Inter-firm Dragon Boat Challenge returns!

Click below to download the event poster

It's official! Plans for the Inter-firm Dragon Boat Challenge II are underway. Take part in an exhilarating team-building adventure and join the Inter-firm Dragon Boat Challenge for an end of summer showdown as the river Lee comes to life to the beating of drums, the splashing of paddles and the laughter of crews. On Saturday 14th September, as part of the Cork Harbour Open Weekend celebrations, your company is invited to take part in what promises to be a spectacular happening! Hop aboard these impressive 40ft- long boats and unite with a fifteen strong crew on a mission to become this summer’s champion of the Inter-firm Dragon Boat Challenge. Four colourful dragon boats, each with a drummer aboard, will sprint against each other over a distance of 250m, from the iconic R&H Hall to Cork's Lapp's Quay. Featuring 16 companies in a series of heats, semi-finals and a final, the challenge will see companies from the Port of Cork to Musgraves competing for the much coveted Dragon Boat Challenge Trophy. What are you waiting for?! Originally practiced in China over the past 2,000 years, dragon boating has rapidly spread throughout the world, from Vancouver to Cambridge to Hong Kong, with hundreds of thousands of participants in Europe and the Americas alone. Click on the links below for further details, and a promotional poster. Related links for this article  For more details click here Promotional poster

Events to celebrate the glory days of shipbuilding in Verolme Cork Dockyard

Photo courtesy Johnny B Photography showing Paddy O’Keeffe, Donal Dilworth, John Brennan, Vincent McMahon and Johnny Dorrity

Members of the public, former employees of Verolme Cork Dockyard in Rushbrooke, Cobh and their families are being invited to take a trip down memory lane and to remember the glory days of shipbuilding in Cork on 24th and 25th August 2013. Verolme Cork Dockyard employed over 1200 at its peak and closed in 1994, although ship repair is still carried out on the site. Cobh Tourism Ltd and a small committee have been planning this Gathering Ireland 2013 event for several months and have put together a comprehensive programme of events. An opening ceremony will be held on Saturday 24th August at 11 am in the Promenade in Cobh followed by a series of shipping related lectures in the Commodore Hotel from 1 pm to 6 pm. The lectures will be on the Irish Naval Service by Cmdr. Steve Walsh, Irish Shipping Ltd – The First Fifteen Ships by the Rosslare Maritime Enthusiasts, Launching of a Ship by John Brennan, Heavy Lifting Platforms by Capt. Pat Murphy, Port of Cork and the History of Port of Cork by Capt. Pat Farnan. From immediately after the lectures on Saturday there will be an informal social evening in the Commodore Hotel, commencing with a performance by local sea shanty group Molgoggers. Also on Saturday there will be free tours of the VCD built Naval Patrol Vessel LE Aoife from 2 until 5 pm at the deepwater quay. A photographic exhibition of close to 200 photographs covering all aspects of the development of the yard, the ships built and repaired, the many other projects completed and the people working there will be staged at Cobh Heritage Centre. This exhibition is generously sponsored by the Port of Cork and will run until 15th September. Admission is free. Former dockyard workers and their families are invited to the official opening by Capt. Michael McCarthy on Thursday 22nd August at 6 pm. On Sunday morning at 10 am there will be a remembrance mass in St. Colman’s Cathedral and the baptismal font that was made by dockyard workers in 1970 and recently refurbished by former dockyard workers will be rededicated. The unveiling of a Memorial at Cork Dockyard to all those who worked in the yard will take place at 11.45 am and this is open to everyone. From 12.15 until 4 pm there will be ongoing free guided tours of the yard and this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for former workers and their families to take a trip down memory lane. As parking in the vicinity of the yard is limited, people are encouraged to take the train to Rushbrooke from either Cobh or Cork as so many employees did in the past. On Sunday trains from Cobh leave at 11.30, 12.30, 13.30, 15.00, 16.30, 17.30 and 18.30. Trains from Kent station, Cork depart at 11.00, 12.00, 13.00 and 14.30. The cruise liner Balmoral will be berthed in Cobh from lunchtime on Sunday, adding another family friendly activity to a town that is packed with things to see and do. Click on the links below for the event programme and poster. Related links for this article  Event Poster Event Programme

