News & Views
Welcome to the Tyne Area Shipping Club Website. The site is regularly updated so please get into the habit of checking it frequently for club news.
Have you an interesting story you would like to share? - A personal life experience? - or a yarn relating to one of your sea voyages? Put something together and send it to me with pictures, photographs etc., Or if you like; just let me have the information on Club night! ..............................................JKA
ooOoo
New Zealand gives recognition to the Merchant Navy
It was announced yesterday (8th August) that after many years of persuation, the government of New Zealand has agreed to designate 3rd September each year as Merchant Navy Day
Please click onto the following link:-
(Thanks to Tim Brant General Secretary Merchant Navy Association for the news clip)
European News
European Commission announces the award of major Galileo contracts
7 January 2010 Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport, has announced today the award of three of the six contracts for the procurement of Galileo's initial operational capability. What is Galileo?
Galileo will be Europe's own global navigation satellite system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service under civilian control. It will be inter-operable with GPS and GLONASS, the two other global satellite navigation systems.
A user will be able to take a position with the same receiver from any of the satellites in any combination. By offering dual frequencies as standard, however, Galileo will deliver real-time positioning accuracy down to the metre range, which is unprecedented for a publicly available system.
It will guarantee availability of the service under all but the most extreme circumstances and will inform users within seconds of a failure of any satellite. This will make it suitable for applications where safety is crucial, such as running trains, guiding cars and landing aircraft.
The first experimental satellite, GIOVE-A, was launched on 28 December 2005. The objective of this satellite is to characterize the critical technologies, which have already been developed under ESA contracts.
Two further experimental satellites are planned: GIOVE-B, scheduled for launch end of 2007 and GIOVE-A2, to be ready for launch in the second half of 2008. The actual launch date of this satellite will be decided later, taking into account the situation of GIOVE-A and GIOVE-B.
Thereafter, four operational satellites - the basic minimum for satellite navigation in principle - will be launched by end 2008 / 2009 to validate the Galileo concept with both segments: space and related ground infrastructure . Once this In-Orbit Validation (IOV) phase has been completed, the remaining satellites will be installed to reach the Full Operational Capability (FOC).
The fully deployed Galileo system consists of 30 satellites (27 operational + 3 active spares), positioned in three circular Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) planes at 23 222 km altitude above the Earth, and at an inclination of the orbital planes of 56 degrees with reference to the equatorial plane.
Once this is achieved, the Galileo navigation signals will provide good coverage even at latitudes up to 75 degrees north, which corresponds to the North Cape, and beyond. The large number of satellites together with the optimisation of the constellation, and the availability of the three active spare satellites, will ensure that the loss of one satellite has no discernible effect on the user.
Two Galileo Control Centres (GCCs) will be implemented on European ground to provide for the control of the satellites and to perform the navigation mission management. The data provided by a global network of twenty Galileo Sensor Stations (GSSs) will be sent to the Galileo Control Centres through a redundant communications network. The GCC's will use the data from the Sensor Stations to compute the integrity information and to synchronise the time signal of all satellites with the ground station clocks. The exchange of the data between the Control Centres and the satellites will be performed through up-link stations. Five S-band up-link stations and 10 C-band up-link stations will be installed around the globe for this purpose.
As a further feature, Galileo will provide a global Search and Rescue (SAR) function, based on the operational COSPAS-SARSAT system. To do so, each satellite will be equipped with a transponder, which is able to transfer the distress signals from the user transmitters to the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, which will then initiate the rescue operation.
At the same time, the system will provide a signal to the user, informing him that his situation has been detected and that help is under way. This latter feature is new and is considered a major upgrade compared to the existing system, which does not provide feedback to the user.
Altogether Galileo will provide five levels of services with guaranteed quality which marks the difference from this first complete civil positioning system.
European Space Agency
Catch up on the latest news regarding this fascinating development and take the tour! click on the link:-
http://www.esa.int/esaNA/index.html
Back to top of page> News Articles - around the Tyne
The New Tyne Crossing **
- BT signs long term lease agreement for a state-of-the-art business centre on South Tyneside
BT has signed a long term agreement with South Tyneside Council to occupy a new business centre on the landmark Harton Staithes site in South Shields.
The 43,000 sq ft building will accommodate BT's Local Government operations alongside other functions potentially providing workspace for up to 500 staff.
The lease is currently subject to planning permission and the satisfactory appointment of a building contractor, but it is anticipated the agreement will be finalised in early 2010, with a fourteen and a half year lease beginning the following year.
The state-of-the-art building will help showcase South Tyneside as an attractive area for businesses to set up home, hopefully creating new jobs and attracting further inward investment to the area.
