Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 6712

  Del Styan, Norwich

Nice post from DFDS - almost makes me wish I was a lorry driver, but not quite!

Friday, 20 December 2019 - 22:50

 

Post 6711

  Steve P, Dover

I see P&O's long lost Dover ship the European Seaway has (finally) sailed from Gdansk... ETA Calais 00:00 on 23rd December

Friday, 20 December 2019 - 08:41

 

Post 6710

  Sea News, Dover

Delft Seaways : Picture by George Holland


Freight drivers to enjoy complimentary Christmas meal on-board DFDS sailings
______________________________________________________________________


Freight drivers sailing with DFDS on their Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk routes will be able to enjoy a complimentary Christmas meal on board, from Sunday 21st December.

Traditional Christmas turkey, served with pigs in blankets, roast parsnips in honey, batons of carrots, Brussel sprouts and crispy roast potatoes in a flavoursome jus will be on offer.

To follow, there will be a selection of festive dessert treats, including mince pies and homemade classic desserts all served in the exclusive on-board driver area, Road Kings.

The complimentary Christmas dinner and dessert will be available on all sailings for freight drivers from Sunday 21st December up to and including Christmas Eve.

Dave Lewis, Food & Beverage manager said ‘’Truck drivers face long and variable working hours, long distances and tight schedules. We recognise all year round how important good food and rest is and it’s especially great that we’re able to offer all our freight customers a complimentary Christmas dinner for them to enjoy the festive spirit on-board our ships.’’

For more information please visit: https://freight-sales.dfds.com/



ENDS

Starting this Sunday Dec 21 - that's great news for the hard working truck drivers...


* *

Following along from Mike's pictures of the David Church..here we are with a couple of additions. The first shot shows the dredger close to the entrance of the new marina while in the background a cloud of dust from the grain loading fills the air. The pic also shows Smaragd ...just about shows her through the dust...loading the grain in the background. Smaragd has since left us.



About an hour later, in the picture below, we see David Church towing the buoy as per Mike's pictures further below page...also in shot the pilot boat and in the far distance that looks like the bull nosed ship we saw in the earlier pictures by Mike in post 6698.
These David Church pix were taken Wednesday.




'Tis a rough oul day here in Dover...well its not day yet but you know...

PaulB



Friday, 20 December 2019 - 05:05

 

Post 6709

  Sea News, Dover

Yours truly has just had a touch of the deja vue and the double take...
Emerald is back at the New Cargo Terminal already...
seems she only just left for Vlissingen see 6704 ( or was it all a dream )....
...might be a weather issue...


See Mike's interesting collection below of the dredger David Church..

PB

Thursday, 19 December 2019 - 07:55

 

Post 6708

  Mike J., Dover

DAVID CHURCH pix -

I was having trouble posting pix & had to do & re-do them several times & exceeded the magic '9' images after which the system refused to load more !

Here, hopefully, is the final image of the CHURCH towing the buoy away to it's new home.



Thursday, 19 December 2019 - 02:00

 

Post 6707

  Mike J., Dover

On Wednesday morning I noticed the DAVID CHURCH working at the end of the new marina pier.

She was changing what looked like a tide buoy & had come in to take shelter between the new pier & the ‘Marina Curve’ while the job was done.

The original buoy had already been recovered & the new buoy was being lowered overside.
Unfortunately the battery of my pocket camera was on it’s last legs but I was able to get a few pix of this interesting operation.



Lowering the new buoy with the old weed-encrusted buoy laying on deck



The battery finally died as the DAVID CHURCH moved slowly away, towing the buoy back to its normal location in the bay.

[IMAGE-10]


Incidentally if you’re driving & fancy a quick stroll up the pier there are a limited number of free one-hour parking spaces at the landward end of the marina pier.
Much better than feeding the parking machines along the seafront !







Thursday, 19 December 2019 - 01:24

 

Post 6706

  Sea News, Dover

Dover Lifeboat in Harbour action once more
once more but its the final four...
from that exciting display on Thursday Dec 12.



Dover Lifeboat

Closely observed by a group on the new pier in the final shot there.
More... see also the other pictures from the same display in posts 6696 and 6699.
Absolutely brilliant demonstration/display by the Dover Lifeboat.


PaulB

Wednesday, 18 December 2019 - 08:22

 

Post 6705

  Del Styan, Norwich

Thanks for the X bow link - very interesting indeed. One for future ferries perhaps?

