Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 1516

  Kevin Charles, Dover

The team from the Port of Dover have been busy promoting destination Dover in Miami this week at the cruise industry's premier exhibition of the year. With the stunning £10 million refurbishment of Cruise Terminal 1 hopefully more customers signed up for the future!

Friday, 20 March 2015 - 11:44

 

Post 1515

  Sea News, Dover

More sparkle promised at this year’s Port of Dover Community Regatta
_________________________________________________________


We promised you a bigger and better event last year and our commitment to deliver even more for Dover continues this year with the addition of a new evening event for the Port of Dover Community Regatta, culminating in a grand fireworks finale over the harbour!

Taking place along Dover’s award-winning esplanade, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, 25 July. Now in its third year, the Port of Dover Community Regatta is facilitated by the Port of Dover. The Port is extremely grateful for the continued support of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and is delighted that Dover Town Council has also come on board to work with the Port and its partners for the benefit of the local community.

During the day, the free family Regatta will feature the popular Dover District Community Safety Day, an impressive classic car display, a new bike show, an entertainment stage throughout the day, family activities along the whole of the seafront and on the water, and a spectacular aerobatic display by the world renowned Blades.

The evening event, in association with Dover Town Council, will provide a wide range of entertainment both on the stage and along the promenade with details to follow over the next few months. The fireworks, sponsored by local Dover restaurant Cullins Yard, will close the Regatta in style and light up our beautiful harbour.

Allison Burton, Town Clerk, Dover Town Council, said: "Dover Town Council is very happy to provide the evening entertainment building up to the firework finale at the Port of Dover Community Regatta, one of the most important events in the town’s summer programme."

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive, Port of Dover said: "Last year’s event was a great day for Dover and the reality behind our vision of bringing the Port and its community together to celebrate a shared maritime heritage. The Port of Dover Community Regatta is now a flagship event for Dover and we are committed, along with our partners, to putting on an even bigger and better event that help make Dover the place to visit, live, work and enjoy.

"It is a case of working hard to keep the traffic, Dover and the UK economy moving so that we can also enjoy our fantastic seafront together and celebrate the Port’s place at the heart of the community. We look forward to seeing you!"




Also...

Back by popular demand will be the ‘Dover Port Dash’ tournament, which will see teams race across the harbour in ‘Thames Cutters’ pitting their wits against the waves and challenging their fitness in a bid to raise money for two local charities, the RNLI and a community-elected charity, soon to be revealed.

There are places for 14 adult mixed teams and 14 junior mixed crews. Teams will comprise six rowers plus a cox. Entry will be free to the junior teams. So the call is well and truly out to all aspiring Dashers, to get their teams together, get practicing and get set to join in all the fun!

Nadeem Aziz, Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership and Chief Executive of Dover District Council said: "The Port of Dover Community Regatta promises to be a great day out for the family, and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase to the community what we are all doing to make our district an even safer place to live, work and visit."

Further event details are to be announced in due course but in the meantime please register your interest in taking part in the Dover Port Dash by emailing Alyson Hudson at PODCommunityRegatta.co.uk, visiting our Facebook page or tweeting us on Twitter.

ENDS


The big story last night on BBC Southeast was..can you believe it...criminal gangs smuggling migrants OUT of the UK and over to Dunkerque. We are forever concerned about migrants coming this way as is often featured..but the latest story offered a bizarre twist. The programme was presented from Dover by Polly Evans and here she is in fine action on the seafront as the light was fading.


Top two pictures are from our colleagues down at the Port, third picture is from the archives here showing the display in 2009...the final picture was taken last evening as mentioned.



Friday, 20 March 2015 - 06:21

 

Post 1514

  Sea News, Dover

DFDS Seaways offers ‘monumental’ discounts to culture vultures
Experience French culture and save up to 20% on France’s top monuments
____________________________________________________________




It’s hardly surprising that France is the most popular holiday destination in the world; not only home to wonderful cities and beautiful countryside, but France’s contribution to the arts, music, food, culture and literature is almost unrivalled.

For those travelling with award-winning ferry operator DFDS Seaways, you can now take advantage of discounted entry to some of the country’s most famous monuments and attractions, when you book a crossing before the end of April 2015.

