CAMMELL LAIRD
A new sign has been erected at the main gate to
the Cammell Laird yard at Birkenhead. Once again the sign carries the
proud name of Cammell Laird and the company's house flag camel logo.
RFA WAVE KNIGHT arrived on Monday April 02 and
is expected to remain at the yard until June. She is in #5 dry dock.
HMS PLYMOUTH
The
historic vessel HMS PLYMOUTH could be given a permanent home in the West Country after
all - attracting a possible 90,000 visitors a year.
It
is likely that the Royal Navy frigate, a veteran of the
Falklands
conflict, would be based in Sutton
Harbour,
Plymouth, between the city's picturesque Barbican and Hoe districts.
The site has been put forward by Warship Management, which was set up to
purchase and move the vessel from its current position in
Birkenhead.
The signs are that Plymouth
City Council, which owns the land, will give the scheme the
go-ahead.
Yesterday's announcement came just days after some of the most
senior-ranking officers from the
Falklands conflict wrote a letter to the council highlighting the
importance of bringing the ship, and the heritage she represents, back
to her home town.
It is hoped that within weeks the council will come to a decision on
whether to go ahead with the new plan to berth the ship as a tourist
attraction in the bustling
Sutton
Harbour area, adjacent to the Barbican.
Supporting the proposals, Councillor David Salter said the focus of the
project would be "tourism and heritage".
"We have a responsibility for the heritage of
Plymouth as a maritime city and the influence this has had on the
city," he said.
"There is a future element as well - we want the commercial side of
things to be the way forward for the city."
Councillor Salter said he envisaged an extra 90,000 visitors a year
would visit the Barbican area if the warship were berthed there.
The neighbouring National Maritime Aquarium would also benefit. It has
seen a sharp fall in visitor numbers this year.
Councillor Salter added: "All together it's a very exciting prospect."
The new berth site is on council-owned land at the entrance to
Sutton
Harbour and the Barbican - close to
Plymouth's preserved Citadel.
Previously a berth at Millbay had been approved, but new developments in
that area did not cater for the ship.
HMS PLYMOUTH's current berth on the Mersey has also been made
unavailable and it is only a matter of time before the current owners,
Peel Holdings, sell the ship to get rid of her.
While Warship Management Ltd has raised the capital to purchase and
bring HMS PLYMOUTH back to her home town, the key was to find a suitable
berth - the Millbay district had originally been suggested, but that
fell through.
Twenty-five years ago, HMS PLYMOUTH played a pivotal role in the
Falklands
conflict, and Argentina's surrender was signed in her wardroom.
Mike Critchley, chairman of the firm, said the site at
Sutton
Harbour was the "gold standard choice" for HMS
PLYMOUTH.
"The berth at Millbay was the silver option, Devonport wouldn't even be
considered as an option, but Sutton Harbour is the gold standard choice
to berth HMS PLYMOUTH. If that berth can be made available we are on a
winner."
He added: "The disadvantage is that this option requires a lot of work,
whereas Millbay didn't. There are infrastructure, cost and time
restraints."
The team is now drawing up a business proposal to present to the council
at the next full meeting, after the May elections. Mr Salter reassured
Mr Critchley that support for this berth was very strong among council
members.
If the plans are given the green light, the next step will be raising
the funds for the development and attracting other interested parties.
Tim Jones, chairman of the
Devon and
Cornwall Business Council said: "We will be amazed at how much
something like this could benefit the economy. I would expect an
additional £10 million to be pumped into the
Plymouth economy.
"It's another fabulous story that can only be a benefit to
Plymouth."
[WESTERN MORNING NEWS]
IRISH FERRIES
Maritime Communications
Partner (MCP) has signed a contract with Irish Ferries to deliver GSM
coverage onboard the ISLE OF INISHMORE and the ULYSSES. This
follows the successful installation of MCP's CellAtSea service onboard
Irish Ferries' NORMANDY on the Ireland-France route at the beginning of
2006.
For the passengers, the mobile services are transparent, readily
available on their own personal mobile phone, operating seamlessly
through MCP's network in the same way as when travelling abroad. MCP
tariffs all calls, and handles the revenue flow generated by the
networks, through industry standard billing and accounting systems. The
customers are charged by their home operator through normal invoicing
routines.
ULYSSES - Aker
Finnyards are understood to have surveyed the vessel recently with a
view to providing a 30m mid ship extension. Alteration to the berth at
Dublin will also be required should the lengthening of the ship go
ahead.
Two companies which
have been buying shares in ferries group Irish Continental Group
recently have announced that they are in talks about a possible takeover
offer.
