ISSUE 14

AUTUMN2016

Inside this issue

Changing Times / Visiting Vessels /

Below Deck / Thriving Communities

Modern Commercial Vessels

Shoreham Port has continued to diversify so that it is not reliant on one single trade. It is now a major port for timber, aggregates, steel, oil, cereals and many other cargoes. Ships such as Tuna (pictured above) travel to the Port from a number of locations across Western Europe including, Sweden, Latvia, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands. The commercial vessels we see visiting the Port today are on average 90 metres in length with a breadth of 15 metres. Commercial vessels travel considerably faster than their earlier counterparts, thanks to their diesel engines.

We have an active Facebook page that keeps our stakeholders up to date with what’s happening in and around the harbour. If you are a leisure boat owner, regular port user or local stakeholder, connecting with us on Facebook is a great way to communicate directly with our team. Simply search ‘Shoreham Port’ on Facebook to like our page. Why not follow us on Twitter too @shoreham_port to receive regular updates about job opportunities, upcoming events and links to our weekly news stories. Our website is a fantastic resource with a wealth of information, including a history timeline, the services we offer today and what we are doing as an EcoPort to become more sustainable. You’ll also find information about our stakeholder benefit activities and how you can apply for funding. Please visit www.shoreham-port.co.uk to find out more.

Welcome to our Autumn Edition of PORTlife

Changing Times

Keep in Touch

Diaryof Events

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In this edition we take a look back in time at how

the vessels coming into the Port have changed

and how Shoreham Port has developed to meet

their needs.

Here we take a look back at how commercial vessels have changed over the years, from early roman rowing boats through

to modern day diesel ships and how the Port has adapted to meet their needs.

16th November 2016Local Authority Liaison Committee at 11:00

16th November 2016Port Users Group at 14:00

26th February 2017Brighton Half Marathon

9th April 2017Brighton Marathon

May 2017 (exact date TBC)Shoreham Port Boat Tours as part of the Brighton Fringe

16th May 2017Shoreham Port’s Annual Public & Stakeholders Meeting

We’ll be looking at the diverse range of vessels we see enter the Port today and we have an exclusive ‘below deck’ interview with the Captain of MV. Ernst Hagedorn. Finally, we’ll reflect over the communities that have grown and prospered around the Port, thanks to an increase in trade in the 19th century turning nearby villages into industrial towns.

As always we welcome any feedback on our newsletters. If there is anything you would like us to include or have any other suggestions please call 01273 598100 and ask to speak to Katie, alternatively email: korchin@shoreham-port.co.uk.

Please see our website for the latest details and venue information at www.shoreham-port.co.uk or follow us on Twitter for regular event updates @shoreham_port.

Roman Times 16th to mid-19th Century 1900’s Modern Day

In Roman Times

Historically Shoreham Port is a Roman port, possibly named ‘Portus Adurni’. When the Romans first started sailing into Shoreham they would have arrived on small coasters, similar to the one shown in the drawing by Julian Whitewright. Portus Adurni was situated on the lower reaches of the River Adur, and a highway was built between the Port and London passing through Portus Ladus (“the way to the Port”) now known as Portslade.

Steam Boats

Coal became dominant at Shoreham once the two electricity power stations and the gasworks had been built. The owners of the gasworks invested heavily in the Port for 125 years and purchased the first fleet of port vessels, including a tug boat called Mistletoe. By investing in the Port and its facilities the business began to flourish and reached its peak in 1952 when 720,000 tons of coal was imported into Shoreham.

Sailing Ships

From the 16th century to the mid-19th century sailing ships dominated trade routes at sea. During this time, square-rigged sailing ships carried European explorers and settlers to many parts of the world. In an early 17th century revival, Shoreham became the chief centre in Sussex for ship building with East Indiamen being built there. Sixteen ships were constructed between 1625 and1636, averaging more than 200 tons.

Trawler

Many of the fishing trawlers have travelled from Scotland and Ireland. The Port is often awash with trawlers during the scallop season which is at its peak during late September through to the end of October. Whilst in Port, fishermen have access to fresh water as well as the opportunity to dispatch some of their catch to local fish mongers and processing plants.

Tall Ship

On very special occasions tall ships will visit the Port, mostly to receive repair and restoration in our Dry Dock. The last tall ship to visit the Port was the Pelican of London. She is predominately used as a training vessel. Her rig is based on the Barbary Coast Xebec - the most successful Pirates of the Mediterranean for 200 years.

Border Force

From time to time Shoreham Port will receive visits from Border Force vessel ‘Vigilant’. She is the third of the Customs and Excise's fleet of 42-metre (138 ft) customs patrol vessels. Whilst berthed in the Port, Border Force is able to carry out crew transfers, re-stock supplies and take on fresh water. It also offers a safe base during poor weather conditions.

Commercial Vessel

As one of the busiest commercial ports on the south coast, Shoreham welcomes a variety of different cargo ships each week. In 2015 the Port received 844 commercial calls. Depending on the type of cargo being delivered, each vessel will be berthed on one of the Port’s main terminals before the stevedoring team discharge or load its cargo. The Port is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Yacht

Shoreham Port is home to Sussex Yacht Club, Shoreham Sailing Club and Hove & Adur Sea Cadets. All three clubs regularly sail the waters in and around the harbour. The sailing clubs are especially busy during the spring and summer months when some members train for annual events such as the Royal Escape Race and Sussex Regatta.