Margie Burdis, BT South Tyneside chief executive, said: “The signing of this lease demonstrates BT's commitment to and our belief in the future prosperity of South Tyneside. Today's economic climate is proving to be difficult for many companies, but we are confident that the investment in this new building coupled with the proud traditions and work ethics of this area, will help us to attract other organisations and jobs to the borough of South Tyneside.”
Councillor Iain Malcolm, the leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Signing this lease marks an important stage in our exciting master plan to transform South Shields riverside. This prestigious building will house BT's Local Government headquarters bringing hundreds of quality jobs and boosting trade in the town with the new office workers using the shops, services and leisure facilities."
David Cramond, director of capital development at One North East, said: “It is pleasing to see such good progress being made on this first development at Harton Staithes
“This landmark building will catalyse one of the North East's biggest regeneration schemes, which will transform the riverside in South Shields and attract new employment opportunities to the region.” top of page>
Framework sets vision for North Bank regeneration
A plan that will guide the rebirth of the North Bank of the Tyne and the regeneration of Wallsend as a strong and vibrant town centre is on public display this week
The North Bank of the Tyne Strategic Framework Plan will shape the future of the 600 hectare swathe of land, from Walker in Newcastle to Bull Ring Dock in North Shields.
And the public are being given an opportunity to inspect its proposals, in the Forum Shopping Centre, Wallsend until Saturday, September 5.
All partners in the North Bank of the Tyne project North Tyneside Council, Newcastle City Council, One North East and the Homes and Communities Agency will use the 15 - 20 year vision for the regeneration of the waterfront to guide future development along the riverside.
Councillor Jon Jo MacNamara, North Tyneside Council's Cabinet member for Regeneration said: "The partnership has a tremendous opportunity to now work together to implement the Strategic Framework Plan over the next 15 - 20 years and deliver a rebirth of the North Bank of the Tyne to drive forward the borough and region's economic success.
"This is about supporting existing business to greater success, bringing underused land back into employment generating uses, delivering a strong heart for Wallsend town centre and making the riverside a place that both residents and visitors can enjoy."
The proposals, produced by independent consultants GVA Grimley for the North Bank of the Tyne Project Board have been influenced by the views of residents and partner organisations, which have been involved in a series of consultation events since December last year.
Across the area it proposes wider improvements to transportation and infrastructure, including a proposal for a transport interchange.
But it also identifies the use of some specific sites, where new business use could boost the local economy and provide much needed jobs for the region. Sub-sea technologies, renewable energy industries and enterprise businesses are encouraged within an industrial riverside corridor along the regeneration area.
The former Swan Hunter site is designated to support these industry sectors.
The framework supports the wider regeneration of Wallsend by identifying potential developments that could contribute to the creation of a vibrant town centre, for example new retail opportunities. But it also identifies sites that should be protected from future development, such as The Green, a historic section of Wallsend.
Parts of the waterfront of the North Bank of the Tyne riverbank are proposed for environmental improvement, in response to the community feedback that identified this as a priority.
And the framework recognises the hopes of the community to enhance heritage and tourism activities, particularly around Segedunum suggestions put forward by the public have included a new ferry landing point and the use of the marine basin for a ship or boat that could become a major visitor attraction.
David Cramond, Director of Capital Development at One North East, said: "The North Bank of the Tyne represents a unique regeneration opportunity for North East England.
"This area is already benefiting from the marine, sub-sea and renewable energy sectors, in which One North East has placed significant investment.
"As a region we are beginning to see signs of a new low carbon economy emerging. The North Bank of the Tyne will play a major role in delivering these new industries, which we believe will result in significant job creation in the coming years."
Councillor Bill Shepherd, executive member for regeneration & housing, Newcastle city council: "The Tyne has huge potential to play a part in the economic future of our city and our region. It was famous the world over for its industrial muscle now it can become the nerve-centre of a post-industrial, post-carbon economy, where ideas are developed and made real."
Pat Ritchie Regional Director of the Homes and Communities Agency said "We welcome this plan for the North Bank of the Tyne in that it will bring together a range of public bodies with a single goal to improve the quality of life for the residents of North Tyneside.The opportunity to develop a range of housing types that will create communities where people can not only afford to live but will also want to is important to the future of the Wallsend area."
Now all partners will work with landowners and interested parties to develop plans to deliver the objectives of the framework plan.
The proposals in the North Bank Framework and the views feedback given through its preparation will also have an important role in informing the Wallsend Area Action Plan (AAP). The AAP will be part of North Tyneside's statutory Development Plan, providing a formal planning policy framework to support the delivery of regeneration proposals in Wallsend and Willington Quay.
