Thursday, 23 September 2021
www.doverforum.com/sea-news
Sea Pictures from DOVER ....
The view from Dover Seafront...
See more info base of page.
The Spirit of Adventure arriving at the Port of Dover a few days ago...September 20 in fact. Conditions were a tad murkier than shown so we gave the situation a bit of a boost..... she was off later the same day, as per usual, on an exciting tour of the Baltic...Copenhagen Stockholm Helsinki etc etc....sounds very good...
Some more pictures from Friday the 17th again now. Above we see Celebrity Silhouette setting off on her latest cruise on Friday evening, we believe its a 'Round Britain' kind of cruise. In the shot above you can see the odd vision of the pilot boat coming inwards to meet the great and giant ship...unusual, we guess its a busy time ...while the rowers happily power on in fine style in the foreground ...
Another pic just below of Hurtigruten Maud's arrival...full unobstructed view of the expedition cruise ship this time. Maud is still in Port as we write...
Maud.
When Little met Large.....
Yes the delightfully small expedition ship Hurtigruten Maud comes in close to the giant Celebrity Silhouette in Dover early this morning ( very early 6.25am ! ) Friday the 17th Sept. Great to see...so different but both considerable beauties in their own way....
Extra one now... unusual angle with plenty of intermediary cranes..
Border Force Vigilant
Border Force again.... We featured the Border Force cutter HMC Seeker a few days ago...just below, now we see HMC Vigilant above, also in the thick of the recent patrolling action.... trying to show her here, with the wider angle, the ever wider search task... very often its like looking for a needle in a haystack.
We will have more pictures of Vigilant shortly.
Premier Inn, Dover Seafront...
The Premier Inn : The picture above there shows the Premier Inn on Dover Seafront at the weekend. As you can see the general populace has clearly embraced the idea of the...'Staycation'. The hotel was very busy and doing rather well. Great to see in these new and strange times (albeit a bit less strange than previously endured), while the Port in the distance, just out of shot, showed no cars at all as we took this picture. Travel abroad seems to have fallen off that proverbial cliff.
The trucks however, thankfully, hopefully, continue to plough onwards ...
Premier Inn again... but for the feathered variety..
The roof of the Premier Inn this time. And we see a sweltering young seagull trying to get a wee bit of shade by cuddling in ultra close to the vent pole thingy... hard to believe but yes we did get a warm day or two...
BORDER FORCE
Border Force HMC Seeker : The picture above was taken just prior to the following picture sequence below....
Interesting to note ...according to the Daily Mail, our somewhat overwhelmed Home Secretary (Priti Patel) is planning to replace these old cutters with a new fleet at massive expense. Now..is this just a beleaguered politician thrashing about? The Royal Navy itself patrolled the Channel a year or two back...what difference did that make! The costs for that particular episode became way too prohibitive...
Border Force: HMC SEEKER just outside the Port of Dover...
Border Force : The pictures above were taken on Monday evening Sept 6 at 6pm approx ...they show Border Force with their ever busy vessel HMC Seeker returning to the Port of Dover once again following a patrol in the English Channel. As you can see, Seeker is bringing in 2 dinghys, one either side of vessel, and of course their migrant occupants. The pictures are not the best quality...over-zoomed and longer range but hopefully they at least show something of the gritty life in the Border Force/Migrant fast lane.... since the return of good weather, migrant numbers have surged once again... (Update: 785 people arrived on the aforementioned Monday in 27 boats)
Can you guess what ship is showing this exciting new addition ?
Yes that magnificently colourful flag/electronic screen is all new.......
...well it certainly wasn't visible on our previous pictures so we're putting two and two together...
yes its the top deck of the Mariella..no no tut tut! ....of course yes... the Marella Explorer...
The Marella Explorer exiting the Port of Dover a few days ago... off to cruise the Irish Sea we understand.
Clock Tower Square
Enjoying the Marina Curve and Clock Tower Square: Yes its refreshingly enjoyable along the all new Clock Tower Square and Marina Curve. The views are stunning as you can see. A simple picture above there taken this week on a mobile phone but you get the drift. The cafe there is called...wait for it....The Cafe on the Curve...so there you are.
Morning Pic..taken 10.35am.
PORT'S RESILIENCE RECOGNISED BY NATIONAL LOGISTICS AWARDS
The Port of Dover is delighted to have been shortlisted for two accolades by Logistics UK's flagship Logistics Awards.
Shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding response to COVID’ and ‘Water Business of the Year’ categories, the Port was recognised particularly for its work – together with its ferry operator, sister port and government agency partners – before and throughout Christmas to get stranded drivers home when the French border closed due to COVID concerns.
The situation happened just as the Port was also preparing to deal with the end of the Transition Period, with significant national and international attention already on Dover.
Sarah West, Chief Operations Officer, Port of Dover, said:
“The Port recognised how crucial it was that essential goods continued to flow as they have done via Dover throughout the pandemic, but also that the people who deliver them to the UK’s consumers and businesses were desperate to get back home to be with their families. I am thrilled that the UK’s logistics industry has acknowledged that work and am proud of everyone here who made it happen.”
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:
“Everyone saw the unrivalled speed and scale of response and the inbuilt resilience that exists at Dover in action, made possible by an operation maximising Dover’s geographic advantage as the shortest crossing to Europe. As clearly demonstrated by the arrival of new ferry operators and new ships, there is renewed market confidence that Dover can still be relied upon as the quickest, most efficient trade route to the UK’s largest single trading partner as we continue to support the economy through Covid and beyond Brexit.”
Remembering what it was like with this picture below...nightmare........
Haulage Christmas Chaos...
.... but somehow over the Christmas period it was cleared..in a sterling, now recognised, effort.
ADDED info re PICTURE: For those unfamiliar with the locale... a brief explanation. The right side there of the dual carriageway, the section nearest the camera, is for traffic coming towards us...coming thisaway. But in the mad panic, the mad urge to get home for Christmas, drivers lunged towards the Port gates using every space available ...including the wrong side of the dual carriageway. Chaos reigned. Top right of picture shows two vehicles trying to use the carriageway in normal mode, but suddenly finding themselves blocked with nowhere to go...cant go forward, cant go back...
Dover Lifeboat
Dover Lifeboat ( looks like a relief Lifeboat ) powering back to Port a few days ago in fresh seas. The Lifeboat has been seriously active in the current crises situation with the migrant crossings, and as ever doing a sterling job to save lives, to keep people as safe as possible. The number of migrant boats crossing-over continues to increase with record numbers attempting the journey... but of course the Lifeboat handles all the usual general callouts as well...busy times.. long range shots there...
Hebridean Princess..
Hebridean Princess: We almost overlooked these pictures of the Hebridean in the files but thought them worth including even though its somewhat late in the day..... taken on the same Sunday evening as the ones a tad further below (Aug 22)...
....we have some long range pictures of the ever busy Lifeboat scheduled next...
Hebridean Princess
As promised...some pictures now of the hopper dredger from the Netherlands...Spauwer...entering the Port here....
Yes some pictures there of Spauwer entering the Port of Dover a few days ago...an impressive and striking vessel with the deck looking ( to the landlubbers here! ) like a masterstroke of technical advancement...pictured a few days ago, date to follow... ah, its the 19th August, so a bit further back than first mentioned. Very busy days at the Port again...
Hebridean Princess
The small but beautifully packaged Hebridean Princess above, pictures taken just after she left the Port of Dover on Sunday (Aug 22) evening around 5.45PM. She was heading for Eastbourne in fine elegant style. For some reason (in the second pic) we have this habit of wanting to show the returning pilot boat, and there we are again...... we may also have another shot in due course...
We also have some pix of the Spauwer waiting in the wings...so much to do, so little time...
Fred.Olsen's Bolette (just below: added tug spray pic)
Bolette - in the blink of an eye she was off again on cruise number two, this latest picture above shows Bolette on Thursday evening moving away from the Port of Dover.... on a five day trip to enjoy the scenic British isles...so it says here...
Tug Spraying : there has been much demand lately for the tug to do its subsidiary role...ie spraying for glory, spraying for the joyous return to real life... and of course spraying for the joyous return of the active cruise ship......
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The maiden voyage is over...Bolette has returned, rejoining us here in Dover in the wee small hours of the morning (Thursday Aug 19). It was a short cruise but we bet it was enjoyable nonetheless...off on another cruise now..
