --operational problems and we drove the 30km or so to Dunkirk. Are some DFDS ferries trapped at Calais ? --

Dave Robinson-- 86400 St Macoux


Hi Dave - Thanks for your email above. All ferry services are operating normally now to both Calais and Dunkirk. There is a full service now to Calais by both DFDS SEAWAYS and P&O FERRIES. I hope I am not speaking too soon but the roads look a little easier today.
PaulB.

Never nice queuing like that Vic. Paul.


Friday, 24 July 2015 - 10:07