Travelling with DFDS Seaways

With three routes to France offering up to 50 daily sailings, ferry travel to France with DFDS Seaways is a quick, low-cost and convenient way to explore the most popular tourist destination in the world. Hop on one of its cross-Channel ferries and you can sail from Dover to Calais in just 90 minutes, or to Dunkirk in two hours. DFDS Seaways also operates up to six daily sailings between Newhaven and Dieppe, taking just four hours with comfortable reclining seats and private cabins available should you require extra privacy. Prices start from just £35 each way for a car and up to nine passengers.

Monumental discounts

In association with The Centre Des Monuments Nationaux – the organisation that manages many famous French monuments including: The Castle of Carcassonne; Château d'Angers and the Panthéon in Paris – DFDS Seaways is offering discounted entry to an amazing 34 attractions across France, when you visit before 30 June 2015. Typical entry normally costs €9 per person, and you can save around €2 per person.

To take advantage of this offer, simply book your crossing before 30 April 2015 and you will receive your booking confirmation by email. Then, just print your confirmation and present it upon entry at your chosen attraction.

To see a full list of participating monuments click here www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/


- ENDS –


Many thanks to DFDS Seaways for the info.

The picture below from tuesday evening could almost be a romantic view of the sun sinking behind Dover's delightful western heights....I say almost...if it wasn't for that monolithic monstrosity of mangled steel and concrete, Burlington House, intruding into the picture and killing the romance stone dead. Still, moves are afoot to be rid of the beastly burden....as mentioned in recent posts 1409, 1431, etc.

See the picture below. They were shooting a movie along the seafront yesterday wednesday and they went on working into the darkness. Not entirely sure what was going on...but we wont fuel another rumour that Johnny Depp has been seen in the area but it all made for a striking image in the darkness last night.
I'm ready for my close-up now...PaulB.



Thursday, 19 March 2015 - 06:26

 

Post 1513

  Sea News, Dover

Calling all young runners to the Port of Dover Race Festival
_____________________________________________________

There are still some places left for young budding runners to kick-start the Port of Dover’s Race Festival by entering for the Kid’s Mile Race set along the Prince of Wales Pier on Friday, 27 March. The race, which will take place at 4pm, is open to all children up to the age of 16.

The race festival weekend is now in its second year and will take place on 27-29 March. On Saturday, the event will start at 9.00am for the first Marathon and at 2.30pm there will be a Half Marathon. Sunday will bring a close to the weekend’s activities, with the second Marathon starting at 9.00am followed by the 10K Race at 2.30pm. All 240 adult places are booked, which is double the number of competitors compared with last year and a sign of the growing popularity of the festival as another event bringing the Port to the heart of the local community.

Event organiser, Karen Webber at Port of Dover, said:
"We are thrilled with the huge response we have had – in fact, we have a long waiting list for those who want to step in if any places become available for the adult races. The Kid’s Mile will be a great way to start the event so we look forward to entries from those who could be the next generation of marathon runners!"

Set against the iconic back-drop of the country’s famous white cliffs and magnificent Dover Castle, the event will comprise multi-looped courses from the eastern end of the seafront along to the west and to the end of the Prince of Wales pier. The event will raise funds for the Brathay Trust.

All of the races are inclusive, whether entrants are experienced, multi-racers or novice runners. The multi-lap nature of the course makes for a friendly atmosphere which, from last year’s event, was a great success and attended by over 120 runners.

The promenade and beach will remain open to the public for those who wish to watch the races, cheer on their children or wish to go for a weekend stroll. So come along and cheer them all on!

ENDS



Wednesday, 18 March 2015 - 06:23

 

Post 1512

  Sea News, Dover

In Calais, a new Agreement will enable the completion of the Calais Port project 2015, representing an investment of some € 650 million.



The project involves:
• the creation of a new seawall about 3 kilometers long and a dock with a surface area of 90 hectares essential to any development of the port of Calais;
• the creation of 44 hectares of new quayage using material dredged from the dock, in a balanced cut-and-fill approach;
• the construction of berths for the latest-generation mega-ferries;
• the developments required for road and rail connections;
• a rail – road – sea terminal at the contact point of the future rail and sea motorways from the south of France, as well as from the rest of Europe.