Have just added this extra picture below of Bolette at departure a few days ago...we wanted to show if possible some of the daylight sparklers that were set off on departure. The picture needed a bit of work, hard to capture the flashes in daylight, but here we are..you can just about see it.... great fun...
Bolette and the flashes...
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Bolette - Maiden Voyage
Some pictures above there of Fred. Olsen's Bolette setting off on her maiden voyage on Monday evening 6pm from the Port of Dover. A crackling of sparkling fireworks and the jet-spraying tug sent the excited voyagers on their way...and there they go above...
The inaugural cruise will offer scenic sailing of the Isles of Scilly’s 140 islets, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the dramatic coastlines of the Channel Islands, on this exciting maiden cruise.
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said:
“We have shared some special moments with Fred. Olsen, and are so happy to be celebrating with them again here on another milestone day for Bolette’s Maiden Voyage.
“We are delighted that Fred. Olsen have chosen us as the homeport for their beautiful new flagship vessel, and we look forward to our excellent relationship with them reaching new heights as Bolette begins her exciting new adventures from Dover.”
For Fred. Olsen
Peter Deer, Managing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“Today is a very important day for us, as we introduce our new flagship, Bolette, to the world. The team on board has worked incredibly hard to add our own Fred. Olsen touches to the ship, with every element designed with the elegance and attention to detail that we are so well known for".
Captain Mikael Degerlund, who will be sailing Bolette for her Maiden Voyage, said:
“It is a huge honour to Captain Bolette for her Maiden Voyage, and I look forward to many happy sailings aboard our new flagship in the future.”
Extra Pic : We will have a picture soon of her 360 degree manoeuvre upon leaving cruise terminal 2.
Happy voyage to all......
And yes here we are....tight move by Bolette but of course expertly done...as she manoeuvres there below behind a trilogy of heavy lift cranes, and to the left of shot you can just see Mustafa Yagci creeping into view. The tug had just begun spraying....
Bolette moves off....
Mustafa Yagci
Mustafa Yagci is still in Port as we speak (Aug 16)...its been a long stint, as the picture above shows her arriving a full week ago in the late Monday afternoon. She is a general cargo ship as you can see. Is she getting a little help there?..a nudge? from the pilot boat as she manoeuvres towards new terminal WD4......
That's Fred Olsen's Bolette above, picture taken as she moved away from Cruise Terminal Two on Friday evening...Friday the thirteenth...time 6.20pm. The weather was somewhat grey with a rather fresh wind, she left by the eastern exit as they normally do in fresher conditions, and then went west. We dont think it was a scheduled passenger run but cant be certain, we have info here that says her maiden voyage is coming soon...but sometimes schedules change.
She has now returned...arrived back with us here in Dover in the wee small hours of the morning (sunday)...
Mustafa Yagci up soon....
Gallantry...
Gallant: Another one above of the elegant Gallant galloping by...
Gallant: Zooming in on Gallant as she passes by...
Gallant under full sail: Yes Gallant or De Gallant sailing by the Port of Dover a few days ago and looking magnificent on a nice evening...blue sea blue sky.... We have been using her as our loved logo for years, see base of page. She looks great under full sail so it was an extra delight to see her once again...
And looking at Gallant above, we cant resist adding this further one of the Golden Horizon...
"all I ask is a tall ship..."
Golden Horizon
We're keeping those artists in the dungeon busy...
Fireworks for the new DFDS ferry...Cote d'Opale The fireworks were thoroughly enjoyed by the crowds lining the seafront here in Dover. When the colourful spectacular finished, spontaneous applause broke out...always a good sign for sure... more below..
After the dramatic burst of colour as seen in the shot below, we are left with the equally dramatic smoke above....
......this is called..."smokin' it"... !
Fireworks for new DFDS ferry Cote d'Opale: A super fireworks display took place Wednesday night (Aug 4) to welcome the new ferry into service. She arrived into the western entrance about 10.20 pm and was greeted by thunderous and explosive fireworks on a grand and very colourful scale. Lovely stuff!
The seafront was enthusiastically packed...nary a parking spot to be had...
We might have a picture in due course but as you know....fireworks tricky..
...there we are above. We managed to get one.
Time of pic above 22.26 Wed night ..
the arrival at the Port of Dover of the DFDS Cote d'Opale.
The long low lines of the all-new Cote d'Opale below...
Cote d'Opale (another pic further down page.)
Some grey-ish pictures above there of a monster drilling rig as she was being towed down the Channel a few days ago (Aug 1)...presumably, as has happened so often before, the huge beast was heading for the breakers yard.. Now...there was no name on AIS unfortunately, so we just have to accept it as a very large, very striking, drilling platform. One of the DFDS ferries rounds her on the way towards Dover...shows the scale. The second shot there was a tiny tad earlier...Atlantic Reefer had arrived and briefly obscured our viewing path...the cheek of it...!
Rough Weather
July finished with some rough oul weather as you can see above. The two ferries showing above have just left the Port of Dover and are in the early stages of battling their way to France in some fierce wind. The ferries: the DFDS Dover Seaways and the P&O Spirit of France..
"Return the full English to the kitchen..its going to be a bumpy ride"
Golden Horizon
Golden Horizon : ...coming and going...Yes the final pix of Golden Horizon...at least for now as according to the recent press release (see further below) this is her final call here at the current time, and over this visitation period it was hugely enjoyable to see such a striking ship. These latest pictures were taken on Saturday July 31. Top shot shows her evening departure with the returning pilot in the foreground.
The early picture below is a wee bit forced..difficult shot into the golden light at arrival time 06.20...far too early for either man or beast..never mind the old Nikon.
Odd even bizarre picture above there of Fred Olsen cruise ship Bolette. Taken as she arrived on a dark damp Thursday night...the pixels seemed to disintegrate but in ermmm...flamboyant style ... see also immediately below.
Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer was back with us again on Thursday.
Also late on Thursday night the new Fred Olsen cruise ship Bolette came in...no fanfare, just an arrival on a dark and gloomy night. We tried some night shots but it was a very dark night, despite being only 9.30pm, will see if we can save and show one of the gloomy night pictures.
Also today Saturday 31 July just arrived at 06.30 we have the Golden Horizon once again...see below...
more pictures in due course.....
ps: Bolette still in Port as we speak..
Golden Horizon.....
The Golden Horizon once again above there, shown leaving the Port of Dover in elegant style. She will be back with us again in a day or two so the excitement of having the worlds tallest sailing ship continues. The pic above there is of course an 'artists impression'. We have two artists in residence...one is Lennie Vinci and the other one is of course Josh Re-nolds...they work hard but you know... they have a lot to learn..... !!
EXTRA Note : we are hearing we may have made that pic above a bit large for some setups. To see it full screen press F11 on your keyboard...then press F11 again to release image back to normal. Easy...
Port of Dover welcomes Anglo-French funding package to tackle migrant crossings
As the port where many of the migrants attempting to cross the Channel are brought to by Border Force, the Port of Dover welcomes the additional funding pledged by the UK Government as a positive step forward. However, the Port insists that the UK Government must provide more direct financial support still urgently needed in Dover itself.
Border controls operate under the Treaty of Le Touquet, which enables UK border entry checks to be carried out in France and French border entry checks to be carried out in Dover.
The fundamental purpose of the treaty was to help enable illegal migrants to be intercepted while they were still in France and thus prevented from travelling to the UK. It has been a crucial part of cross-Channel border management for the past two decades. Since leaving the EU, these border checks have become lengthier and more intrusive.
In 2019, the Port finalised its Outbound Controls Project, which would both double border control processing capacity and deliver a more effective ordering of those controls. By mitigating the impact of these lengthier checks and keeping traffic flowing, the project’s successful delivery would maintain the integrity of the Treaty of Le Touquet.
However, the Port of Dover still needs government funding to deliver the Outbound Control Project in order to support vital trade flows and a key market for international tourism when it returns. The Port therefore calls on the government to meet its obligations under the treaty to ensure that in addition to the supplementary funding that has just been announced, the main measure for border control between France and the key gateway port of Dover, and the necessary traffic fluidity for legitimate trade and tourism it should facilitate, continues to provide the intended benefits.
ENDS
The ever busy Lifeboat above towing a dinghy into the Port of Dover a few days ago.....