Heritage Day 2013 - Port of Cork

The LE Eithne during Heritage week 2012

As part of Heritage Day on Saturday 17th August, there will be an illustrated talk by RTE Radio 1 - Seascapes presenter/ producer Marcus Connaughton on the rich maritime heritage of our seafarers and maritime explorers who sailed the World’s Oceans. “Maritime Heroes of An Island Nation- featuring Edward Bransfield; Tom Crean; Admirals Barry and Brown; John Philip Holland; Shackleton and many others.” This FREE event will commence at 2pm in the Port of Cork Boardroom – to book your attendance please call Sara Mackeown Tel: 021 4625375. Custom House Building will be open to the public throughout the day from 11am – 4pm. No parking available

30,000 Cruise Passengers to Visit Cork in August

Picture from www.portofcork.ie

Port of Cork Gear Up for Busiest Month on Record According to the Port of Cork, August is set to be the busiest month ever with 21 cruise liners scheduled to call. Up to 30,000 cruise passengers will step ashore during the month of August bringing a welcome boost to the local economy. During the month of August there will be two cruise liners in port on the same day up to five times, while on one day there will be three cruise liners in port. Commenting about the month of August Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager Port of Cork said: “It will be all hands on deck for the month of August as we get set to welcome 21 liners to our Port. Not only does this highlight the Port of Cork as a popular cruise destination, but will also demonstrate our capabilities as a port in managing more than one cruise vessel in port at a time.” He continued: “It’s incredibly important that these cruise passengers are given a huge Irish welcome when they arrive. We are delivering in partnership with the cruise lines up to 100,000 cruise passengers and crew yearly and it’s really up to the City, County and tourism groups and retailers to ensure they are looked after when they get here. There is a substantial economic spin off for the region which should be capitalised on as in the month of August alone the estimated direct spend into the economy is over €2 million.” In 2013, the Port of Cork is scheduled to handle 62 cruise liners in total. Already the Port is undertaking a targeted commercial and marketing drive to secure cruise bookings for 2014, 2015 and 2016 through direct and indirect promotion of our region and attractions. Calls for 2014 are looking very positive so far, however Captain McCarthy pointed out: “We must never as a Port or region become complacent with the current cruise business. It’s essential everyone works together to ensure the cruise business in Cork continues to thrive.” Related links for this article  Port Of Cork Website

