Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 1962

  Ed Connell, Dover

Cargoship Messina Strait approaching the Eastern Entrance this afternoon.



Monday, 27 April 2015 - 19:51

 

Post 1961

  John Mavin, Dover

On Friday it'll be nice to see Hurtigruten's pretty little Fram making one of her occasional calls here. She's due at 15:00 to embark passengers before sailing again at 18:00.



Monday, 27 April 2015 - 10:40

 

Post 1960

  Sea News, Dover

This guy above, a cormorant as I understand it, was posing beautifully on sunday morning...flexing his muscles and showing everyone his wingspan. I tried to get the best shot I could but my equipment isn't really up to the job ( not the first time I've heard that one !! )

I got a terribly weak picture of the Swedish Reefer arriving through the drizzle yesterday but wont need to inflict it on everyone now as Ed saved the day once again with that very nice shot of the ship below in post 1511...excellent.

Well done Mike in post 1512 .. a couple of posts below, always good to see the general comings and goings with the work boats etc. in and around the harbour.

Thanks a million too to DFDS SEAWAYS for the hugely interesting information as ever..see the DFDS Special below 1513.

PaulB



Monday, 27 April 2015 - 06:07

 

Post 1959

  Sea News, Dover

A DFDS SEAWAYS Dunkerque ( Dunkirk) Special


Dunkerque-Port lays first stone of new cross-Channel terminal
___________________________________________________

Wednesday 22 April 2015 saw the official launch of work on the new cross-Channel terminal, when a ceremony was held to lay the first stone. The event took place in the presence of Dunkerque-Port’s CEO Stéphane Raison, Carsten Jensen, Senior Vice-President of DFDS Seaways and Henri Jean, Sub-Prefect of Dunkirk District, as well as the leading figures involved in the project.

The volumes of vehicles transiting through the port of Dunkirk on their way to Great Britain represents a substantial part of the total cross-Channel traffic. In view of this success, and to prepare for the future, Dunkerque-Port and DFDS Seaways signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2013 defining a redevelopment programme for the cross-Channel terminal.

As part of these redevelopment works, DFDS Seaways will construct a new passenger reception building (the first stone of which was laid yesterday) and control booths at the entrance to the site.

The port of Dunkirk will assist DFDS Seaways in these works, and will also create the necessary yards and buildings for the control of vehicles and passengers as well as the pre-boarding parking areas, which will be located close to the walkways to facilitate boarding operations. These works are 10% funded under the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) scheme.

The new developments will improve access to the terminal from the highways and motorways, and allow customers to move quickly and easily from the entrance to the boarding car parks.

They will also speed up border and security controls in compliance with European and international regulations, and improve the security arrangements of the site. Other objectives include shorter ship loading and discharge times, improved safety for the personnel in charge of these operations, and increased capacities of the pre-boarding car parks (provision for more than two ships fully loaded).

The project opens perspectives for development and even for hosting new shipping routes (areas available for extension).


The total investment is 13,680,000 Euros.


Ends


ALSO MORE BELOW FROM DFDS SEAWAYS





DFDS Seaways Commemorates 75th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo
___________________________________________________________

• Book a return ferry crossing from Dover-Dunkirk for £75

To commemorate 75 years since Operation Dynamo, one of the most famous and significant events of the Second World War, DFDS Seaways is offering passengers a special fixed fare of £75 return for a car and up to nine passengers on its Dover to Dunkirk ferry service.

Those wanting to travel to Dunkirk using this offer, will also receive a free commemorative issue of the front page of the Daily Express from the morning after the Operation Dynamo evacuations, on 28 May 1940.


Operation Dynamo
_______________

Operation Dynamo and the well-documented evacuation of over 300,000 British and Allied troops from its beaches, have become synonymous with the northern French city. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s proudest military moments, showcasing a never-say-die attitude, Operation Dynamo is credited with not only saving thousands of lives, but also with helping to turn the tide of the war in favour of the Allied Forces.


There are a number of commemorative events taking place in and around Dunkirk from May and a museum dedicated to the operation is set to open in Dunkirk this September. The Dunkirk War Museum, open every day, has a range of artefacts and video footage from WWII. The Dunkirk Cemetery and Memorial, which commemorates soldiers who served in the First and Second World Wars, is located just outside of the city.


Many of the "little ships of Dunkirk", which were involved in the evacuation, will also be sailing to Dunkirk as part of the commemorations. Further details of Operation Dynamo commemorations and events taking place in Dunkirk can be found at www.dunkirk-tourism.com.


Dover-Dunkirk Ferry Service: DFDS Seaway’s ferry service from Dover to Dunkirk provides an easy two-hour crossing to northern France and the Continent, operating up to 24 daily sailings on the route.