Golden Horizon
Another impressive display of cruise ships at the Port of Dover Saturday 24 July..
three cruise ships in... Golden Horizon, Celebrity Silhouette, and the Spirit of Adventure ....
All arrived with us here under rumbling thundery skies....
See more pictures of these impressive cruise ships further below...
Exciting times....
Golden Horizon
The magnificent Golden Horizon had her inaugural voyage from Dover on the 19th July. Earlier in the day she was welcomed back into Port with tug-spraying excitement once again...we will have more photos...
.........also in Port yesterday was the Marella Explorer..
The all-new DFDS ferry Cote D'Opale made a brief visit to the Port last week July 12...here she is below. No fanfare that we could see, so presumably she was just carrying out early berthing trials etc ... what with the new Irish Ferry and the new DFDS ferry these are exciting times...or would be if we could actually go across without quarantine-ing.....etc etc...
Cote d'Opale
......As scheduled the striking Golden Horizon (see below) has just arrived back with us here this morning monday 19th .. as per schedule. We will have more pictures in due course. The Marella Explorer has also now just arrived.
Golden Horizon
The dashing Golden Horizon on her splendid way today after a brief but slight..ermmm... technical pause! Yes a slight delay but away she goes above there in fine style, having departed through the eastern exit Port of Dover at lunchtime July 16. But weep not!...because we will be seeing her again soon... as mentioned in the item immediately below.
Tradewind Voyages’ brand new vessel, Golden Horizon, sailed into Dover this morning (July 15); her chosen departure port for four new UK voyages throughout July. She arrives ready for a round-trip long weekend voyage, before returning to embark on her inaugural voyage from the Port on 19th July.
Golden Horizon is the world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel and a near-replica of the 1913 built France II.
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said:
“We offer a very warm welcome to the beautiful Golden Horizon here in Dover today, what an extraordinary ship she is! I hope our local community makes the most of the rare opportunity to see her before she departs for four cruises throughout July.
I’m really pleased to see the cruise season back in full swing again; it’s exciting to see another new cruise line at the Port today, both for the first time in Dover and as she prepares to embark on her first ever voyages.”
Today marks the third passenger cruise call in just under three weeks to depart from the Port of Dover since its cruise season re-launch on 26th June. After today, Golden Horizon will depart Dover on 19th July, 24th July and 31st July.
ENDS
Many thanks to Port of Dover media team once again for the release above ....
......... and to Dover Strait Shipping for the picture...
Celebrity Silhouette - on her way...
A final two pictures above there of the magnificent Celebrity Silhouette. We have probably overdone it a tad with the amount of pictures showing the Silhouette but it is such a joy to see cruise ships coming here to Dover once again...particularly one as special as the ever stunning Celebrity Silhouette....we catch her above there heading away... bon voyage...
Note: We have had another cruise ship...Spirit of Adventure .. pictures soon...
Celebrity Silhouette at Dover
Celebrity Silhouette - the pilot returns....
The magnificent giant Celebrity Silhouette exiting the Port of Dover on July 4th ... you can see the immense size there as she 'squeezes out' of the Port's western exit. Below, its a short while later, and we see the pilot returning to base...
Celebrity Silhouette
Celebrity Silhouette
The stunning 122,000 ton plus Celebrity Silhouette leaving the Port of Dover on Sunday evening July 4...another magnificent ship....and another one receiving Dover's spectacular and striking tug-spraying display.....
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, said:
“It’s great to see the excitement for Dover cruise return so quickly only a week after we welcomed Marella Explorer, our first passenger call since the pandemic. I have no doubt that the cruising buzz will be in full swing again soon.
It was wonderful to see Celebrity Silhouette in Dover again on Sunday 4th July. "
We will have more pictures soon too..... and there we are.
The Departing Disney Magic ....
The Disney Magic left the Port of Dover on Saturday (July 3) after a year long stay, or more, due to the ghastly pandemic. However even misery occasionally has a good side, and the good side on this occasion was the extended stay of the magical Disney Magic. She left midst an impressive tug spraying celebration, all the while playing her theme song 'when you wish upon a star' and doing a full 360 degree turn in the harbour right in front of us here....
......'twas a fond farewell.
The Departing Disney Magic.......
Sailing By.....
...in keeping with our current 'sail' theme, this delightful sailing barge ambled by a few days ago (Not long after Europa below). A lovely sight. Unfortunately nothing was showing on the satellite system so we dont know what she was/is called....but she was so elegant through the gloom, and it was gloomy. But worth a shot or two and there she be....
The Disney Magic officially left the Port here yesterday Saturday July 3,
.... 'twas a grand send-off...will have pix soon...
Tall Ship - Europa
Well what can you say...while labour-intensively photographing hard working Dover tug Doughty as she brought in another cargo vessel...photographing through a long zoom lens with blinkered vision, didn't even notice the magnificent tall ship to the left...doh!! But as soon as the fabulous Europa was spotted with full sail...well, something of a re-focusing was called for, as you can see...
"
I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and sky
and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by...
"
.............. John Masefield.... remembering the school days there off top of head....
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Irish Ferries' Isle of Inishmore began services from Dover to Calais earlier this week June 29.
Best of Irish Luck to them - very welcome.
Pictures further below..... update: extra pic here now....
Isle of Inishmore
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Marina Curve Port of Dover
Some pictures above there of the new Marina Curve at the Port of Dover. The 'Curve' runs alongside the new Clock Tower Square (see further below) which in turn is alongside the new marina.... and right at the end of the Marina Curve, for now, is the magical Disney Magic. Note there is plenty of seating...see left side of pictures, excellent for those who want a leisurely relaxing look at the great views...
Isle of Inishmore
Isle of Inishmore
The new service from Irish Ferries on the Dover-Calais route starts at the end of the month...a couple of shots above there of the Isle of Inishmore entering the Port of Dover. Conditions were a bit grey for the photos but nevertheless the pix show the ship fairly well as she 'acclimatizes' to her new surroundings here in Dover...and as we know, practice makes perfect... will be interesting to watch developments.
Further Queen Elizabeth...
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth arriving Dover: A couple of extra pictures above there from our oddball second camera which on occasion seems to do what it likes, but this time it got a few reasonable pictures of the great ship through the gloom.
EXTRA: New Service: Irish Ferry in Port today Saturday... more in due course...
Dover's Superstars : The magnificent Queen Elizabeth came into Port of Dover last evening Thursday at approx 8pm. It was very gloomy/foggy but there she is above a short time later and in the same pic as the Disney Magic which had earlier changed berth to accommodate the Queen...as you would! Very exciting to see wall to wall cruise ships again...
Will have another pic shortly.... and here we are....
The arrival of the Queen Elizabeth in the gloomy conditions...
Wild Flowers on Dover Beach......
EXTRA pic now added...
Flowers in the Fog : The magnificent wild flowers currently in full bloom on Dover Beach... we had to wait for the swirling fog to ermmm unswirl itself and there we are above...
The Clock Tower by Night...
Clock Tower Square...once more above. This time from afar and looking across the water. Pictured at night as you can see. At the time of pic we were just about to be engulfed by a meandering fog...as the sirens wailed across the dark water.
The new Clock Tower Square is an exciting Port development open to all.
Dont miss the post immediately below.....
Clock Tower Square Opens.....
Monday June 7: The Port of Dover has today unveiled its latest outdoor recreational space overlooking the waterfront ....Clock Tower Square.
It is another major part of the Dover Western Docks Revival regeneration project to open to the public.
Located at the beginning of the Marina Curve with great views over the Harbour, the 1,000 sq metre (roughly a quarter of an acre) site combines fresh design features with artefacts from Dover’s inspirational history to create a contemporary site that’s perfect for relaxing and appreciating local culture.
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover said:
“Clock Tower Square is a destination for the future; it capitalises on Dover’s inspirational heritage and iconic scenery to form a modern outdoor community hub that’s rich in history.
With the new Marina Pier already open, the Marina Curve coming soon and our recent beach re-profiling work completed, we are pleased to be making more leisure space available to the public during a time when the outdoors has never been appreciated more”.
Dave Herrod, DWDR Programme Director added:
“We are proud to see Clock Tower Square opening today. After years of planning and construction, the new design perfectly combines sustainability with ecology, history and public engagement, creating a fantastic site that’s ready for future generations to enjoy.”