Tuesday, 17 December 2019 - 22:39

 

Post 6704

  Sea News, Dover

Following along from Mike's picture of Smaragd in the approaches to Dover, and in the pix below, there she is above after she eventually settled in at 'grain pier' WD4. She is still there as we write...absorbing grain deliveries..

Yours truly failed to see Emerald departing after another quick turnaround at new cargo terminal WD5...the Lady Rosebay had a fast (inaugural) visit too, but we caught Emerald mid-channel in the picture below, fairly long range, you can see the familiar reefer here on her merry way to Vlissingen in the Netherlands... 'twas a grey oul day out there...as you can see.


Don't miss Mike's posts below with the interesting collection of pictures/info..
Great shots from Nigel there...well done with those, excellent.
Del

PaulB
ps: will have a final burst of Lifeboat pictures tomorrow from their in-harbour display...the last four..

Tuesday, 17 December 2019 - 06:40

 

Post 6703

  Mike J., Dover

Del -

Missed your X-Bow query untiI I had posted.

Just google 'ULSTEIN X-BOW PHOTOS INFO' & all will be revealed !

Tuesday, 17 December 2019 - 01:47

 

Post 6702

  Mike J., Dover

A view of the EMERALD from St.Martins Battery on a murky Monday morning.
She didn’t stop long, sailing for Vlissingen mid-afternoon.


As there are no signs of any repairs to the short-lived temporary walkway on the lower level of the Admiralty Pier this will be the only view of ships on WD5 available to the general public unless they are waterborne.

A big disappointment for the Ad.Pier anglers & the occasional promenaders’ [& the even rarer ship photographer].
Even views from Paul’s watch tower are obstructed.

Some better views of the EMERALD sailing & SMARAGD loading on WD4 ourtesy [& copyright] of ‘Dover Straits Shipping’ who has dock access.



SMARAGD remains alongside Monday night, loading was interrupted during the day due to rain.


Tuesday, 17 December 2019 - 01:40

 

Post 6701

  Del Styan, Norwich

That the 'X-Bow vessel is an odd one - anyone know any more?

Monday, 16 December 2019 - 23:01

 

Post 6700

  Del Styan, Norwich

That 'X-Bow vessel is an odd one - anyone know any more?

Monday, 16 December 2019 - 23:00

 

Post 6699

  Sea News, Dover

Ferry giant DFDS offers passengers its Brexit Guarantee
______________________________________________

Following the 2019 general election result in the UK, the ferry company DFDS has reminded its passengers they can continue to book to travel to the Continent with confidence.

Kasper Moos, Vice President and Head of Short Routes & Passenger, confirmed that the DFDS Brexit Guarantee will continue.

He said: ‘We created the Brexit Guarantee earlier this year so that people could rest assured their trips are safe with us and they can book with confidence. This guarantee means if you book direct you are able to cancel with no additional cost.*

‘I want to reassure our passengers that we now expect an orderly transition for the UK to leave the EU which means that there will be no changes to passenger travel until the end of December 2020 at the earliest. At DFDS it is business as usual over the busy Christmas and New Year period. We will still be linking the UK to Europe, Brexit or no Brexit.‘

Following the result of the General Election, DFDS expects that the Brexit deal agreed with the EU will be passed by Parliament resulting in the UK leaving the EU on 31st January 2020.

Leaving the EU with a deal means from 31st January 2020 the UK will automatically go into a ‘transition period’, at least until December 2020.

Although the UK will have left the EU, the transition period means that the UK will still be in the EU’s economic zone: the single market and the customs union, so will continue as they have done,

including following EU rules and regulations.

The timetable can change if the UK government seek a transition period extension, which would need to be agreed by the EU, by 1 July 2020. An extension to the transition period can only be requested once and for one or two years.


Anyone with questions about their travel plans can get all the latest advice at the DFDS Brexit FAQs page www.dfds.com/en-gb/brexit. DFDS will monitor the situation as it develops and update our guidance accordingly.

-Ends-

*See terms and conditions. This free cancellation guarantee applies to bookings on four DFDS routes from the UK to France and Holland for travel until 29 February 2020. Call at least 7 days before your trip to cancel for FREE.


* *



No plans for New Year? Celebrate in style on a DFDS 3-night mini cruise to Amsterdam
________________________________________________________________________

Prices from £328 per person based on 2 sharing an en suite inside cabin, includes Gala Buffet on New Year’s Eve and free bar*

After the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and with preparations for Christmas now at peak panic, it’s not hard to believe there are people with who haven’t yet made plans for New Year’s Eve.

Most are put off by thinking that if you haven’t already booked, in most restaurants and bars it is already too late to get a ticket.