Doyle and One51 say they see their potential offer at a level of 'not
less than €20' per share. They say they will ask the independent
directors to open ICG's books to them. Doyle has around 3% of ICG, while
One51, the former IAWS Co-op has snapped up almost 6%.
ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY
EMERAUDE FRANCE arrived on Merseyside on Tuesday April 03. She
berthed first at Prince's Landing Stage, before crossing the river to
Birkenhead. She entered Birkenhead Docks and berthed in the West Float.
She will remain on Merseyside whilst she is prepared for service.
SUPERSEACAT TWO
appears to have been suffering from engine problems this week which have
resulted in reduced speed operation and delays.
SPIRIT OF ONTARIO -
the Austal fast craft has been sold to the German operated FRS for
operation on the Spain - Morocco service. The Steam Packet are
understood to have viewed the craft which has been up for sale for over
a year.
L.V. PLANET
THE bitter row over whether Liverpool can keep the
historic Mersey Bar lightship Planet lurched into further confusion this
week.
A statement from the Albert Dock authorities said
that Planet cannot stay in either Albert Dock or Canning Dock and will
be removed to Salford.
However, the ship’s supporters from across the world
are fighting back, supported by Judith Feather, Liverpool Culture
Company’s maritime supremo.
Planet’s owner Gary McClarnan claims that Ms Feather,
head of marine events, told him that it is not necessary for Planet to
go to Salford because of inadequate infrastructure here.
Instead, she suggests that the electricity and water
supplies that the ship would need in Canning Dock could be installed at
a reasonable cost.
This contradicts a statement released by Albert Dock
Company, its public spaces management company Gower Street Estates and
British Waterways, blaming “lack of infrastructure” for ejecting Planet.
The statement says: “All (Albert Dock) partners would
like to see the lightship remain in the South Docks area but,
unfortunately, a suitable location cannot be found which meets health
and safety requirements, the needs of the owner and the partners.
“Unfortunately Canning Dock cannot be used
permanently because it is a tidal dock used during the operation of
ships sailing through Canning river lock.”
This also appears to be at odds with long-term plans
for the permanent berth in Canning Dock of HMS WHIMBREL, the Battle of
the Atlantic Memorial Ship, which is far bigger than Planet.
The Albert Dock statement adds: “Although all
partners recognised the historic significance of the Mersey Bar
lightship, some concerns were raised from occupiers of the Albert Dock
estate about the vessel being moored there.
“On 18 January 2007, during extreme weather, the
mooring lines securing the vessel to the dock wall broke away and the
vessel was moved to Canning Half Tide Dock for health and safety
reasons.”
Mr McClarnan, a Manchester-based music and property
entrepreneur, denied he was consulted about the statement and disputed
much of its content.
He says: “Planet could be moored securely in Albert
Dock with ropes around the warehouse columns as shown in old photos, and
a practice used by Merseyside Maritime Museum’s vessels.
“I wasn’t asked to move Planet from there for health
and safety reasons, but threatened with trespass by Gower Street Estates
if I moored the ship to the columns. That’s why the ship broke free in
the storm.”
Pam Brown, Mersey Bar Lightvessel Preservation
Society president, says: “I hope that some kind of sense will still
prevail to keep this iconic vessel here.
“There is plenty of quay space in Canning Dock for
Planet’s permanent berth. It’s simply a case of the relevant authorities
sitting around a table if they are committed to make it happen.”
Planet, the former Mersey Bar lightship and Britain’s
last manned lightship, was likely to be sold abroad when Mr McClarnan
bought it for £100,000 and spent a further £100,000 on restoration.
[DAILY POST]
MERSEY FERRIES
The Crosby Herald
reported that a £6M landing stage could be built in Seaforth as part of
plans to launch ferry services to the Iron Men.
The tourist attraction is included in designs for the £20m redevelopment
of Seaforth radar tower.
Talks are now underway with Merseytravel and Mersey Waterfront about the
possibility of ferries visiting the Gormley statues.
Louise Goodman, director of Mersey Waterfront, said: "The idea of a
ferry linking Liverpool's Pier Head with Crosby beach, two of our key
waterfront attractions, is one we are keen to develop.
"However, this proposal is at a very early stage and there would be a
number of detailed operational and financial issues to explore along
with Merseytravel and other key partners before it could be formally
integrated into the Mersey Waterfront programme.
"We are already looking at the radar tower as a tourist attraction, with
a project known as The Observatory.
"We are sure that being able to sail from Liverpool or Wirral to view
the Gormley statues would be a major attraction."
A Merseytravel spokesman said: "We are happy to explore this further and
would look seriously at any genuine opportunity to expand other ports of
call for the Mersey Ferries. We will certainly discuss the plans for
Crosby Marina further and would consider operating ferries to the
location if there
is a good enough business case."