Complementary skills and the participation of Europe

The signing of the Concession Agreement has been made possible by combining complementary skills:
those of the Côte d’Opale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Port of Dunkirk, the investors of CDC Infrastructure and Meridiam, but also those of the Design & Build group, in particular combining companies in the Bouygues, Spie Batignolles and Jan de Nul groups, and those of the financiers: Allianz GI, who have accepted the principle of participation in the project on behalf of the Allianz Group and third-party investors by underwriting a bond issue for 525 million euros, in addition to the contribution by equity investors of more than 117 million euros, and the support of the European Investment Bank.

These commitments have reduced the total amount of subsidies to € 270 million. In addition, the French government has decided to participate in the financing of the port and Europe has shown its willingness to do the same.

* *

The above is a section of a press release from the Port of Calais..many thanks to them.

And now a huge well wish to those out there celebrating St Patricks Day today
...top o'the mornin'




Tuesday, 17 March 2015 - 06:52

 

Post 1511

  Sea News, Dover

THE LATEST LETTER FROM CHARLIE ELPHICKE MP................on Burlington House and Town Centre Development.
___________________________________________________________________________________________

It was a defining moment for our community when the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for Burlington House was approved by the Government. This means Dover District Council will soon knock down Burlington House. It also means they can get on with the town centre development we have waited for so long.

Since I was elected in 2010, I have worked tirelessly with the Council and the Government to get the go ahead for the demolition. For over 10 years, the project to knock down Burlington House had gone nowhere. People were beginning to lose hope. I made it a top priority to get Burlington House down and made the case to the Government to get on and approve the CPO as crucial for the renewal of our town.

This decision fires the starting gun for the regeneration of Dover. Once Burlington House has been torn down, work on the town centre development proper can begin. Top shops and businesses have already signed up to be included. All that was needed was the CPO to be confirmed. Now this logjam has been cleared, work can soon begin.

This truly is a great moment for our town. We've waited such a long time for this good news and it's a milestone in the journey to make Dover a jewel in the crown of the nation once again.

Burlington House is a symbol for how Dover didn't get its fair share of investment after the Second World War. We paid the price for being in Hellfire Corner in the Second World War. Our beautiful regency town was destroyed as Nazi bombs and shells rained down on the White Cliffs.

We should have got proper investment from post-war governments to rebuild the town. But the money never came. Instead, modern planners were let loose and ugly, brutalist buildings like Burlington House sprung up in Dover's town centre. It was a disgrace and poor tribute to Dover's wartime sacrifice.

The new town centre development will bring more jobs and money to our community. It will include new shops, restaurants and a hotel. It will help make Dover a destination in its own right. A place for people to come to, not pass through. It is important it should cross over the A20 and join with the waterfront.

This is just the start in delivering a greater future for our town. A people's port is also now rising at the docks. There is an exciting vision for the revival of Dover Western Docks and more investment in Dover seafront. A new Dover Hospital will soon open its doors. Burlington House being torn down and the St James' development getting under way is the latest step in the renewal of Dover.

Much has been done, but there is much still to do. Yet the go ahead to tear down Burlington House is a real landmark. A milestone on the road to Dover's future. I look forward to the bulldozers moving in soon to bring forward a revitalised and renewed Dover town centre.

CHARLIE ELPHICKE MP DOVER AND DEAL.


and now.....


THE RELATED EARLIER RELEASE FROM DOVER DISTRICT COUNCIL ...from Post 1409.


ST JAMES’S REDEVELOPMENT GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
Compulsory Purchase Order confirmed following public inquiry
_________________________________________________

Plans for the St James’s retail and leisure development in Dover town centre took a major step forward today (27 February 2015) after the Compulsory Purchase Order made by Dover District Council was confirmed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. This will now allow the Council acting with its development partner, Bond City, to complete the assembly of all outstanding third party land interests and enable the redevelopment of the St James’s area to proceed.

More than 95% of the freehold interests in the site were already owned or have been acquired by the Council by agreement. The Compulsory Purchase Order was requested to acquire the remaining land and interests. A related Order has also been agreed by the Secretary of State for Transport for the stopping-up of roads within the scheme area.

The redevelopment proposals have had far reaching support and strong interest from tenants, including Cineworld, Marks & Spencer, Travelodge and Frankie & Benny’s.

In total the development will provide 120,000 sq. ft. of new retail and leisure space bringing much needed private investment to revitalise the town centre.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "This marks a historic day for Dover and the St James’s development as we start the process of delivering the new retail and leisure facilities that we know people want."

Ends


The cold east wind bristles across the harbour changing the direction of the incoming waves...