To inspect the North Bank Strategic Framework Plan log onto www. northtyneside.gov.uk
Alternatively, the display stands are available in the old Sports Direct Unit (opposite the British heart Foundation) in Wallsend Forum Shopping Centre between 10am and 5pm, September 2-5 and officers from North Tyneside Council will be available to answer queries people may have.
Ends.
Issued by North Tyneside Council. Tel: 0845 2000 101
top of page>
oooOooo
Swan Hunter Shipyard Site Development
Purchase marks new future for Swan Hunter site The renowned Swan Hunter yard, the focus for North East shipbuilding on the banks of the River Tyne is now in new ownership.
North Tyneside Council has bought the 60 acre site, which was in use for shipbuilding for more than 140 years, in a joint venture with regional development agency One North East.
The partners have funded the purchase as a key site that can unlock the successful future development of a 600 hectare site along the river corridor.
North Tyneside Council, One North East and Newcastle City Council, stepped in three years ago following the completion of the last order at the yard to develop a strategic approach to the North Bank of the Tyne that ensured the site was an integral part in the region's economic and employment regeneration.
North Tyneside Mayor, Linda Arkley said: “Swans is key to the development of the whole North Bank of the Tyne site and particularly to the future regeneration of Wallsend.
“This purchase of the site is a significant step forward and now we can focus on how we can deliver our ambitions, together with partners, to ensure North Bank is a driver for both the borough's and the region's economy.”
David Cramond, One North East Director of Capital Development, said: “The Swan Hunter site played a hugely significant role in the history of industrial development in the North East and will now be at the heart of a new generation of industries that will drive forward the regional economy for many years to come.
“The former shipyard forms an integral part of the North Bank of the Tyne regeneration strategy which has earmarked marine offshore and new and renewable industries as the new businesses to occupy land stretching from North Shields to Walker.
“One North East supported North Tyneside Council's purchase of the site because of its key strategic location and the opportunities for job and business creation that it presents.
“We are determined that the former Swan Hunter site will play a central role in the redevelopment of the area and once again contribute significantly to the regional economy.”
Only last week the new Strategic Development Framework Plan for River Tyne North Bank was published.
top of page>
The New Tyne Crossing Project
We are grateful to Tamsin Greulich, Communications Manager TT2 Ltd for the following article
The New Tyne Crossing is the project to construct a second vehicle tunnel under the River Tyne and to refurbish the existing vehicle tunnel, which was opened in 1967.
The project is a Private Public Partnership. The Concessionaire TT2 Limited (the consortium appointed to deliver the New Tyne Crossing) is responsible for the part financing, design and construction of the new tunnel and for the operation and maintenance of all the tunnels under the river, including the Grade II listed pedestrian and cycle tunnels.
The Concession will run for 30 years, after which all the tunnels will be handed back to the Tyne & Wear Integrated Transport Authority.
The second vehicle tunnel will link East Howdon in North Tyneside with Jarrow in South Tyneside , completing the dualling of the A19 between Northumberland and North Yorkshire .
It is being built just downstream of the existing tunnel. Once both tunnels are fully operational the new tunnel will carry traffic north to south and the existing tunnel, currently carrying vehicles in both directions, will carry vehicles south to north.
Aerial view
The second vehicle tunnel will be built using immersed tube technology in the river section. This will involve dredging a trench in the bed of the Tyne and placing pre fabricated concrete sections into it.
The river section of the new vehicle tunnel will connect to the cut-and-cover sections of the tunnel, either side of the River Tyne, via dedicated transition structures that are being built on each river bank.
Each transition structure consists of a shaft which is constructed with four diaphragm wall panels. The bottom of the shaft comprises a concrete slab which acts as a support for the walls of the structure. Once the transition structure is built, the riverside panels of the diaphragm wall are cut out to enable connection with the river tunnel sections.
While the transition structures are being built, the route across the River Tyne that the new tunnel will follow will be dredged. The dredging activity will take place during autumn / winter 2009 and will be carefully undertaken in order to minimise potential impacts on river ecology and shipping.
The river section of the tunnel comprises four concrete pre-cast tunnel elements, which are being constructed at Wallsend dry dock, approximately 3km upstream of the tunnel site.
River section
Key dates:
Completion of transition structures _____________summer 2009
Completion of tunnel elements (in dry dock)______autumn 2009
Dredging of the river bed______________________autumn / winter 2009
Lowering of the tunnel elements________________winter 2009/ early 2010
oooOOOooo
top of page> |