It is hoped a new tower can be built at Crosby Marina, complete with a
viewing platform, with room for 200 people, as well as a visitor centre.
An investigation by the Mersey Basin Campaign has ruled out renovating
the existing structure.
Iain Taylor, research and development director of The Observatory, said:
"A landing stage at the tower is a brilliant idea.
"One of the things to come out of our research into The Observatory is
that access needs to be improved from South Road and Crosby Marine Lake,
part of this would include a ferry stop or landing stage.
"It would make a fantastic loop service and we are hoping to work
closely with Merseytravel and get local residents involved in the
project."
The landing stage is not part of the £91m regeneration programme
announced last week by Mersey Waterfront.
ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY
 RFA
WAVE KNIGHT arrived at Cammell Laird #5 dry dock on April 02, 2007
RFA FORT ROSALIE
called at Douglas on April 06 - Laxey Towing Company's KARINA provided
tender facilities.
Photo: Jenny
Williamson)
SC CHAMBERS &
Co
Liverpool's oldest ship broker, SC Chambers & Co, has
been acquired by Sanderson Maritime, backed by Merseyside Special
Investment Fund (MSIF).
Established in 1887, SC Chambers & Co specialises in
the sale, purchase and valuations of ships, including bulk carrier and
general cargo vessels, small and medium-sized tankers as well as
specialist tonnage vessels) for the last 50 years.
The Sanderson Maritime Group operates globally from
the Port of Liverpool Building. It was set up in 2003 and specialises in
maritime services including floating accommodation – used, for example,
to accommodate per- sonnel where areas might lack the necessary
infrastructure and international barge transportation.
Managing director Julian Sanderson said: “The funding
from MSIF and Lloyds TSB allowed us to fund the acquisition which
enhances our commercial broking and consultancy activities.” [DAILY
POST]
SEALINK HOLYHEAD
A lot of new
material has been posted to the excellent Sealink Holyhead web site at:
www.sealink-holyhead.com/
STANLEY DOCK REDEVELOPMENT
Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a
multi-million pound redevelopment of Stanley Dock in Liverpool.
The scheme includes digging out the centre of the
Tobacco Warehouse to create a garden-filled courtyard surrounded by
apartments.
More than 930 apartments will be built in the three
warehouses on the site, with 650 duplexes in the 13-storey Tobacco
Warehouse itself.
Reflective sails will be installed on the side of the
dock to shine extra light on to the side of the giant warehouse, whose
lower floors will become car parking for hundreds
The development, due to start in late 2008 or early
2009, will take seven years to complete.
But the regeneration scheme will mean the end of the
heritage market on the Stanley Dock site.
Plans were submitted to Liverpool city council last
Friday and revealed at yesterday’s Liverpool ECHO Stop the Rot campaign
meeting.
Architect Howard Carter, from London-based Thinking
Space Architects, said: “It’s a comprehensive redevelopment of the
complex.
“The north and south warehouse proposals are similar.
We’ll remove some of the later additions at roof level, and return the
buildings to their original form.
“The area of the south warehouse closest to the
Tobacco Warehouse will be offices and the other end will be
accommodation.
“The Tobacco Warehouse itself is a challenging
building. Just the sheer size of it is an enormous logistical issue.
“It’s 160ft from window to window and the ceiling
height is only 7ft, it’s very deep and very shallow.
“We’re going to take the core out of the building and
create at central courtyard with gardens.”
Some apartments will be a duplex with a two-storey
high living area. The windows will also be enlarged.
One-bedroom flats will surround the courtyard, while
the building will also have 372 two-bedroom apartments and 53
three-bedroom flats.
Offices, shops and restaurants are also included in
the plans.
Peter de Figueiredo, of English Heritage, said:
“We’ve been quite closely involved in discussions with the architects
and agents.
“The north and south warehouse schemes are very
sympathetic. The Tobacco Warehouse requires a lot more intervention and
change to make it usable.”
Stop the Rot forum chairman, the Bishop of Liverpool,
the Rt Rev James Jones, said: “I welcome this development and it’s good
to see them bringing in both work units and residential.” [IC LIVERPOOL]
SMIT
Following the take
over of Adsteam operations on the Mersey by the Smit group it appears
that the tugs CANADA, COLLINGWOOD and GLADSTONE are to be sold and
replaced by three new vessels. GLADSTONE and COLLINGWOOD have served
Merseyside for around 26 years and GLADSTONE around 16 years.