Monday, 16 March 2015 - 06:37

 

Post 1510

  Sea News, Dover

In the poor visibility yesterday we were able to spot the UK Border Agency in action out in the channel. The quality of the picture isn't great but it shows the two 'ships' passing in the ..ermm.. daylight. The Border Agency guys must have seen something of concern as they shortly afterwards turned around and pursued the yacht above. Which Border Agency vessel it was we don't know...but often seen around here are two that spring to mind, Seeker and Vigilant. Well, whichever vessel it was the UKBA were ever vigilant yesterday and out there seeking truth and justice no doubt.

There wasn't much activity on the water yesterday Saturday. The horrid wind whistled in from the Urals in the east and gosh it was cold at the waters edge. As we in the West blame Putin for almost everything this has gotta be his fault too...somehow! However these brave rowers ventured out in the choppier than normal waters...and well wrapped up they were to be sure. All women I think ..tough hardy and resilient...and to prove us men are not total wuzzies the cox at the end is a chap!
PB.
And below a second picture of the same group as they move into the blinding sunlight....


Sunday, 15 March 2015 - 06:53

 

Post 1509

  Sea News, Dover

While fiddling with the pictures, like you do, I noticed some wild geese travelling north-east in harmony with the Sand Fulmar...pictures from the other evening as also seen further below page. Not much detail with the geese it must be said, but here we are anyway. Hope they are visible to all. It must be the time of year when all move from south to north.

The striking Port of Dover sunrises continue below...wowser! Completely as is/was.. Only the camera between the page and the real thing. PaulB.



Saturday, 14 March 2015 - 07:43

 

Post 1508

  Sea News, Dover

The familiar tugboats back together again..picture taken yesterday. We understand Dauntless was away for a refit and we knew of her return when we saw the temporary replacement Boulonnais heading back towards...well...back to the land of the Boulonnais on Wednesday, after a job well done, she featured in several of our pictures. To see more just type the name in the Search Engine above and away you go.
A great time of the year for dramatic sunrises over the harbour and very welcome they are too, particularly now that Spring is in the air and the sap is rising in the sinews...
Late in the day the dredger Sand Fulmar came down the coast from the west and into harbour to stand at cruise terminal 2. It was a nice colourful evening with good visability so made the most of it. In the first shot below you can see her approaching and in the foreground note the returning Pilot boat. The second shot below shows her entering harbour. At first glance she appears to have departed again by this morning..its all go.



Friday, 13 March 2015 - 06:04

 

Post 1507

  Sea News, Dover

It is great to see our cruise aspect coming back to life and it was excellent to see our old friend The Braemar with us yesterday. She came in very early, too early for a picture, but later in the day with the shifting light it was possible to get a reasonable shot...we arranged for the seagull to fly in front of the ship just at the right time...these seagulls on modelling contracts don't come cheap you know ! No expense spared around here...


Below we have a picture of the platform jack moving across the harbour yesterday afternoon, slowly slowly does it. The platform is now in place alongside the pier at Dover7 and will help with the ongoing work there. The ship in the misty background is the tanker LS Christine.


See also page 3 for more pictures and info on the platform (Topjack).


EXTRA:


£1.8M FLOOD DEFENCE INVESTMENT TO PROTECT HOMES IN KINGSDOWN
_____________________________________________________________

A £1.8m scheme that is set to build 16 new timber groynes at Kingsdown beach and replenish the beach with 24,000m3 of recycled shingle has been given the go ahead by DDC Cabinet, (on Monday 2 March), and is being funded by the Government through the Environment Agency.

The scheme is to ensure sea defences in the area remain effective and protect local homes. The Council is now to seek approvals from Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation, and will then seek tenders for the construction of the timber groynes, and the beach recycling works.

This follows news in December that the Environment Agency had announced a range of flood and coastal protection development schemes across the district. Dover District Council is a key partner, working with the East Kent Engineering Partnership to deliver the Kingsdown project.

Cllr Nicholas Kenton, DDC Cabinet Member for Environment said: "Coastal protection and flood defences are vital for the safety of residents and the future of the district. We are very pleased to see this key scheme in Kingsdown progress, as we continue to work with the EA and other partners to help protect the district."