Clock Tower Square pays tribute to the previous Prince of Wales pier with original artefacts and plaques dating back over 100 years on display. Granite coping stones from the old quayside form new benches, lamp posts have been refurbished and the original paving has been re-laid to reflect the old Prince of Wales pier layout. The original gates have been reinstated and new public toilets are also now available.
Natalie Elphicke MP said:
“Clock Tower Square is a really great place for people to sit down, stroll and really enjoy the view across the Port. It’s a major investment by the Port of Dover for our community which will help to increase visitors and boost tourism. With the Council’s successful multi-million bid to improve the links between the town and the waterfront, this all looks set to come together to make Dover a great destination for people to come and see.”
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said:
“The opening of Clock Tower Square marks a key stage in the transformation of Dover Waterfront into a modern and vibrant public space. The Port worked closely with our heritage planners and I’m delighted to see the attention to detail on many of the heritage features retained and restored from the Prince of Wales Pier.
“With outstanding views of the busy harbour, Dover Castle and White Cliffs of Dover it will be another outdoor space that is much valued by the local community and visitors alike. I hope it will also stimulate more commercial investment on the waterfront.”
ENDS
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Dover Lifeboat in recent action.
Dover Lifeboat safely towing in a Wetwheels craft on the evening of June 1...we have used the picture smaller than usual as the quality isn't there, Time of pic approx 8pm in fading light...although a number of pictures were taken none were particularly useable. We blame the fading light!!
You can find out more about the Wetwheels Foundation on Google.
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From P&O and DFDS .....
Freight drivers will now be able to board the next available sailing when they arrive at the Port of Dover or the Port of Calais, regardless of which of the two ferry companies is operating the crossing.
This will ensure customers benefit from more flexibility, with a sailing every 36 minutes. It will reduce the amount of waiting time at the port saving our freight customers up to 30 minutes on their overall journey time.
The two ferry companies carry more than 2.5 million lorries across the English Channel every year, making it the busiest trade route between the UK and Europe, maintaining the flow of essential items including food, medicines and other materials into and out of the UK.
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, pictured left said: “Developing the ferry product by maximising choice, capacity, flexibility and resilience in this way is a fantastic demonstration by the ferry operators of how the Dover route is responding to renewed market confidence."
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Disney Magic at Dover
Disney Magic above returning to base here in Dover just before the onset of the aforementioned fiercely rough weather. Magic had just enjoyed another one of her regular channel runs....
Natalie Reminisces...
Last year I wrote to the Chancellor to ask for the return of duty-free and the Brexit boost that could bring to our port, ferry companies and cruise ships. So in Parliament I welcomed those regulations for the return of duty-free and the opportunities that brings on the Channel Crossing.
As a young woman, I enjoyed putting on my spotted rah-rah dress and dancing across the sea on the ferry disco. From ordering your 'frites et mayonnaise' to shopping at a Calais Supermarche, it was a proper day out.
Many a local resident enjoyed the all-you-can-eat buffet, with its exotic name - the Smorgasbord - on the now-defunct Sally line from Ramsgate. While so many friendships and relationships were rekindled and revitalised on the famous evening Dance to France.
Like so much from those years, while we have gained, we have also lost. So focused on our destination that we have lost the pleasure in the journey. For me and for many, a ferry trip is nothing less than a mini-cruise. From ballpits and play areas for the little ones, to video games and bars for the grown-ups, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Such enjoyment is what it is all about.
There's so much fun on the ferries.
Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover and Deal
That's an enjoyable section above there from a recent Natalie message..... very enjoyable. We left the party political bit out....
DISNEY at DOVER
The Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic
If you quietly wish upon a star, hoping for even more wondrous magic in Dover,
...well you might just end up with two Disney's....
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OPEN LETTER FROM DOUG BANNISTER, CEO, PORT OF DOVER
Dover is the right choice for business and consumers now more than ever
The United Kingdom Major Ports Group (UKMPG) has issued a 'briefing paper' intended to encourage businesses to transfer cargo away from the Short Straits, the UKs most vital link to European markets.
The paper points out that the Short Straits, which includes ferry links between Dover and Calais, as well as the Channel Tunnel, has a 60% market share of British-Continental EU trade. The Short Straits has achieved this market share because it is the right choice for business. Indeed, the paper acknowledges that the routes businesses use today are the right ones and the reason businesses choose the Short Straits is simple; it offers the most time efficient, cost effective and resilient access to international markets, delivering an estimated £3 billion saving for British businesses and consumers compared to alternative routes.
Our own independent analysis (Oxera 2018) has previously suggested that it would cost around £2.7 billion to take just 20% of our existing traffic in order to pay for new ferries operating on longer and slower routes. Importantly, these new ferries do not exist today and need to be built. With shipyard capacities and construction lead times, delivering such a fleet of new ferries holds significant lead time.
The UKMPG paper suggests that other ports might have capacity to take up to 60% of Short Straits traffic now, but acknowledges that this requires both Government and trader support for this offer of resilience to be possible. Exponentially, this suggests that the cost to businesses and ultimately the consumer could be up to around £8 billion.
For Port of Dover, when looking at the overall UK Trade Resilience we take a systemic view across ports, vessels, capacities, frequencies, operating models and traffic management schemes. To focus only on port capacity is terribly one-dimensional.
The geographic advantage that Port of Dover holds with the UKs largest trading partner means that a single vessel can complete up to five round voyages in a single day, making our ferries hugely productive assets. Further, our operating model delivers an average inbound dwell time at our port of just five minutes, providing unparalleled port efficiency.
Other operating models, for example containers and unaccompanied trailers may have inbound dwell times from several hours to even several days, adding inefficiency to the system-wide supply chains. For those routes with longer sea voyages, a single vessel may only make a single round voyage in a day meaning to replicate the capacities and frequencies offered via Port of Dover would require five times as many vessels.
The UKMPG paper admits that a ˜short term" constraint might be the availability of additional ferries to handle the trucks being encouraged to divert to other routes, whilst also citing wider capacity issues on the southern North Sea corridor.
The report is right to focus on resilience as we approach the end of the Transition Period, but what resilience do you have if you are sending traffic to ports where the ferries do not exist? Neither is that a quick fix. The market dynamic is important here. In fact, rather than investing in new ferries, operators at some of the alternative ports have actually been closing these longer routes with tonnage moving back to the short routes as that is what the market wants, Dover has of course kept going throughout the pandemic. This dynamic applies to the European side too, with the majority of freight vehicles choosing to route through northern France to Calais and Dunkirk as it is simply closest.
All EU-facing UK ports will be under the same rules there will be a standard process and transaction applied everywhere. We know from examples elsewhere, such as 'Operation Wellington' on the Humber, which anticipates using parts of the M62 and M180 as holding areas for HGVs, that if there is disruption it will be everywhere. The report itself admits that there is already a risk of disruption at these alternative ports due to new systems for HGVs. Therefore, on top of this, sending more traffic to ports that do not even have the ferry capacity will make the situation far worse and create far less resilience for UK trade.
In contrast, the traffic management regimes for the Short Straits are tested and proven, in short, we know they work. For example, the recent national security operation that affected all ports with additional screening and searches left around 4,500 lorries in Operation Stack. When the security operation ended, Dover had cleared all queuing traffic and was back to normal operations within just 12 hours. Nowhere else could do that. It would take weeks with the current vessel capacities and frequencies available elsewhere. For UK trade resilience, supply chains must have the confidence in managing periods of disruption, and crucially recovery and restoration of normal flows as swiftly as possible, both areas in which Port of Dover has excellent credentials.
As we all navigate the massive economic difficulties caused by COVID, and the uncertainties as we approach the End of Transition, it is right to showcase the incredible efforts of the maritime sector, and the excellent ports that we have across the nation towards ensuring supply chains are robust and functioning well.
Come what may, we will keep working to keep the nation supplied with the essential goods people need at this difficult time and give all businesses wherever they are the benefits of Dover's unrivalled service. This is what we do all day, every day.
Indeed, as the Maritime Minister said on a panel discussion with us only the other day regarding the national trade network; you have to have goods and people moving around freely. So if you are to have parts moving quickly and efficiently across the Channel, and through Dover, and through the country, you have a much easier opportunity for companies that might exist in the Midlands or in the North to get involved in whatever that industry is.
The report says that the UK has not always been reliant on the Short Straits, harking back to pre-Single Market days. Equally, the UK has not always been reliant on the internet and same day/next day/just-in-time deliveries, but it is now.