STENA LINE
Stena Line staff
are voting on whether to take strike action after the suspension of
eight colleagues. The eight members of staff, thought to be from
Wexford, are facing disciplinary action after refusing to take a breath
test without having their union representative present.
Stena Line staff
are not allowed to drink on board ferries at any time. Union members are
now planning to hold a ballot until April 12th, to decide if they will
take strike action over the row.
A spokesman for the
National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers told members: "We
believe this whole issue has been poorly dealt with by management, and
your colleagues are not being given a fair hearing.
"I call on all
members to vote strongly in favour of strike action in defence of your
colleagues. "Eamonn Hewitt, Irish Sea communications and PR manager for
Stena said: "The disciplinary process is ongoing and we won't be
commenting until that process is completed." [Western Telegraph]
STRANRAER HARBOUR
WORK IS expected to begin at the end of this
month on the breakwater for Stranraer harbour.
The contract which is costing £1,300,000 will be carried out by R. J.
MacLeod and is expected to take seven months to complete.
As part of the Stranraer and Lochryan
Waterfront development, the breakwater will protect the western side of
the harbour, allowing for the development of pontoons, which will then
see the up to 50 berths created to meet the current demand.
The project follows a series of preparatory
projects which have taken place over the last 20 months including the
dredging of the harbour, and the removal of the redundant Sea Container
berthing piles.
Cost is being shared between Dumfries and
Galloway Council and Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway, each
putting in £350,000 and £600,000 from the European Regional Development
Fund.
Mairi Henderson of the enterprise company said:
"This is great news for the Stranraer area, and lets the people of
Stranraer and the community see something visible and that the project
is really happening.
A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to
get this far and RRAG have worked with the Stranraer Harbour Improvement
Project through the Rhins Renewal Harbour Team to ensure their expertise
has contributed to the development of the project and to ensure that all
the developments in the harbour address the needs of the existing users
as well as looking at new demands by future users.
"So far without any publicity Dumfries and
Galloway Council have already received 18 enquiries from people looking
for berths at Stranraer, so we are hopeful that the development will
meet expectations". Donald MacKinnon from South of Scotland European
Partnership commented: "I am delighted that European Regional
development finance has been able to invest in this particular project,
now taking shape. A key factor in
supporting the overall waterfront project has been the key positioning
of Stranraer as a hub on the A75 Euro-route and also the strategic
significance of the project to the economy of Dumfries and Galloway".
Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway have also began initiating
discussions with the private sector on how to expand the marina from an
initial 50-berth marina to a potential 250 to 400 berth marina with the
support of private sector marina operators.
Galloway MP Russell Brown is critical of the
way the delay in the project - over a lease at Stranraer's West Pier -
had been handled.
And he pointed the finger at both Sea
Containers, who held the lease from the Crown Estates and Dumfries and
Galloway Council. The company were granted the lease in connection with
their SeaCat operation
to Belfast.
But delays in surrendering the lease so the
council could proceed with the breakwater, a vital component in the
marina project as part of the waterfront regeneration added £130,000 to
the cost and threatened to add even more to the final bill.
Mr Brown stepped in to press the parties
involved - the council, Scottish Enterprise Dumfries and Galloway, Crown
Estates and Sea Containers - to ensure that the lease issue was resolved
so that the project could progress quickly, and without costs spiralling
any further.
The appropriate paperwork has now been
finalised to allow the next phase of the project to progress without the
need for a further re-tendering process. The MP said he was obviously
pleased the issue had been resolved. However he added: "But I remain
concerned that the situation was allowed to
reach this crisis point.
"The parties involved knew about the lease
issue over a year ago and yet it was left until now to resolve it,
costing the council £130,000 in the process and threatening to cost more
still. "And all along all that was needed was for a relatively simple
piece of paperwork to change hands - which thankfully has now happened
as a result of pressure being put on the parties to get this sorted.
"The Waterfront regeneration project is crucial to
the economic development of Stranraer and the surrounding areas, and for
it to be jeopardised by the inactivity of the partners involved in the
project is unacceptable. "This situation should be reflected upon to
ensure that if any further issues arise they are dealt with
immediately". [STRANRAER FREE PRESS]
ULLSWATER TRANSIT & NAVIGATION COMPANY
The Ullswater Transit and Navigation Company
have announced that HRH Princess Alexandra will attend the renaming
ceremony of the LADY WAKEFIELD (ex TOTNES CASTLE) at Glenridding Pier,
Ullswater, Cumbria on Tuesday April 17, 2007.
There are more details and a photo of her at
www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/news.htm
The company appears to have done a tremendous job. When I last travelled
on this vessel on the Plymouth - Saltash ferry a few years ago when she
was owned by Plymouth Boat Cruises she was looking a little tatty. |