- ends -



Thursday, 12 March 2015 - 06:16

 

Post 1506

  Sea News, Dover

Good to see the ferries back in full slog operation....at least that appears to be the case ...picture below from a few moments ago as I write.. 06.40 (Wed)

Below we have a drawing of the Emerald cargo vessel arriving yesterday morning...she has since left us and is now well on her way to Rotterdam.


ALSO NOTE: SECOND CRUISE SHIP OF SEASON IN TODAY...THE BRAEMAR.
came in a bit too early for a decent picture.

See also the earlier post immediately below re the current traffic situation plus.. following yesterdays strike action in Calais
...and...Don't forget MUM in the post below that !!!




Wednesday, 11 March 2015 - 06:45

 

Post 1505

  Sea News, Dover

Industrial Action in Port of Calais Ended @1720 yesterday but there is a backlog of freight traffic once again....
________________________________________________________________________________________


The Port of Dover advises its customers and the local community that today’s industrial action in the Port of Calais has now ended.

Ferry services from the Port of Dover have continued to operate. However, with limited operations in Calais, ferry schedules have been subject to some disruption and it will take some time for ferries to resume their normal schedule once they have loaded and returned. Crossings to Dunkerque will continue to operate as normal.

Please note, that there may be some freight with longer waiting times on the A20 as the Port continues to work with its major ferry partners in order to return to normal operations.

Local and tourist motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible – A2/M2, B2011 or the A256 and A258 are advised.

Please allow plenty of time for your journey. The Port of Dover, its ferry partners and all agencies have worked hard to minimise the disruption to the best of our collective ability.

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

The Port wishes to thank its customers and community for their understanding.

DFDS Seaways
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 874001
Tourist: +44 (0) 871 230 0440
Twitter: @dfdsukupdates

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

MyFerryLink
Freight: +44 (0) 1304 828 423
Tourist: +44 (0) 844 248 2100
Twitter: @MyFerryLink


Wednesday, 11 March 2015 - 05:47

 

Post 1504

  Sea News, Dover

Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day with an extra special break to Europe
____________________________________________________________

- Take a three or five day short break from Dover to France from just £59 per car


This Mother’s Day, treat the most important woman in your life with an extra special trip to Europe. With fantastic offers from DFDS Seaways, treating your mum to a special trip needn’t break the bank!


Short break to France and beyond ....

DFDS Seaways is offering three and five day breaks from just £59 per car and up to nine passengers on its Dover to France routes. The ports of Dunkirk and Calais are perfectly situated for short city breaks to Bruges, Brussels and Lille and the beautiful countryside of Normandy and northern France are also just a short drive away.

For those that want to explore further afield, the southern coast and its beautiful golden beaches and glamorous resorts are also within easy reach, and the beautiful Keukenhof gardens in Holland are also accessible via this route, just a three and half hour drive from Dunkirk.

During the short crossing, why not grab a bite to eat at the self-service restaurant, enjoy a drink at the bar or pick up wine and spirits, confectionary and last minute travel essentials at the onboard shop.

To redeem the three day offer use the discount code E3DAY or E5DAY for the five day offer at the point of purchase.

To find out more about the beautiful Keukenhof gardens, or to book your short break now, visit www.dfds.co.uk or telephone 0871 882 0885.


- ENDS –



Many thanks to DFDS SEAWAYS for the info above.
The ships on show are the Dieppe Seaways just off Calais last summer
and just above a recent picture of the Calais Seaways in Dover Harbour.
MOTHERS DAY is MARCH 15.




Added Note: In the previous post we carried a picture of the Baltic Klipper. For better pictures of the same ship type Baltic Klipper in our new SEARCH ENGINE.





Tuesday, 10 March 2015 - 06:27

 

Post 1503

  Sea News, Dover

Port of Dover continues with University partnership
_________________________________________


In the past week the Port of Dover hosted 14 logistics students from Kent Business School (KBS) - part of the University of Kent - continuing the Port’s Youth Engagement Scheme (YES) and its ongoing relationship with the KBS logistics department. The students, who are currently studying for an MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, visited to see how Europe's busiest ferry portoperates and understand how Dover’s cargo terminal contributes to 25% of the UK’s bananas joining the onward supply chain.

The students met General Manager – Strategy and Risk Management, Tim Godden, Cargo and Cruise Operations Manager, Mark Punton, and Quality Manager, Anthony Trilsbach to discuss how the Port of Dover is undergoing major development whilst delivering record volumes of freight traffic as the economy continues to grow.