A vision that takes the UK backwards is not the vision of the future we want to see. We need one that backs consumers and businesses everywhere for the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. We feel that we should celebrate our impressive, modern and efficient supply chains across all ports and modes throughout the nation.
For Dover, we fully appreciate the essential role that we conduct for the nation, and will continue to take our responsibility with all of the due care and attention the British people would expect of us, which is why Dover will remain the clear market choice.
Doug Bannister, CEO Port of Dover.
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Sea Pictures from DOVER ....
Sea News Dover:
Click on the 'Contributor Archive' LINK BELOW to see the archived pictures. All seven years of them. You will find the SEARCH ENGINE there and you can happily search for all sorts....
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Sea Pictures from DOVER ....
The view from Dover Seafront...
See more info base of page.
The Spirit of Adventure arriving at the Port of Dover a few days ago...September 20 in fact. Conditions were a tad murkier than shown so we gave the situation a bit of a boost..... she was off later the same day, as per usual, on an exciting tour of the Baltic...Copenhagen Stockholm Helsinki etc etc....sounds very good...
Some more pictures from Friday the 17th again now. Above we see Celebrity Silhouette setting off on her latest cruise on Friday evening, we believe its a 'Round Britain' kind of cruise. In the shot above you can see the odd vision of the pilot boat coming inwards to meet the great and giant ship...unusual, we guess its a busy time ...while the rowers happily power on in fine style in the foreground ...
Another pic just below of Hurtigruten Maud's arrival...full unobstructed view of the expedition cruise ship this time. Maud is still in Port as we write...
When Little met Large.....
Yes the delightfully small expedition ship Hurtigruten Maud comes in close to the giant Celebrity Silhouette in Dover early this morning ( very early 6.25am ! ) Friday the 17th Sept. Great to see...so different but both considerable beauties in their own way....
Extra one now... unusual angle with plenty of intermediary cranes..
Border Force Vigilant
Border Force again.... We featured the Border Force cutter HMC Seeker a few days ago...just below, now we see HMC Vigilant above, also in the thick of the recent patrolling action.... trying to show her here, with the wider angle, the ever wider search task... very often its like looking for a needle in a haystack.
We will have more pictures of Vigilant shortly.
Premier Inn, Dover Seafront...
The Premier Inn : The picture above there shows the Premier Inn on Dover Seafront at the weekend. As you can see the general populace has clearly embraced the idea of the...'Staycation'. The hotel was very busy and doing rather well. Great to see in these new and strange times (albeit a bit less strange than previously endured), while the Port in the distance, just out of shot, showed no cars at all as we took this picture. Travel abroad seems to have fallen off that proverbial cliff.
The trucks however, thankfully, hopefully, continue to plough onwards ...
Premier Inn again... but for the feathered variety..
The roof of the Premier Inn this time. And we see a sweltering young seagull trying to get a wee bit of shade by cuddling in ultra close to the vent pole thingy... hard to believe but yes we did get a warm day or two...
BORDER FORCE
Interesting to note ...according to the Daily Mail, our somewhat overwhelmed Home Secretary (Priti Patel) is planning to replace these old cutters with a new fleet at massive expense. Now..is this just a beleaguered politician thrashing about? The Royal Navy itself patrolled the Channel a year or two back...what difference did that make! The costs for that particular episode became way too prohibitive...
Border Force: HMC SEEKER just outside the Port of Dover...
Border Force : The pictures above were taken on Monday evening Sept 6 at 6pm approx ...they show Border Force with their ever busy vessel HMC Seeker returning to the Port of Dover once again following a patrol in the English Channel. As you can see, Seeker is bringing in 2 dinghys, one either side of vessel, and of course their migrant occupants. The pictures are not the best quality...over-zoomed and longer range but hopefully they at least show something of the gritty life in the Border Force/Migrant fast lane.... since the return of good weather, migrant numbers have surged once again... (Update: 785 people arrived on the aforementioned Monday in 27 boats)
Can you guess what ship is showing this exciting new addition ?
Yes that magnificently colourful flag/electronic screen is all new.......
...well it certainly wasn't visible on our previous pictures so we're putting two and two together...
yes its the top deck of the Mariella..no no tut tut! ....of course yes... the Marella Explorer...
The Marella Explorer exiting the Port of Dover a few days ago... off to cruise the Irish Sea we understand.
Clock Tower Square
Enjoying the Marina Curve and Clock Tower Square: Yes its refreshingly enjoyable along the all new Clock Tower Square and Marina Curve. The views are stunning as you can see. A simple picture above there taken this week on a mobile phone but you get the drift. The cafe there is called...wait for it....The Cafe on the Curve...so there you are.
Morning Pic..taken 10.35am.
PORT'S RESILIENCE RECOGNISED BY NATIONAL LOGISTICS AWARDS
The Port of Dover is delighted to have been shortlisted for two accolades by Logistics UK's flagship Logistics Awards.
Shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding response to COVID’ and ‘Water Business of the Year’ categories, the Port was recognised particularly for its work – together with its ferry operator, sister port and government agency partners – before and throughout Christmas to get stranded drivers home when the French border closed due to COVID concerns.
The situation happened just as the Port was also preparing to deal with the end of the Transition Period, with significant national and international attention already on Dover.
Sarah West, Chief Operations Officer, Port of Dover, said:
“The Port recognised how crucial it was that essential goods continued to flow as they have done via Dover throughout the pandemic, but also that the people who deliver them to the UK’s consumers and businesses were desperate to get back home to be with their families. I am thrilled that the UK’s logistics industry has acknowledged that work and am proud of everyone here who made it happen.”
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said:
“Everyone saw the unrivalled speed and scale of response and the inbuilt resilience that exists at Dover in action, made possible by an operation maximising Dover’s geographic advantage as the shortest crossing to Europe. As clearly demonstrated by the arrival of new ferry operators and new ships, there is renewed market confidence that Dover can still be relied upon as the quickest, most efficient trade route to the UK’s largest single trading partner as we continue to support the economy through Covid and beyond Brexit.”
Remembering what it was like with this picture below...nightmare........
Haulage Christmas Chaos...
.... but somehow over the Christmas period it was cleared..in a sterling, now recognised, effort.
ADDED info re PICTURE: For those unfamiliar with the locale... a brief explanation. The right side there of the dual carriageway, the section nearest the camera, is for traffic coming towards us...coming thisaway. But in the mad panic, the mad urge to get home for Christmas, drivers lunged towards the Port gates using every space available ...including the wrong side of the dual carriageway. Chaos reigned. Top right of picture shows two vehicles trying to use the carriageway in normal mode, but suddenly finding themselves blocked with nowhere to go...cant go forward, cant go back...
Dover Lifeboat
Dover Lifeboat ( looks like a relief Lifeboat ) powering back to Port a few days ago in fresh seas. The Lifeboat has been seriously active in the current crises situation with the migrant crossings, and as ever doing a sterling job to save lives, to keep people as safe as possible. The number of migrant boats crossing-over continues to increase with record numbers attempting the journey... but of course the Lifeboat handles all the usual general callouts as well...busy times.. long range shots there...
Hebridean Princess..
Hebridean Princess: We almost overlooked these pictures of the Hebridean in the files but thought them worth including even though its somewhat late in the day..... taken on the same Sunday evening as the ones a tad further below (Aug 22)...
....we have some long range pictures of the ever busy Lifeboat scheduled next...
As promised...some pictures now of the hopper dredger from the Netherlands...Spauwer...entering the Port here....
Yes some pictures there of Spauwer entering the Port of Dover a few days ago...an impressive and striking vessel with the deck looking ( to the landlubbers here! ) like a masterstroke of technical advancement...pictured a few days ago, date to follow... ah, its the 19th August, so a bit further back than first mentioned. Very busy days at the Port again...
Hebridean Princess
The small but beautifully packaged Hebridean Princess above, pictures taken just after she left the Port of Dover on Sunday (Aug 22) evening around 5.45PM. She was heading for Eastbourne in fine elegant style. For some reason (in the second pic) we have this habit of wanting to show the returning pilot boat, and there we are again...... we may also have another shot in due course...
We also have some pix of the Spauwer waiting in the wings...so much to do, so little time...