To book this offer now, or for more travel inspiration, visit www.dfds.co.uk, or telephone 0871 574 7235, using code EOD75. This offer is valid for bookings made by 31 May, for travel on selected dates until 11 December.


- ENDS –




Monday, 27 April 2015 - 06:00

 

Post 1958

  Mike J., Dover

Sunday saw the COASTAL EXPLORER having a spot of weekend TLC in the Jetfoil Terminal while in Wellington Dock the windfarm tender CWIND ATHENIA was laid-up after her long stay ‘ashore’ in the Boat Yard.

Out on the Admiralty Pier the coaster MARTIN was waiting to load grain & the workboat SUFFOLK SPIRIT had arrived from Lowestoft & was showing ‘Dungeness’ as her destination on her AIS.







Sunday, 26 April 2015 - 22:37

 

Post 1957

  Ed Connell, Dover

Swedish Reefer at the DCT today.



Sunday, 26 April 2015 - 19:54

 

Post 1956

  Sea News, Dover

Ongoing transformation of the Port of Dover keeps the UK economy moving
________________________________________________________________________


Customers travelling through the Port of Dover will now have a new experience when they arrive to Europe’s busiest ferry port, thanks to the demolition of the Outward Vehicle Deck (OVD) as part of the transformational multi-million pound Traffic Management Improvement (TMI) project.

The familiar route into the Port is closing in readiness for demolition, representing a key point in the TMI project that is transforming Eastern Docks ferry terminal.

In fact the OVD was closed at 11:30hrs on Friday (24 April) with traffic being moved to the ground route, which will be suitably signposted.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive for the Port of Dover says:

"Whilst we keep Dover, the Port and the UK economy moving, we are also working hard to ensure that the Port will have additional capacity to handle growing freight volumes. This is why we made a conscious decision to expedite the works and put extra resources to enable earlier completion. Our customers, port users and the community will see the re-routing of traffic flows, new variable messaging services and lane control ­within the Port, thereby reducing congestion on the external road network."

TMI is part of an £85 million upgrade programme focused on the Eastern Docks, which is being delivered at the same time the Port has recently committed to investing up to £120 million in phase one of the Dover Western Docks Revival project. Together, such investments are transforming the Port for the benefit of its customers and community.

ENDS

FootNote:The Port annually handles 13 million passengers, 2.4 million freight vehicles, and £100 billion of trade....keeping the economy moving.



Sunday, 26 April 2015 - 06:23

 

Post 1955

  Sea News, Dover

More....Sailing on Saturday!
see also below...

Saturday, 25 April 2015 - 15:57

 

Post 1954

  Sea News, Dover

SAILING on SATURDAY

Yacht catching the strong breeze and just the first hint of sunlight on Saturday afternoon in Dover Harbour.
The sun's appearance was very welcome after a very misty murky morning.
The name of the yacht is Falcon...looking good !

Saturday, 25 April 2015 - 15:11

 

Post 1953

  Sea News, Dover

DFDS SEAWAYS WELCOMES MALO SEAWAYS to CALAIS SERVICE
• Malo Seaways enters service as replacement for Dieppe Seaways
• DFDS Seaways’ Dover-France fleet back to five ships

_______________________________________________________________


Award-winning ferry operator, DFDS Seaways, has welcomed Malo Seaways to its Dover-Calais service. Her first official sailing on the service left Calais at 13h30 CET on Wednesday, 22 April.


Named in honour of the French coastal city, Malo Les Bains, which is located north of Dunkirk, the new ship brings DFDS Seaways’ Dover-France fleet back up to five ships, following the departure of Dieppe Seaways. She joins Calais Seaways on the Dover-Calais service, offering passengers a comfortable and easy 90 minute crossing between the UK and France.


Malo Seaways has been newly refurbished and rebranded in the DFDS Seaways colours. Passenger facilities on board include a restaurant serving delicious hot and cold food, a dedicated children’s area, an additional comfortable seating area, a café bar with a selection of drinks and snacks, and an onboard shop stocked with holiday favourites and essentials.


Passengers can also book access to the Sea View Lounge, where there is a selection of hot and cold drinks included in the lounge access price of £8 per person. Malo Seaways also has dedicated commercial driver facilities in the Road Kings areas, which include a restaurant, relaxation lounge and shower facilities.


The latest addition to the DFDS Seaways passenger and freight fleet of ferries is around 170m long with capacity for around 375 cars and 400 passengers.


Max Foster, passenger director at DFDS Seaways, commented: "We’re very grateful to the Mayor of Malo Les Bains for allowing us to name our new ship after the city and are delighted that the Dover-France fleet is back to its five ship capacity. We’re looking forward to welcoming passengers on board our latest addition to the DFDS Family."