However, it’s not too late to try something completely different. For £328 per person you could celebrate by sailing from Newcastle to Holland on 30th December to bring in the New Year on board the DFDS ship, King Seaways in the centre of Amsterdam.


The price is based on two people sharing an en suite cabin and includes a gala buffet, before toasting the New Year with a complimentary glass of fizz. There’s live entertainment from swing sensation Jason Isaacs and singer and guitarist, Mick Hutchinson. Nick Newcombe is the DJ for dancing in the Columbus Club and there’s also a casino, cinema and games area on board.


After the party, you can then start 2020 with a hearty breakfast on board the ship before heading into Amsterdam to explore more of the Dutch capital. The 20-metre high Christmas tree in Dam Square is decorated with four kilometres of Christmas lights and Museum Square has been turned into a magical Christmas village. The seventh annual Amsterdam Light Festival brings the city to life with creative light installations. There’s plenty of time to explore the famous museums, bustling café culture or the canals lined with Christmas lights. The ship even sails along the Amsterdam canal into the city centre for the perfect vantage point to see the New Year firework show.

And before you return to land, there are savings on confectionery, clothing, gifts, toys and souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics if you want to take advantage of the on board shops.


-Ends-

Prices start from £328 per person based on 2 sharing an en suite inside cabin, includes buffet dinner (30th December and 1st Jan), Gala Buffet dinner (31st December) breakfast (31st December and 1st January) and free bar* on 31st December. Group bookings available on request.

* All-inclusive bar on New Year’s Eve includes draught lager, ship’s red & white wine, soft drinks, water, fruit juice, regular tea & coffee.



* *

Dover Lifeboat: As promised .. some further pictures now of the Lifeboat display in the harbour last Thursday...a blistering display as you can see... see also 6696 for further pictures from the same display.. and we may even have some more...Go Lifeboat go !



Dover Lifeboat in fine and fast action.

Very useful information and ideas from DFDS above there. Huge thanks to them...


Double DFDS and Lifeboat SPECIAL


See also Mike's latest post below re our two latest visitors. Nice pix,
...had a stab at Emerald photo at 11pm last night Mike
obviously pitch dark but I may have something...

PaulB




Monday, 16 December 2019 - 07:40

 

Post 6698

  Mike J., Dover

A strange heavily-cropped shape off the port on Sunday afternoon - the 'X-Bow' supply vessel VOS PATIENCE heading for Lisbon from Aberdeen.
This unusual bow design is becoming popular as it is said to have better sea-keeping qualities & improves efficiency & reduces fuel costs.


Anchored off Kingsdown on Sunday afternoon was the Dutch coaster SMARAGD came up the Channel this morning & anchored off Kingsdown & who docked on WD4 Sunday evening to load grain.


Her unusual name is Dutch for 'Emerald' which may account for her rather nice two- tone green livery.

By a remarkable coincidence as I type this the reefer EMERALD has just docked on WD5, her first European call after the long haul from Paita, Peru, via the Panama Canal.

Two jewels in the DHB crown ?

Sunday, 15 December 2019 - 23:52

 

Post 6697

  Sea News, Dover

Last picture above there of Jongleur...she has now left the Port slipping away un-noticed and is currently heading for the Port of Leith. You can see the grain trucks loading her up prior to her departure from new pier (grain pier!) WD4. We now await the arrival of the next visitor...

The picture below shows the wider scene as we move the camera to the right of the top shot, it has definitely all changed over at the Western Docks. You can see the trucks waiting and the all new stacked containers...exciting times!




Grain in the Rain! below we have an earlier-in-the-same-day shot of the trucks waiting as the rain falls, we seem to be getting an awful lot of rain recently..heavens! All pictures Friday the 13th.


PB
Aiming to get those further Lifeboat shots up tomorrow so watch for those plus update news from DFDS.

Sunday, 15 December 2019 - 06:28

 

Post 6696

  Sea News, Dover

Dover Lifeboat:

Some dynamic new pictures of Dover Lifeboat above there...these pictures were taken during the wild weather on Thursday morning. Time of pix 11.47. The weather got even worse later however...with very strong winds rattling through Dover. The Lifeboat put on a power display during the morning inside the harbour.....perhaps testing new equipment or something...we will have more pictures of this episode to follow in due course with the Lifeboat powering towards us etc etc....

The Lifeboat always a favourite...

An extraordinary election Del...lot of success for both Tories and SNP, everyone else found reverse in their political gearbox.

