Taw Torridge estuary and Bideford Harbour January 2010.
Ball Clay shipments from Bideford remain quiet with the last ship in December
2009 loading 2650 tonnes for Spain.
The Babcock/ Royal Devonport Dockyard at Appledore is working to produce the bow
sections of the Navy’s new aircraft carriers, and the next set of steel sections
will be ready for shipment in late March.
During March a caisson gate mounted on a pontoon will be sent from the covered
yard to Plymouth, and a very large barge will arrive for more aircraft carrier
sections.
MS Oldenburg, the Lundy Ferry was away over the Christmas period at Sharpness
dry dock for shaft seal renewal and a steel underwater hull section replacement.
She is continuing with renewal and maintenance work ready for her return to
service in the Spring.
Planning permission has been submitted by myself for change of use at the old
Cattle Market at Bideford ready for shipping of Torridges (and other
authorities) waste glass for recycling from Bideford to Ellesmere Port in
Cheshire. If the new trade materialises many thousands of lorry miles will be
saved. At present glass is sent from Devon by road to Avonmouth, Southampton and
Kirby in Northants. A Director of Recresco the contract holder for Devon’s
glass, has visited the port and approved arrangements. Commencement of
operations will be subject to negotiations with our local authority and other
local authorities and recycling companies as well. It is hoped that the
influence of TDCs new Chief Executive who is joint C/E of Teignbridge council as
well, will assist in our efforts to achieve our aims.
No new houseboat arrival requests have been made for Bideford.
Another new pontoon/houseboat has arrived at Heanton, outside of Bideford
Harbour and outside of TDC leased land area.
The Severn Sands (formerly ISCA) ex dredger, remains beached near Fremington
Quay with the apparent owner requesting for her to be towed into Bideford
Harbour and converted. The request was refused.
Captain Roger Hoad Pilot Harbour Master. January 14th 2010