DFDS Seaways sails up to 44 times a day between Dover and France, including up to 20 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais service. These ferry services are designed to provide passengers with flexible crossing times, a luxury travel experience and convenient travel options. To find out more information, visit www.dfdsseaways.co.uk, or telephone 0871 574 7235.


-Ends-


Huge thanks to DFDS SEAWAYS for sending the info and picture at top through...
To see lots of pictures of the MALO SEAWAYS (thanks to the guys) scroll down the page to posts...1496, 1498, and 1503.



* *

And now more on the ROYAL VISIT from earlier in the week...


The Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club (RCPYC) and the Port of Dover are honoured to have welcomed
HRH The Princess Royal to Dover in her capacity as President of the Royal Yachting Association.
____________________________________________________________________________


In order to get a nautical perspective on what Dover’s port and harbour have to offer and the vibrant sailing activities that take place, The Princess Royal was taken for a special tour in the harbour on board the Port’s harbour patrol launch ‘Dovorian’.

The Princess Royal was received by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle MBE, who presented George Jenkins OBE, Chairman of Dover Harbour Board and Tim Waggott, its Chief Executive along with Admiral The Lord Boyce KG GCB OBE, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, who is President and a great supporter of the RCPYC. Lord Boyce then presented Sarah Treseder, Chief Executive of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), together with Bernard Sealy, Commodore of the RCPYC and its Vice-Commodore Richard Hart.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:

"It was a fantastic privilege to explain to The Princess Royal how the Port and the Yacht Club are working brilliantly together in a way that enables a full yachting programme and related activities to run successfully alongside a major international port."

Bernard Sealy, Commodore, RCPYC, said:

"It is a proud moment for our famous club and equally recognition of the progress that Dover is once again making not only as a yachting centre but as destination rather than a place where people pass through."

On returning to the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, formed in 1872, The Princess Royal was shown historic archive material and had the exciting future plans for the Port explained to her, including those that will benefit partners such as the RCPYC and the wider community with the prospect of major waterfront development and regeneration.

Bernard Sealy said:

"Today we have shown what we have done, what we are doing and importantly what we are trying to achieve by working together with the Port and a host of other organisations towards a common vision."

Tim Waggott explained:

"Such a rich tapestry of maritime experience in Dover already makes it a fascinating destination to explore. With our shared vision for major waterfront regeneration as part of our Dover Western Docks Revival project, The Princess Royal has also now seen the wonderful future being created in Dover that will result in an even more vibrant maritime community."

The Princess Royal met RCPYC members in the Lord Nelson Suite overlooking Dover harbour, as well as representatives from a variety of other organisations, both at home and abroad, including Dover Museum, Dover and Deal Sea Cadets, Dover Bronze Age Boat Trust, the Cinque Port Pirates Sailing Club, Dover Rowing Club, Dover RNLI, Dover Coastguard, and Dover Sea Sports Centre, once more reflecting the rich maritime heritage in Dover.

ENDS

• PICTURE: Port of Dover Chairman, George Jenkins, Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott and HRH The Princess Royal discussing the Dover Western Docks Revival plans. The 'flypast' below showing fine style.





Friday, 24 April 2015 - 06:47

 

Post 1951

  JanT, Dover

Remember very well taking the picture of the church in Calais, a wonderful building and really pleased to hear that our very own P&O choir has been invited to sing there.
It is a magnificent place to be asked to sing in especially with its historic past.


Thursday, 23 April 2015 - 09:07

 

Post 1950

  Sea News, Dover

Next Stop Calais for P&O Ferries Choir
_______________________________

The P&O Ferries Choir will make its first foray overseas when it crosses the Channel to perform at the annual Musi Chorales festival in Calais on 17 May.

The festival is staged in the grand medieval church Eglise Notre-Dame which provides both a stunning architectural backdrop and outstanding acoustics. Many of the kings and queens of England and France have worshipped in Eglise Notre-Dame and Charles de Gaulle was married there.

"It is a great honour to be invited to take part in the festival and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to sing in such a magnificent and historic church," said choir member Nick Wickham. "Calais and the wider area have a really vibrant choral community so we feel privileged to be able to join this event," he added.

The singers from P&O Ferries will join two highly regarded local choirs for the festival, the Chorale Saint Joseph, plus the choir from the Lycee Pierre de Coubertin.

As well as performing individually, the choirs plan to come together in song for a grand finale of more than 100 voices with Requiem Aeternam, an exciting choral setting of Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma.

Musi Chorales Calais takes place on the afternoon of Sunday 17 May from 3.30pm (French time) and entry is free of charge. Eglise Notre-Dame is on Rue de la Paix, a five minute walk from the large parking area at Place d'Armes, and a short walk from the shuttle bus service linking the town with the ferry terminal.



