Peel Ports – Page 5 – Medway and Swale Boating Association

Wreck lifted from Segas SC moorings

The sunken vessel that was abandoned on Segas SC moorings (opposite Gillingham Marina) has been recovered by Whitstable Marine Services, working for Peel Ports, and taken to Sheerness for disposal. The pellet buoy marking the wreck has also been removed. The craft was lifted and removed fully intact leaving no debris in the wreck’s location.

The MSBA is concerned about the increasing number of derelict boats that are abandoned on moorings and ultimately incur huge and unnecessary costs to the port authority, the council, emergency services and clubs.

LNG Terminal exclusion zone reminder

Peel Ports says: The relaxation of COVID restrictions has seen boating activities resume which is good to see. However, within the last week numerous incursions into the LNG exclusion zone whilst ships are alongside have been reported by the guard tug. LNG berth exclusion zone infringements will not be tolerated and Peel Ports will act on all reports, can clubs and marinas please remind all members of the regulations when passing the LNG Terminal.

Notice to Mariners No 2 of 2021 – Isle Of Grain LNG Jetties 8 & 10 Exclusion Zone + Chart (236Kb)

Notice to Mariners No 3 of 2021 – LNG Vessel Transit And Manoeuvres (305Kb)

Wreck to be lifted from Segas SC moorings on 22 April

Peel Ports have notified us that on 22 April 2021 a recovery operation is scheduled to lift and remove the sunken vessel as detailed in Medway NtoM 18 of 2021 [Beware of Wreck on Segas SC moorings]. The craft ‘Liftmoor’ will be performing the salvage work between 1200 hrs and 1830 hrs (approx) and will maintain a listening watch on VHF channel 74 at all times. Due to the nature of the work all passing craft are requested to pass with caution and reduce wash to a minimum. If required ‘Liftmoor’ may return on 23 April to complete the recovery, once removal is confirmed a cancellation notice will be promulgated.

Peel Ports Completes Trial of Autonomous Unmanned Survey Vessel

Peel Ports is the first Port group in the UK to take delivery of an autonomous unmanned survey vessel, which completed its first successful trial at Crosby Marine Lake, north of Liverpool. Developed by L3 Harris and featuring pioneering technology, the 4.5m vessel, named Fitzroy, weighs 1 ton and carries multibeam sonar equipment capable of high resolution seafloor mapping down to 100m. Fitzroy will soon be deployed on the Medway.

More information…

A new name for River Medway

In a surprise move to end confusion with other rivers of the same name, Peel Ports have announced that from 1 April the River Medway will be called River London Medway. A spokesman for the company, now named Peel Ports London Medway, explained that as they legally own the river from Allington to Sheerness this is within their powers and follows an extensive consultation with stakeholders in Liverpool. Another well-placed insider revealed that the “aspirational” change of name is expected to bring new business to the port and increase the value of local property.

Conservancy Licences now available online

All craft except open unpowered dinghies under 5.1 metres in length based on the tidal Medway and Swale are required to purchase an annual conservancy licence. Many clubs offer these licences which they obtain from Peel Ports at a discount.

Alternatively you can now buy a licence online at:
https://peel-port.myshopify.com/

To assist with the roll-out of this new payment method Peel Ports have have written some guidance to help us through the application process and also addressed some frequently asked questions. The links below will take you to those two documents.
https://www.peelports.com/media/6288/leisure-craft-conservancy-disc-application-faq.pdf
https://www.peelports.com/media/6289/step-by-step-guide-to-applying-for-a-licence.pdf

If you have any queries regarding leisure craft licence applications please contact Beth Cuddington on 01795 596525 beth.cuddington@peelports.com

New signage for PWCs

This is a sample of one of the new signs designed in partnership with the Personal Watercraft Partnership (PWP) and local authorities. The signs will be set up at known launching sites for jet skis (PWCs). Most PWC users are responsible boaters but an irresponsible minority spoil it for everyone else and will be liable to prosecution. Peel Ports will increase the number of patrols using a harbour launch or RIB, including holidays, weekends, and during heatwaves. The patrol personnel will be equipped with body cams.

This chart shows the zones where there are speed limits, yellow for 6 knots and red for 8 knots. The purple zone from Cuxton to Wouldham is where members of the Kent Boat and Ski club have exclusive permission to water ski.

Kingsferry Bridge restrictions 8-11 March

Peel Ports have been notified of scheduled maintenance work at Kingsferry Bridge between the above dates meaning lifting restrictions will be imposed affecting all vessels. Work to rectify issues with the gates will result in NO bridge lifts being possible during the periods stated below.

New boats for Peel Ports

At the Peel Ports Leisure Users Forum, held virtually on 25 February, our harbour authority announced several new vessels.

This brand new all-electric (zero emissions) vessel is purpose-built to scoop up floating debris, a ton at a time. This week, after trials at Chatham, “Gannet” will be deployed above Aylesford, where there are lots of floating logs and other hazardous debris to clear.

April 2021 will see the first Medway trial of the group’s remotely operated survey craft ‘Fitzroy’. Should be fun!

And there’s more! These two new handy-looking work boats are due to arrive later this year. Suggestions for names please to AllMedwayMarineManagers@peelports.com

Beware of Wreck on Segas SC moorings

Peel Ports have been notified of a sunken vessel on the Segas Sailing Club moorings at the following approximate position: 51°24.017’N. 000° 33.842’E . This is roughly opposite Gillingham Marina. The wreck is believed to be a red motor launch/cruiser, 22-23ft long, which is occasionally visible at low water is now marked with an unlit, yellow ‘pellet’ buoy denoted “Wreck”. When practicable an attempt to recover the vessel will be made and once complete a cancellation to this notice will be promulgated. Until the obstruction is removed all mariners should keep clear of the area. Peel Ports NtoM 18/2021 refers.