Fred.Olsen's Bolette (just below: added tug spray pic)
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The maiden voyage is over...Bolette has returned, rejoining us here in Dover in the wee small hours of the morning (Thursday Aug 19). It was a short cruise but we bet it was enjoyable nonetheless...off on another cruise now..
Have just added this extra picture below of Bolette at departure a few days ago...we wanted to show if possible some of the daylight sparklers that were set off on departure. The picture needed a bit of work, hard to capture the flashes in daylight, but here we are..you can just about see it.... great fun...
Bolette and the flashes...
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Bolette - Maiden Voyage
Some pictures above there of Fred. Olsen's Bolette setting off on her maiden voyage on Monday evening 6pm from the Port of Dover. A crackling of sparkling fireworks and the jet-spraying tug sent the excited voyagers on their way...and there they go above...
The inaugural cruise will offer scenic sailing of the Isles of Scilly’s 140 islets, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the dramatic coastlines of the Channel Islands, on this exciting maiden cruise.
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said:
“We have shared some special moments with Fred. Olsen, and are so happy to be celebrating with them again here on another milestone day for Bolette’s Maiden Voyage.
“We are delighted that Fred. Olsen have chosen us as the homeport for their beautiful new flagship vessel, and we look forward to our excellent relationship with them reaching new heights as Bolette begins her exciting new adventures from Dover.”
For Fred. Olsen
Peter Deer, Managing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“Today is a very important day for us, as we introduce our new flagship, Bolette, to the world. The team on board has worked incredibly hard to add our own Fred. Olsen touches to the ship, with every element designed with the elegance and attention to detail that we are so well known for".
Captain Mikael Degerlund, who will be sailing Bolette for her Maiden Voyage, said:
“It is a huge honour to Captain Bolette for her Maiden Voyage, and I look forward to many happy sailings aboard our new flagship in the future.”
Extra Pic : We will have a picture soon of her 360 degree manoeuvre upon leaving cruise terminal 2.
Happy voyage to all......
And yes here we are....tight move by Bolette but of course expertly done...as she manoeuvres there below behind a trilogy of heavy lift cranes, and to the left of shot you can just see Mustafa Yagci creeping into view. The tug had just begun spraying....
Mustafa Yagci
Mustafa Yagci is still in Port as we speak (Aug 16)...its been a long stint, as the picture above shows her arriving a full week ago in the late Monday afternoon. She is a general cargo ship as you can see. Is she getting a little help there?..a nudge? from the pilot boat as she manoeuvres towards new terminal WD4......
That's Fred Olsen's Bolette above, picture taken as she moved away from Cruise Terminal Two on Friday evening...Friday the thirteenth...time 6.20pm. The weather was somewhat grey with a rather fresh wind, she left by the eastern exit as they normally do in fresher conditions, and then went west. We dont think it was a scheduled passenger run but cant be certain, we have info here that says her maiden voyage is coming soon...but sometimes schedules change.
She has now returned...arrived back with us here in Dover in the wee small hours of the morning (sunday)...
Mustafa Yagci up soon....
Gallantry...
Gallant under full sail: Yes Gallant or De Gallant sailing by the Port of Dover a few days ago and looking magnificent on a nice evening...blue sea blue sky.... We have been using her as our loved logo for years, see base of page. She looks great under full sail so it was an extra delight to see her once again...
And looking at Gallant above, we cant resist adding this further one of the Golden Horizon...
"all I ask is a tall ship..."
Golden Horizon
We're keeping those artists in the dungeon busy...
Fireworks for the new DFDS ferry...Cote d'Opale The fireworks were thoroughly enjoyed by the crowds lining the seafront here in Dover. When the colourful spectacular finished, spontaneous applause broke out...always a good sign for sure... more below..
After the dramatic burst of colour as seen in the shot below, we are left with the equally dramatic smoke above....
......this is called..."smokin' it"... !
Fireworks for new DFDS ferry Cote d'Opale: A super fireworks display took place Wednesday night (Aug 4) to welcome the new ferry into service. She arrived into the western entrance about 10.20 pm and was greeted by thunderous and explosive fireworks on a grand and very colourful scale. Lovely stuff!
The seafront was enthusiastically packed...nary a parking spot to be had...
We might have a picture in due course but as you know....fireworks tricky..
...there we are above. We managed to get one.
Time of pic above 22.26 Wed night ..
the arrival at the Port of Dover of the DFDS Cote d'Opale.
The long low lines of the all-new Cote d'Opale below...
Cote d'Opale (another pic further down page.)
Some grey-ish pictures above there of a monster drilling rig as she was being towed down the Channel a few days ago (Aug 1)...presumably, as has happened so often before, the huge beast was heading for the breakers yard.. Now...there was no name on AIS unfortunately, so we just have to accept it as a very large, very striking, drilling platform. One of the DFDS ferries rounds her on the way towards Dover...shows the scale. The second shot there was a tiny tad earlier...Atlantic Reefer had arrived and briefly obscured our viewing path...the cheek of it...!
Rough Weather
July finished with some rough oul weather as you can see above. The two ferries showing above have just left the Port of Dover and are in the early stages of battling their way to France in some fierce wind. The ferries: the DFDS Dover Seaways and the P&O Spirit of France..
"Return the full English to the kitchen..its going to be a bumpy ride"
Golden Horizon
Golden Horizon : ...coming and going...Yes the final pix of Golden Horizon...at least for now as according to the recent press release (see further below) this is her final call here at the current time, and over this visitation period it was hugely enjoyable to see such a striking ship. These latest pictures were taken on Saturday July 31. Top shot shows her evening departure with the returning pilot in the foreground.
The early picture below is a wee bit forced..difficult shot into the golden light at arrival time 06.20...far too early for either man or beast..never mind the old Nikon.
Odd even bizarre picture above there of Fred Olsen cruise ship Bolette. Taken as she arrived on a dark damp Thursday night...the pixels seemed to disintegrate but in ermmm...flamboyant style ... see also immediately below.
Marella Explorer
Marella Explorer was back with us again on Thursday.
Also late on Thursday night the new Fred Olsen cruise ship Bolette came in...no fanfare, just an arrival on a dark and gloomy night. We tried some night shots but it was a very dark night, despite being only 9.30pm, will see if we can save and show one of the gloomy night pictures.
Also today Saturday 31 July just arrived at 06.30 we have the Golden Horizon once again...see below...
more pictures in due course.....
ps: Bolette still in Port as we speak..
Golden Horizon.....
The Golden Horizon once again above there, shown leaving the Port of Dover in elegant style. She will be back with us again in a day or two so the excitement of having the worlds tallest sailing ship continues. The pic above there is of course an 'artists impression'. We have two artists in residence...one is Lennie Vinci and the other one is of course Josh Re-nolds...they work hard but you know... they have a lot to learn..... !!
EXTRA Note : we are hearing we may have made that pic above a bit large for some setups. To see it full screen press F11 on your keyboard...then press F11 again to release image back to normal. Easy...
As the port where many of the migrants attempting to cross the Channel are brought to by Border Force, the Port of Dover welcomes the additional funding pledged by the UK Government as a positive step forward. However, the Port insists that the UK Government must provide more direct financial support still urgently needed in Dover itself.
Border controls operate under the Treaty of Le Touquet, which enables UK border entry checks to be carried out in France and French border entry checks to be carried out in Dover.
The fundamental purpose of the treaty was to help enable illegal migrants to be intercepted while they were still in France and thus prevented from travelling to the UK. It has been a crucial part of cross-Channel border management for the past two decades. Since leaving the EU, these border checks have become lengthier and more intrusive.
In 2019, the Port finalised its Outbound Controls Project, which would both double border control processing capacity and deliver a more effective ordering of those controls. By mitigating the impact of these lengthier checks and keeping traffic flowing, the project’s successful delivery would maintain the integrity of the Treaty of Le Touquet.
However, the Port of Dover still needs government funding to deliver the Outbound Control Project in order to support vital trade flows and a key market for international tourism when it returns. The Port therefore calls on the government to meet its obligations under the treaty to ensure that in addition to the supplementary funding that has just been announced, the main measure for border control between France and the key gateway port of Dover, and the necessary traffic fluidity for legitimate trade and tourism it should facilitate, continues to provide the intended benefits.
ENDS
The ever busy Lifeboat above towing a dinghy into the Port of Dover a few days ago.....