PaulB

Saturday, 14 December 2019 - 06:48

 

Post 6695

  Del Styan, Norwich

Apart from the obvious election comments I could make, I'll settle for a small comfort - I bet Charlie's not a happy bunny!

Friday, 13 December 2019 - 23:00

 

Post 6694

  Sea News, Dover

We had some wild and torrid weather here yesterday, the oul 'observation tower' rattled and shook in the fearsome onslaught...but we're still here! The pictures above show a gorgeous rolling silver sea, these pictures were taken a couple of days ago...gorgeous but choppy, very choppy. You wouldn't fancy coming across that in a small boat. Nosirree Bob!

The Lifeboat was out in the wild harbour yesterday...we managed to get some embattled pictures of that...will have some of those in due course all being well.


Here's a rough one from a former time...the Malo Seaways (remember that one?)...
just came across this old one in the home archives under 'rough day' while uploading..
it dates from January 2016.


The General Election: The Conservatives won a massive victory overall, rocking Jeremy Corbyn to his boots. I think its fair to say Remainers ( like yours truly) got a kicking losing seats allover. Here in Dover Natalie Elphicke romped home with a wide margin..it must have been our coverage of the shredding poster wot swung it...

Conservative Natalie Elphicke 28,830
Labour Charlotte Cornell 16,552
all other parties were a long way behind those two here in Dover, but it was a decisive win for the Tories as it has been across the country. The scale of the win was unpredicted. Boris Johnson now solidified as PM.

PaulB

Friday, 13 December 2019 - 07:47

 

Post 6693

  Sea News, Dover

P&O FERRIES’ AWARD-WINNING CHOIR RETURNS FOR TWO CHRISTMAS CONCERTS IN KENT
________________________________________________________________________________

P&O Ferries’ award-winning choir, led by famous soprano Hilary Campbell, will be performing two Christmas Concerts this December at local churches in Dover and Walmer, Kent.

Taking place on Sunday 15 December at St Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Dover and on Monday 16 December at St Mary’s Church in Walmer, the choir promises a spellbinding recital of both traditional and contemporary Christmas pieces, performed in the impressive, ecclesiastical settings.

Tickets are available on the door at each concert; adult tickets are £5 and children can go for free. Doors open at 19:00 for a 19:30 start, and each concert will be followed by a drinks reception, with festive tipples and mince pies for all.

Hilary Campbell said, "We are thrilled to be performing our two Christmas concerts this year in Dover and Walmer. With Christmas getting closer and closer, it’s the perfect time to swing yourself into the Christmas spirit, and revel in the festive atmosphere at one of our concerts."

P&O Ferries’ Choir was originally formed with crewmembers and shore-based staff to take part in national BBC reality TV show "The Choir: Sing While You Work". The series featured five corporate choirs competing against one another for the title of ‘Workplace Choir of the Year’. Coached throughout by renowned choirmaster Gareth Malone, P&O Ferries’ Choir was crowned the winner of the series.

In the past few years, the choir has gone from strength to strength. They have taken to the stage at a number of notable events â€" whether performing to a London audience of 45,000 at Susan Boyle’s Tour, or at Leeds and Dover Castle, or more recently in New York’s Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. The choir has also recorded several albums including classical pieces of Mozart and Bruckner, gospel, pop and Irish folk music.


The P&O Ferries Choir Christmas Concert â€" Sunday 15th December
______________________________________________________

Location: St Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, 103, Maison Dieu Road, Dover CT16 1RU

Time: 19:00 (performance starts at 19:30, followed by a drinks reception)

Tickets: £5 (adults) and free for children (available on the door)



The P&O Ferries Choir Christmas Concert â€" Monday 16th December
_______________________________________________________

Location: St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Road, Walmer, Deal CT14 7QA

Time: 19:00 (performance starts at 19:30, followed by a drinks reception)

Tickets: £5 (adults) and free for children (available on the door)

ENDS


* *


A couple of extra pictures now of Jongleur
still loading grain at the new 'grain pier' WD4
...pictures from early yesterday morning Wednesday. Dredger David Church crept silently into the second shot...




Once again...Many thanks for the info above from the team at P&O Ferries..

Amusing and welcome posts from Del and Mark below.
Good to hear from you again Mark...no excuses now..get painting
Merry Christmas to all in Northants.

The 'observation tower' sends big Merry Christmas wishes to you too Del in Norfolk
Highways England came and took the remnants of Natalie away yesterday...
I felt in my bones that they were coming to remove it anyway..damaged or not..."inappropriate location" or something.

Always good to see Christmas Greetings...

PaulB






Thursday, 12 December 2019 - 06:04