The group visited Dover Cargo Terminal to understand the Port’s fresh produce operations and the competitive dynamics of the industry. The visit highlighted the opportunity of the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development, which includes developing a new cargo terminal and port centric distribution facility. A visit was also made to Terminal Control, the nerve centre of the landside ferry operation, in order to see first-hand how the Port of Dover handles £100 billion of trade each year on behalf of the Nation.

Timothy Godden, General Manager - Strategy & Risk Management, Port of Dover, says: "It is great to see the students gain an understanding of how the Port of Dover is vital to the UK economy and European logistics chain. I am greatly encouraged that the postgraduates clearly see the benefits of our vision for the future to the Port, to Dover and the UK.

Professor Salhi, Director of the Centre for Logistics and Heuristic Optimisation and Dr Wassan, the Director of Studies of the M.Sc. Logistic degree, from the Kent Business School (KBS) says:

"We are extremely grateful to the team at the Port of Dover for offering our students the opportunity to experience first-hand the sheer scale of operations at Dover and how the Port successfully meets the logistical challenges of such a busy port."

ENDS


Top Picture : Tim Godden, General Manager of Strategy and Risk Management, Port of Dover and Professor Salhi, Director of the Centre for Logistics and Heuristic, with Kent Business School students at Harbour House.

Picture below shows the the Baltic Klipper arriving yesterday Sunday in hazy but calm conditions. The turnaround was quick once again and she has already left us and is currently off Holland on her way to Hamburg.



Monday, 9 March 2015 - 07:12

 

Post 1502

  Sea News, Dover

It is sometimes difficult to appreciate the size of the tugs in the pictures..they can look smaller than they actually are, but this shot yesterday gives an idea of scale..just look at the car on the Prince of Wales pier and you get the scale, the dimensions of it all..if not the power of the beast. As you can see quite a few people braved the Pier yesterday brought out by the glorious sunshine. It was quite blustery though with a definite chill factor early on, enough to cool yer biryani down a bit...


Both these pictures are from yesterday. You yourself may have noticed the dazzling sky last night as seen below, filled with colourful streaks and swirls for just a few mere moments...just as night fell. It was there for just those few moments and gone just as quickly as it came. Isn't nature wonderful.
Harbour nights...

Sunday, 8 March 2015 - 07:32

 

Post 1501

  Sea News, Dover

P&O Ferries and MTN Transform Sea Travel Communications by Launching the First Wi-Fi Hot Spot on the English Channel
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

New P&O Ferries Communications Network Delivers High-Performance Internet Connectivity and Access to Content for Millions of Passengers and Crew
Dover, UK and Miramar, Fla., USA –

P&O Ferries and MTN Communications (MTN) announce the delivery of high-performance Internet connectivity and access to online content through the first Wi-Fi hot spot on the English Channel.

This service is now live on the English Channel on ferries serving the P&O Ferries Dover-Calais route. These vessels are the first ferries in the world connected to the MTN Terrestrial Broadband Network (TBN), in addition to having back-up satellite connectivity, as many cruise ships do today. Each P&O Ferries vessel now has a broadband antenna tracking and stabilization system, which works across the entire 22 miles (35.40 kilometers) of the English Channel. This allows the antenna to "lock" onto MTN TBN access points on shore, providing broadband service to the end user.

In addition, the shipboard data center of each vessel is
equipped with the industry’s most advanced processing technologies.
This new service follows the launch of a satellite communications solution on the P&O Ferries Irish Sea Route in December 2013 and North Sea Route in August 2014. This initiative serves the 11 of the P&O Ferries vessels that make up Europe’s largest and leading ferry fleet. P&O Ferries carries more than nine million passengers annually and provides 365x7 transport.

This initiative marks P&O Ferries’ implementation of the most advanced communications
ecosystem in the ferry market and one that only MTN delivers.


THE ABOVE IS A SECTION OF A PRESS RELEASE FROM P&O -


Long range picture of ferries yesterday making their way to France in the dazzling Springtime sunshine. It is great weather for National Ferry Fortnight and a great time to be considering a trip over...
Below we have another picture from Friday when we spotted this guy being convoyed along the main road from Eastern to Western Docks. Containers are being stored again on the old Hoverspeed apron so presumably that was the destination.