Golden Horizon
Another impressive display of cruise ships at the Port of Dover Saturday 24 July..
three cruise ships in... Golden Horizon, Celebrity Silhouette, and the Spirit of Adventure ....
All arrived with us here under rumbling thundery skies....
See more pictures of these impressive cruise ships further below...
Exciting times....
Golden Horizon
.........also in Port yesterday was the Marella Explorer..
The all-new DFDS ferry Cote D'Opale made a brief visit to the Port last week July 12...here she is below. No fanfare that we could see, so presumably she was just carrying out early berthing trials etc ... what with the new Irish Ferry and the new DFDS ferry these are exciting times...or would be if we could actually go across without quarantine-ing.....etc etc...
Cote d'Opale
......As scheduled the striking Golden Horizon (see below) has just arrived back with us here this morning monday 19th .. as per schedule. We will have more pictures in due course. The Marella Explorer has also now just arrived.
Golden Horizon
The dashing Golden Horizon on her splendid way today after a brief but slight..ermmm... technical pause! Yes a slight delay but away she goes above there in fine style, having departed through the eastern exit Port of Dover at lunchtime July 16. But weep not!...because we will be seeing her again soon... as mentioned in the item immediately below.
Tradewind Voyages’ brand new vessel, Golden Horizon, sailed into Dover this morning (July 15); her chosen departure port for four new UK voyages throughout July. She arrives ready for a round-trip long weekend voyage, before returning to embark on her inaugural voyage from the Port on 19th July.
Golden Horizon is the world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel and a near-replica of the 1913 built France II.
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said:
“We offer a very warm welcome to the beautiful Golden Horizon here in Dover today, what an extraordinary ship she is! I hope our local community makes the most of the rare opportunity to see her before she departs for four cruises throughout July.
I’m really pleased to see the cruise season back in full swing again; it’s exciting to see another new cruise line at the Port today, both for the first time in Dover and as she prepares to embark on her first ever voyages.”
Today marks the third passenger cruise call in just under three weeks to depart from the Port of Dover since its cruise season re-launch on 26th June. After today, Golden Horizon will depart Dover on 19th July, 24th July and 31st July.
ENDS
Many thanks to Port of Dover media team once again for the release above ....
......... and to Dover Strait Shipping for the picture...
Celebrity Silhouette - on her way...
A final two pictures above there of the magnificent Celebrity Silhouette. We have probably overdone it a tad with the amount of pictures showing the Silhouette but it is such a joy to see cruise ships coming here to Dover once again...particularly one as special as the ever stunning Celebrity Silhouette....we catch her above there heading away... bon voyage...
Note: We have had another cruise ship...Spirit of Adventure .. pictures soon...
Celebrity Silhouette at Dover
The magnificent giant Celebrity Silhouette exiting the Port of Dover on July 4th ... you can see the immense size there as she 'squeezes out' of the Port's western exit. Below, its a short while later, and we see the pilot returning to base...
Celebrity Silhouette
The stunning 122,000 ton plus Celebrity Silhouette leaving the Port of Dover on Sunday evening July 4...another magnificent ship....and another one receiving Dover's spectacular and striking tug-spraying display.....
Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover, said:
“It’s great to see the excitement for Dover cruise return so quickly only a week after we welcomed Marella Explorer, our first passenger call since the pandemic. I have no doubt that the cruising buzz will be in full swing again soon.
It was wonderful to see Celebrity Silhouette in Dover again on Sunday 4th July. "
We will have more pictures soon too..... and there we are.
The Departing Disney Magic ....
The Disney Magic left the Port of Dover on Saturday (July 3) after a year long stay, or more, due to the ghastly pandemic. However even misery occasionally has a good side, and the good side on this occasion was the extended stay of the magical Disney Magic. She left midst an impressive tug spraying celebration, all the while playing her theme song 'when you wish upon a star' and doing a full 360 degree turn in the harbour right in front of us here....
......'twas a fond farewell.
Sailing By.....
...in keeping with our current 'sail' theme, this delightful sailing barge ambled by a few days ago (Not long after Europa below). A lovely sight. Unfortunately nothing was showing on the satellite system so we dont know what she was/is called....but she was so elegant through the gloom, and it was gloomy. But worth a shot or two and there she be....
The Disney Magic officially left the Port here yesterday Saturday July 3,
.... 'twas a grand send-off...will have pix soon...
Tall Ship - Europa
Well what can you say...while labour-intensively photographing hard working Dover tug Doughty as she brought in another cargo vessel...photographing through a long zoom lens with blinkered vision, didn't even notice the magnificent tall ship to the left...doh!! But as soon as the fabulous Europa was spotted with full sail...well, something of a re-focusing was called for, as you can see...
"
I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and sky
and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by...
"
.............. John Masefield.... remembering the school days there off top of head....
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Irish Ferries' Isle of Inishmore began services from Dover to Calais earlier this week June 29.
Best of Irish Luck to them - very welcome.
Pictures further below..... update: extra pic here now....
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Marina Curve Port of Dover
Some pictures above there of the new Marina Curve at the Port of Dover. The 'Curve' runs alongside the new Clock Tower Square (see further below) which in turn is alongside the new marina.... and right at the end of the Marina Curve, for now, is the magical Disney Magic. Note there is plenty of seating...see left side of pictures, excellent for those who want a leisurely relaxing look at the great views...
Isle of Inishmore
Isle of Inishmore
The new service from Irish Ferries on the Dover-Calais route starts at the end of the month...a couple of shots above there of the Isle of Inishmore entering the Port of Dover. Conditions were a bit grey for the photos but nevertheless the pix show the ship fairly well as she 'acclimatizes' to her new surroundings here in Dover...and as we know, practice makes perfect... will be interesting to watch developments.
Further Queen Elizabeth...
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth arriving Dover: A couple of extra pictures above there from our oddball second camera which on occasion seems to do what it likes, but this time it got a few reasonable pictures of the great ship through the gloom.
EXTRA: New Service: Irish Ferry in Port today Saturday... more in due course...
Dover's Superstars : The magnificent Queen Elizabeth came into Port of Dover last evening Thursday at approx 8pm. It was very gloomy/foggy but there she is above a short time later and in the same pic as the Disney Magic which had earlier changed berth to accommodate the Queen...as you would! Very exciting to see wall to wall cruise ships again...
Will have another pic shortly.... and here we are....
The arrival of the Queen Elizabeth in the gloomy conditions...
Wild Flowers on Dover Beach......
EXTRA pic now added...
Flowers in the Fog : The magnificent wild flowers currently in full bloom on Dover Beach... we had to wait for the swirling fog to ermmm unswirl itself and there we are above...
The Clock Tower by Night...
Clock Tower Square...once more above. This time from afar and looking across the water. Pictured at night as you can see. At the time of pic we were just about to be engulfed by a meandering fog...as the sirens wailed across the dark water.
The new Clock Tower Square is an exciting Port development open to all.
Dont miss the post immediately below.....
Clock Tower Square Opens.....
Monday June 7: The Port of Dover has today unveiled its latest outdoor recreational space overlooking the waterfront ....Clock Tower Square.
It is another major part of the Dover Western Docks Revival regeneration project to open to the public.
Located at the beginning of the Marina Curve with great views over the Harbour, the 1,000 sq metre (roughly a quarter of an acre) site combines fresh design features with artefacts from Dover’s inspirational history to create a contemporary site that’s perfect for relaxing and appreciating local culture.
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover said:
“Clock Tower Square is a destination for the future; it capitalises on Dover’s inspirational heritage and iconic scenery to form a modern outdoor community hub that’s rich in history.
With the new Marina Pier already open, the Marina Curve coming soon and our recent beach re-profiling work completed, we are pleased to be making more leisure space available to the public during a time when the outdoors has never been appreciated more”.
Dave Herrod, DWDR Programme Director added:
“We are proud to see Clock Tower Square opening today. After years of planning and construction, the new design perfectly combines sustainability with ecology, history and public engagement, creating a fantastic site that’s ready for future generations to enjoy.”
Clock Tower Square pays tribute to the previous Prince of Wales pier with original artefacts and plaques dating back over 100 years on display. Granite coping stones from the old quayside form new benches, lamp posts have been refurbished and the original paving has been re-laid to reflect the old Prince of Wales pier layout. The original gates have been reinstated and new public toilets are also now available.