Survey Vessel

A survey vessel is any type of ship or boat that is used for mapping. The task of survey vessels is to map the bottom of the sea bed, benthic zone, full water column, and surface for the purpose of hydrography, general oceanography, marine habitats, salvage, dredging and marine archaeology. There is currently a steady flow of survey vessels visiting the Port due to the construction of the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm.

Lifeboat

Shoreham Port is home to the Shoreham RNLI Life Boat Station. There has been a lifeboat in Shoreham since 1865. The new lifeboat station was completed in October 2010. The lifeboat in the station is named Enid Collett, after the deceased donor, whose generous legacy funded the majority of the £2.7million cost of the boat. She is the first Tamar-class lifeboat to go on service at a lifeboat station in the RNLI’s south east region.

Fishing Boat

Fishing is one of the oldest industries in Shoreham and one that is still flourishing today with many boats moored in the Port. In 2015 1,294 fishing vessels sailed into the Port.

Speed Boat

On a sunny day you will almost definitely see various speed boats travelling in and out of the harbour. Shoreham Port has a thriving marina with a number of moorings available to leisure boat owners.

Steam Tug

Similarly to the tall ships, Shoreham Port occasionally welcomes a steam tug called the Challenge. Back in 2012 the Challenge was moored in the Dry Dock whilst she had her propeller refurbished and rudder and new boiler tanks fitted.

Visiting Vessels

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Below Deck - an exclusive interview with the Captain of MV. Ernst Hagedorn Regular visitors to Shoreham Port would have seen a great number of

ships come and go over the years but not many people know what goes on

below deck. Samantha Woskett, Ships Agency & Logistics Administrator at

Shoreham Port was invited by Captain Falko Kohlken to go on board one of

the Port’s frequent visitors, MV. Ernst Hagedorn to find out more about life

below deck and the challenges the crew face out at sea.

Sam - What are the main roles and duties on board a commercial vessel of this size?

Captain - The Ship Management Team’s main role is to implement safe working practices on board the vessel and to follow the environmental protection policy of the company. We maintain the ship and its equipment, plan the passage of the vessel and enforce safe operation and maintenance of powered equipment in the engine room and on deck.

Sam - How do you prepare for bad weather?

Captain - Before the vessel sets sail we consider her seaworthiness and the safety of her crew, as well as the cargo being transported. We do this by listening to the WX for the intended voyage. WX are weather channels which receive only stations which broadcast continuous weather information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Sam - Where do you regularly travel to and from?

Captain - The vessel is in regular trade from Sweden to UK ports, as well as in the whole European trade.

Sam - How many weeks/months do you spend out at sea?

Captain - The normal time we spend on board is two months. We are working in a rotation system, two months on, then two months off. During our two months on duty we will spend on average, two to three days out at sea, then two to three days in port.

Sam - What do you eat whilst out at sea?

Captain - The company provides all food and drinking water supplies free of charge to all seafarers. The food is provided based on the nature and duration of the voyage and is considered in reference to the quantity of crew on board and its nutritional value. The company ensures that all crew receive a variety of good quality meals during their voyage.

Sam - What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

Captain - One challenge which can become quite time consuming is the changing of regulations. Often this requires new forms and additional paperwork for port entry. Working with multiple personalities can be a challenge, especially in our environment. Working away at sea can be very testing for some people, staying away from home for long periods and working in all weathers.

Sam - And finally, what are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?

Captain - When the vessel is running well, without any problems and when we reach all of the ports in time, without delays caused by bad weather.

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Shoreham Port, Nautilus House, 90-100 Albion Street, Southwick, Brighton, BN42 4ED

T: +44 (0) 1273 598100 F: +44 (0) 1273 592492 E: info@shoreham-port.co.uk W: www.shoreham-port.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shorehamportauthority Twitter: @shoreham_port

Many pubs were established in the area to cater mainly for thirsty workers in the Port and sailors on shore leave. While in Portslade they tended to take all sorts of names, in Southwick they reflected history. They included the Victory (built after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805) and the Railway Tavern.

Both Southwick and Portslade started as villages away from the coast before extending southwards in the 19th century to become industrial towns. They each developed shopping streets parallel to the canal. In the 1960’s shops in Southwick moved to a purpose built centre, now known as Southwick Square. Today Southwick Square is bustling with a wide range of goods and services on offer, including a green grocers, butchers, news agents, estate agents, banks and cafés.

As trade continued to flourish, Shoreham Port was able to expand its workforce and soon become a major employer on the south coast. Today the Port employs just over 100 of its own staff and a further 1,600 are employed in businesses operating on the Port.

Port CommunitiesThere has been a harbour at

Shoreham for more than a

thousand years. Eventually,

after a permanent entrance

was constructed into the Port

in 1855, the locked canal was

opened to shipping for the

first time. The opening of the

canal enabled new trade to

enter the Port and as a result

brought wealth and growth to

the local communities.