I expect the banging is the pile driving operation in progress on the extension to Pier A. Here is a photo from a couple of weeks ago, the Octopus is now putting in the big monopile on the end.
Notice to Mariners 3 /2012
Pier 'A' Extension Works - Monopile Operations
The jack-up barge "Octopus" has now completed driving the 12 piles to the South of Pier 'A' as detailed in Notice to Mariners No 23/2011 and the "Octopus" has been shifted clear of the site to the East of Pier 'B'. The 3 most Southerly piles of the 12 are located 26 metres from the head of the original Pier 'A'. The Southern most pile of the 12 on the East side has been fitted with 2 Vertical Fixed Red Lights to indicate the location during hours of darkness.
On Tuesday 17th January, the jack-up barge "Octopus" will once again shift to a position South of Pier 'A' and carry out preparation works for the installation of the large monopole which will form the head of the new extended Pier 'A'. The "Octopus" will take up position close west of the 12 piles and may from time to time shift location over the next few weeks as required. During the hours of darkness the "Octopus" will be fully lit and the Southern most section of any construction works extending from Pier 'A' will be lit with 2 Vertical Fixed Red Lights.
Dover Port Control will keep all vessels operating within the Port advised of any particular change of circumstance with regards to construction works that is liable to cause a hazard to navigation. All vessels berthing in ED2 are advised to manoeuvre with extreme caution, with minimum wash and if in any doubt regarding construction activity to seek advice from Port Control, who are in contact with the barge Master. Control measures for navigating in the vicinity of Pier 'A' previously advised by risk assessment will continue to apply.
Notice to Mariners No 23/2011 is now cancelled
Paul Brown 14th January 2012
Harbour Master
Port of Dover