Natalie Elphicke MP said:
“Clock Tower Square is a really great place for people to sit down, stroll and really enjoy the view across the Port. It’s a major investment by the Port of Dover for our community which will help to increase visitors and boost tourism. With the Council’s successful multi-million bid to improve the links between the town and the waterfront, this all looks set to come together to make Dover a great destination for people to come and see.”
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said:
“The opening of Clock Tower Square marks a key stage in the transformation of Dover Waterfront into a modern and vibrant public space. The Port worked closely with our heritage planners and I’m delighted to see the attention to detail on many of the heritage features retained and restored from the Prince of Wales Pier.
“With outstanding views of the busy harbour, Dover Castle and White Cliffs of Dover it will be another outdoor space that is much valued by the local community and visitors alike. I hope it will also stimulate more commercial investment on the waterfront.”
ENDS
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Dover Lifeboat in recent action.
Dover Lifeboat safely towing in a Wetwheels craft on the evening of June 1...we have used the picture smaller than usual as the quality isn't there, Time of pic approx 8pm in fading light...although a number of pictures were taken none were particularly useable. We blame the fading light!!
You can find out more about the Wetwheels Foundation on Google.
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Freight drivers will now be able to board the next available sailing when they arrive at the Port of Dover or the Port of Calais, regardless of which of the two ferry companies is operating the crossing.
This will ensure customers benefit from more flexibility, with a sailing every 36 minutes. It will reduce the amount of waiting time at the port saving our freight customers up to 30 minutes on their overall journey time.
The two ferry companies carry more than 2.5 million lorries across the English Channel every year, making it the busiest trade route between the UK and Europe, maintaining the flow of essential items including food, medicines and other materials into and out of the UK.
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, pictured left said: “Developing the ferry product by maximising choice, capacity, flexibility and resilience in this way is a fantastic demonstration by the ferry operators of how the Dover route is responding to renewed market confidence."
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Disney Magic at Dover
Disney Magic above returning to base here in Dover just before the onset of the aforementioned fiercely rough weather. Magic had just enjoyed another one of her regular channel runs....
Natalie Reminisces...
As a young woman, I enjoyed putting on my spotted rah-rah dress and dancing across the sea on the ferry disco. From ordering your 'frites et mayonnaise' to shopping at a Calais Supermarche, it was a proper day out.
Many a local resident enjoyed the all-you-can-eat buffet, with its exotic name - the Smorgasbord - on the now-defunct Sally line from Ramsgate. While so many friendships and relationships were rekindled and revitalised on the famous evening Dance to France.
Like so much from those years, while we have gained, we have also lost. So focused on our destination that we have lost the pleasure in the journey. For me and for many, a ferry trip is nothing less than a mini-cruise. From ballpits and play areas for the little ones, to video games and bars for the grown-ups, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Such enjoyment is what it is all about.
There's so much fun on the ferries.
Natalie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover and Deal
That's an enjoyable section above there from a recent Natalie message..... very enjoyable. We left the party political bit out....
DISNEY at DOVER
The Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic
If you quietly wish upon a star, hoping for even more wondrous magic in Dover,
...well you might just end up with two Disney's....
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OPEN LETTER FROM DOUG BANNISTER, CEO, PORT OF DOVER
Dover is the right choice for business and consumers now more than ever
The United Kingdom Major Ports Group (UKMPG) has issued a 'briefing paper' intended to encourage businesses to transfer cargo away from the Short Straits, the UKs most vital link to European markets.
The paper points out that the Short Straits, which includes ferry links between Dover and Calais, as well as the Channel Tunnel, has a 60% market share of British-Continental EU trade. The Short Straits has achieved this market share because it is the right choice for business. Indeed, the paper acknowledges that the routes businesses use today are the right ones and the reason businesses choose the Short Straits is simple; it offers the most time efficient, cost effective and resilient access to international markets, delivering an estimated £3 billion saving for British businesses and consumers compared to alternative routes.
Our own independent analysis (Oxera 2018) has previously suggested that it would cost around £2.7 billion to take just 20% of our existing traffic in order to pay for new ferries operating on longer and slower routes. Importantly, these new ferries do not exist today and need to be built. With shipyard capacities and construction lead times, delivering such a fleet of new ferries holds significant lead time.
The UKMPG paper suggests that other ports might have capacity to take up to 60% of Short Straits traffic now, but acknowledges that this requires both Government and trader support for this offer of resilience to be possible. Exponentially, this suggests that the cost to businesses and ultimately the consumer could be up to around £8 billion.
For Port of Dover, when looking at the overall UK Trade Resilience we take a systemic view across ports, vessels, capacities, frequencies, operating models and traffic management schemes. To focus only on port capacity is terribly one-dimensional.
The geographic advantage that Port of Dover holds with the UKs largest trading partner means that a single vessel can complete up to five round voyages in a single day, making our ferries hugely productive assets. Further, our operating model delivers an average inbound dwell time at our port of just five minutes, providing unparalleled port efficiency.
Other operating models, for example containers and unaccompanied trailers may have inbound dwell times from several hours to even several days, adding inefficiency to the system-wide supply chains. For those routes with longer sea voyages, a single vessel may only make a single round voyage in a day meaning to replicate the capacities and frequencies offered via Port of Dover would require five times as many vessels.
The UKMPG paper admits that a ˜short term" constraint might be the availability of additional ferries to handle the trucks being encouraged to divert to other routes, whilst also citing wider capacity issues on the southern North Sea corridor.
The report is right to focus on resilience as we approach the end of the Transition Period, but what resilience do you have if you are sending traffic to ports where the ferries do not exist? Neither is that a quick fix. The market dynamic is important here. In fact, rather than investing in new ferries, operators at some of the alternative ports have actually been closing these longer routes with tonnage moving back to the short routes as that is what the market wants, Dover has of course kept going throughout the pandemic. This dynamic applies to the European side too, with the majority of freight vehicles choosing to route through northern France to Calais and Dunkirk as it is simply closest.
All EU-facing UK ports will be under the same rules there will be a standard process and transaction applied everywhere. We know from examples elsewhere, such as 'Operation Wellington' on the Humber, which anticipates using parts of the M62 and M180 as holding areas for HGVs, that if there is disruption it will be everywhere. The report itself admits that there is already a risk of disruption at these alternative ports due to new systems for HGVs. Therefore, on top of this, sending more traffic to ports that do not even have the ferry capacity will make the situation far worse and create far less resilience for UK trade.
In contrast, the traffic management regimes for the Short Straits are tested and proven, in short, we know they work. For example, the recent national security operation that affected all ports with additional screening and searches left around 4,500 lorries in Operation Stack. When the security operation ended, Dover had cleared all queuing traffic and was back to normal operations within just 12 hours. Nowhere else could do that. It would take weeks with the current vessel capacities and frequencies available elsewhere. For UK trade resilience, supply chains must have the confidence in managing periods of disruption, and crucially recovery and restoration of normal flows as swiftly as possible, both areas in which Port of Dover has excellent credentials.
As we all navigate the massive economic difficulties caused by COVID, and the uncertainties as we approach the End of Transition, it is right to showcase the incredible efforts of the maritime sector, and the excellent ports that we have across the nation towards ensuring supply chains are robust and functioning well.
Come what may, we will keep working to keep the nation supplied with the essential goods people need at this difficult time and give all businesses wherever they are the benefits of Dover's unrivalled service. This is what we do all day, every day.
Indeed, as the Maritime Minister said on a panel discussion with us only the other day regarding the national trade network; you have to have goods and people moving around freely. So if you are to have parts moving quickly and efficiently across the Channel, and through Dover, and through the country, you have a much easier opportunity for companies that might exist in the Midlands or in the North to get involved in whatever that industry is.
The report says that the UK has not always been reliant on the Short Straits, harking back to pre-Single Market days. Equally, the UK has not always been reliant on the internet and same day/next day/just-in-time deliveries, but it is now.
A vision that takes the UK backwards is not the vision of the future we want to see. We need one that backs consumers and businesses everywhere for the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. We feel that we should celebrate our impressive, modern and efficient supply chains across all ports and modes throughout the nation.
For Dover, we fully appreciate the essential role that we conduct for the nation, and will continue to take our responsibility with all of the due care and attention the British people would expect of us, which is why Dover will remain the clear market choice.
Doug Bannister, CEO Port of Dover.
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Sea Pictures from DOVER ....
Sea News Dover:
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