Many thanks to P&O as ever for the info. Brilliant event for sure -
I am sure we all know that Church very well indeed. It is right in the heart of Calais and within easy reach.. being just off Place d'Armes. Google.

Top Picture of the aforementioned Church ( Eglise Notre Dame, Calais ) is by Jan Tranter.

Second picture shows the P&O Choir belting it out in fine style on TV last year.



Thursday, 23 April 2015 - 07:11

 

Post 1949

  Sea News, Dover

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT - LATEST NEWS


Assessment of new A20 traffic management measures – what to expect
_____________________________________________________________

New traffic management measures are currently being assessed on the A20 on its approach to the Port of Dover. They are being used to regulate the flow of traffic on the A20 when the Port is especially busy and reduce the likelihood of queuing traffic forming on the A20 through Dover. Ultimately, the assessment is being undertaken in order to find a solution to address the impact that the growing economy is having on the Port’s customers and the local community.

A week into the assessment and following an implementation of the measures at the weekend, the Port thought it would be helpful to set out some further explanation as to what to expect when heading to Dover on the A20.

How it works

At busy times, if the Port of Dover is nearing capacity for check in, its operations staff will initiate new traffic lights on the A20 just outside of Dover to hold freight and/or tourist vehicles whilst space becomes available within the Port to accommodate them. The traffic is then released in batches to match the space available and therefore keep local traffic and Dover moving.

There is currently a 40mph speed limit from the Western Heights roundabout through Dover and this has been extended to Roundhill Tunnel at Folkestone in order to promote safety for the duration of the assessment.

The traffic signals will be in use in periods roughly three days per week and incorporate a vehicle number plate recognition system so that only freight vehicles that have been through the signals are accepted by the Port.

Cars, light vehicles and coaches heading for Dover Town Centre will still be able to use the A20. Lane 2 is available exclusively for their use when the traffic signals are in operation, or they can use the B2011.

Local freight vehicles do not have to go through the A20 signals if that would not be their natural route. Freight vehicles that have passed through the signals and are parking at MOTIS in the Western Docks do not then have to go back through the signals before heading to the ferry terminal. These will be given a date stamped card.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, says:

"We will continue to work closely with our partners in order to address any teething issues and
deliver the long term solution that is required for our customers and community."

The Port would like to thank its customers and community for their patience and understanding whilst the assessment is carried out.


ENDS



Thanks as ever to the guys over at the Port for all the latest info.


* *

Great scoop pictures below Ed once again. Ace stuff! Great to see indeed.



Thursday, 23 April 2015 - 06:56

 

Post 1948

  Ed Connell, Dover

Malo Seaways entered service today. Seen here loading and departing from ED3 as viewed from Delft Seaways on ED2.








Wednesday, 22 April 2015 - 21:53

 

Post 1947

  Ed Connell, Dover

Cargoship Emerald at the DCT today.



Wednesday, 22 April 2015 - 09:38

 

Post 1946

  Sea News, Dover

THE FURTHER MEANDERINGS OF THE EXPLORATORY PLATFORM



Some further pictures of our old friend by now...the Coastal Explorer platform as she makes her way here and there around the harbour and all the while working 24 hours a day. One day she is here, the next day she is there, but it all makes for a considerable excitement for sure. Just imagine if she strikes oil we will all be seriously rich...it could turn into Texas here.



All pictures above taken in the past couple of days.
Ah no Colette..alas I missed out on the cucumber sandwiches this time. There is no justice!
Still enjoying those ace pictures of the Malo Seaways below.


Wednesday, 22 April 2015 - 07:00

 

Post 1945

  ColetteB, Dover

And I thought you would be taking tea with the Princess on the Queens Birthday today PaulB

Terrific array of photos yet again over the last few days Guys, truly awesome, Luvit!!


Tuesday, 21 April 2015 - 19:25

 

Post 1944

  Sea News, Dover

Great stuff Mike. You guys did great with the pictures of the Malo Seaways...I didn't get a sniff at all. Left the features at the top for max effect. Very enjoyable.
But here we are now in total paparazzi mode as we understand Princess Anne visited the Yacht Club today. By the time we knew most of the event was probably over but here's a snap of some of the gathering anyway... pictured moments ago.

We could have zoomed in further but a bit of decorum was required.

Tuesday, 21 April 2015 - 17:01

 

Post 1943

  Mike J., Dover

Excellent pix from Ed - the Man on the Spot !
Here’s some different angles.

After completion of berthing trials at Dover the MALO SEAWAYS returned to Dunkirk for more work before entering service.











Monday, 20 April 2015 - 22:44

 

Post 1942

  Sea News, Dover

Wow Ed!! Cracking pictures - you got the ace scoop there

Monday, 20 April 2015 - 16:27