Saturday, 7 March 2015 - 06:32

 

Post 1500

  Sea News, Dover

Just a couple of quick pix here from the past few days. Top shot shows the tugs Boulonnais and Doughty taking the giant barge out into the open sea on Wednesday and out into a whipping breeze that would whip that skin off yer rice pudding again. Doughty returned to harbour but Boulonnais headed off westward ho with barge in tow. More on the barge in post 1401. Below we just caught the Eastern Bay as she headed off...also on Wednesday I believe... never a dull moment around here as the Port is always busy.


See the offers from P&O below for National Ferry Fortnight ..always welcome to see a nice offer or two... woof woof!
DFDS SEAWAYS and MYFERRYLINK are also joining in...more from them further down the page..
and also good to see below the support from the Port of Dover, it's all going on for National Ferry Fortnight.

Friday, 6 March 2015 - 06:43

 

Post 1499

  Sea News, Dover

UNLEASHED................. !!!!


P&O Ferries unleashes its National Ferry Fortnight offers - Pets travel free of charge on P&O Ferries Dover to Calais crossings this year for bookings made during National Ferry Fortnight (28 February to 15 March) saving £30 return per pet. It's just one of the deals offered by P&O Ferries during National Ferry Fortnight.

Kids go free on Cairnryan or Troon to Larne, passengers get half price entry to Club Lounge on Dover to Calais and Cairnryan or Troon to Larne and upgrades to Club cabins are half price on Hull to Rotterdam or Zeebrugge for travel throughout 2015.

For more information or to book visit www.POferries.com or call 08716 64 64 64. (ends)



* *


Port of Dover supports National Ferry Fortnight
________________________________________

As Europe’s busiest ferry port, the Port of Dover is delighted to support National Ferry Fortnight, which runs from 2nd to 15th March 2014.

A 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 – in helping to promote the great customer service and benefits of ferry travel available from the Port.

This year, National Ferry Fortnight is promoting the advantages of ‘Ferry Freedom,’ encouraging consumers and their families to experience the ease, value and flexibility of ferry travel.


Barbara Buczek, General Manager – Business Development, Port of Dover, says:


"National Ferry Fortnight continues to grow year-on-year as the benefits of ferry travel continue to be recognised. It is vital we get behind this campaign, highlighting why the Port, together with its ferry partners, represents the best 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 and experience the freedom of ferry travel."

The big advantages of crossing the Channel by ferry include the ability to move freely on-board, enjoying the quality cuisine, entertainment and shopping options as well as the freedom of open-deck fresh air while enjoying the sea views.

Of course there are also some great onward break destinations, aided by the advantage of no luggage limitations or surcharges. Once passengers disembark, they have the freedom of exploring new places in the comfort of their own vehicle with the bonus of being able to bring bicycles along for the ride.

Central to the campaign will be a series of enticing promotional offers on ferry routes from Dover, which will be promoted on www.discoverferries.com.

Bill Gibbons, Discover Ferries Director, says:

"We are delighted to have the Port of Dover, the largest Ferry Port as a member and supporting National Ferry Fortnight. Our three Ferry companies based in Dover will all have special offers and this is the best time to book your holiday for 2015. Go to our website - DiscoverFerries.com."

ENDS



As ever huge thanks to both P&O and DHB for the above information.
See also Ed Connell's vintage post below - fascinating stuff from Ed there. see also 1397,1398.1399 etc....



Thursday, 5 March 2015 - 10:22

 

Post 1498

  Ed Connell, Dover

Re #1397 et seq:

That is a super photo of Clarence Quay with the railway cargoships tied up alongside. Here are a couple more of the same location showing Southern Railway cargoships and the Continental Goods Shed. The tram line mentioned crossing the track is from the end of the line in Clarence Place where the tram in the final photo has halted.






Thursday, 5 March 2015 - 04:34

 

Post 1497

  Sea News, Dover

We Welcome the FIRST cruise ship of the Season....Spring is here at last...


Its 6.15am so the camera is struggling with light, but we got an image! Hugely welcome AIDA Mar.

Well done with that collection in the previous post Ed. I think its a first time visit for the Duncan Island, pretty big and pretty red, easy to spot across the rooftops as it were...even through the soft rain below. Both those cargo ships left yesterday and there is yet another one in dock today as we write ( the Eastern Bay ).
Busy busy...


Wednesday, 4 March 2015 - 06:32