Port Of Cork Company Returns and Improved Performance in 2012

Picture from www.portofcork.ie

Annual Results For 2012 Announced The Port of Cork Company have today announced their annual results for 2012 and despite the on-going national economic downturn; the port returned an improved performance in 2012 compared to 2011. Total traffic in volume terms amounted to 9.05 million tonnes, against a volume of 8.8 million tonnes in 2011. Turnover amounted to €21.8 million, an increase of 1.87% and after deducting costs, the profit on ordinary activities before taxation amounted to €1.36 million. Commenting on the 2012 annual results, Port of Cork Chief Executive, Brendan Keating said: “We are pleased to announce our 2012 results today which have returned an improved performance compared to 2011.” He continued: “Reliable accessible ports delivering prosperity is vital to the achievement of economic recovery in Ireland. We see investment in handling equipment and facilities as key to the future of our business and that of our customers and we are intent on growing our business. The Port of Cork is central to a brighter future for the Irish economy because of the value it brings in moving goods to market for both customers and businesses alike.” Throughout 2012, the company maintained its commitment to capital investment by making additions to fixed assets of up to €6 million. This brings investment levels by the company, since incorporation in 1997, to €103 million. Recent achievements in 2012 saw the Port of Cork complete a new compound in Ringaskiddy to accommodate a new Maersk transatlantic service which commenced in January 2012. This is the first Lo-Lo (Lift on Lift off) deep sea service in Ireland. A new dry bulk store at the Deep-water berth in Ringaskiddy was completed by port customer Arkady, which has helped to increase the volume of trade through the port. This will also help to facilitate the growth of the dry bulk sector. In 2012 the Port of Cork also took delivery of a new pilot boat named ‘Failte’ and won the business of servicing the Exxon Mobil oil exploration project. Oil Traffic at Philips 66, Whitegate Oil Refinery amounted to 5 million tonnes, an increase of 1.36%. Non-oil traffic amounted to 3.64 million tonnes showing an increase on 2011 of 6%. Container traffic through the port increased by 6%, bringing the total volume of containers handled at the port in 2012, to 166,285 TEU. Currently the Port of Cork has weekly container services calling to mainland Europe, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Zeebrugee and Southampton. A deep sea transatlantic container service linking Central America to North West Europe also operates weekly. While the liquid bulk and container traffic increased, imports of animal feedstuffs also increased. The Port of Cork anticipates further increases in the agri-business, particularly when the reforms to the CAP come into effect in 2015. In 2012, the Port of Cork welcomed 57 cruise liners, carrying in excess of 100,000 passengers and crew to the region. The visiting cruise liners make a very significant contribution to the economy. The investments made by the Port in recent years developing the cruise facilities in Cobh, continue to show positive returns with booking levels continuing to grow year on year. At the global annual cruise shipping exhibition, Seatrade Miami 2012, the Port of Cork was awarded ‘Best Shore Side Welcome’ and ‘Best Tour Guides’. These awards highlight the commitment and effort the Port of Cork make for every cruise liner calling to Cork. Brittany Ferries’ weekly passenger service from Cork to Roscoff had another successful season operating between March and November 2012. The Port of Cork remains fully committed to establishing new routes from Cork and continues to work to develop a route from Cork to Northern Spain. Consistent with the Strategic Development Plan Review of 2012, the Port of Cork is planning for the delivery of new Port infrastructure in the lower harbour. This key infrastructure will be required to service the businesses of Ireland for the next 20 years, as they grow and prosper and avail of trading opportunities in global markets. In 2012, by way of planning for this infrastructure, the port carried out a consultation process with An Bord Pleanála. Following the recent publication by Government of the National Ports Policy Statement, in which the Port of Cork was highlighted as a Tier 1 port of National Significance, it is hoped that such recognition will help to accelerate the consultation process. The Port of Cork proposes to lodge a planning application with An Bord Pleanála by the end of 2013, following further public consultation and community engagement. During 2012, the port was involved in a number of local community based projects in Cork Harbour. Additionally, the very successful schools initiative organised by the port, continues to grow. Now in its seventh year, the initiative attracts up to 20 primary schools from the Cork city and harbour area and helps raise awareness of the Port of Cork and Cork Harbour among 5th class children. Sustaining the quality of the environment in Cork Harbour, particularly in areas which have the potential to be affected or influenced by Port Operations remains a priority for the Company. The Port of Cork is as always committed to the highest standards of environmental management through the implementation of the environmental management programme and standards consistent with the renewed ISO14001 accreditation and Eco Ports foundation. Related links for this article  Port of Cork Website

Cork Stamp Celebrates Cork Harbour and Port of Cork

Image from www.irishstamps.ie

An Post and the Port of Cork Company unveiled a new postage stamp collection on Wednesday 17th July, celebrating the Port of Cork and Cork Harbour. The three stamps, designed by Steve Simpson, feature MV Queen Elizabeth berthed at Cobh Cruise Berth, Ireland’s only dedicated Cruise berth, a Maersk Vessel carrying large containers of bananas into Ringaskiddy Deep-water berth and the Cork Clipper yacht racing past Cobh as part of the Clipper race in 2010. Collectively these stamps celebrate Cork Harbour and highlight its importance as a commercial port, a cruise destination and a beautiful leisure amenity for everyone to enjoy. The Port of Cork has been for many years the main trade link for the south coast of Ireland and today the Port remains a vibrant busy port, facilitating the movement of imports and exports. The Port of Cork is a key link to the continued economic success of Ireland and in particular the entire Munster region. Speaking at the postage stamp launch in Custom House, Mr Brendan Keating Port of Cork Chief Executive said: “This is a great honour for the Port and indeed Cork Harbour, to be featured on An Post’s latest postage stamp collection. These stamps will not only raise awareness of the Port of Cork locally and nationally, but once posted these stamps will begin to make their way around the world, which is super recognition for Cork.” He continued: “I’d like to thank all those involved in the process and particularly the An Post design team for producing an excellent collection of stamps of which we are very proud.” The Port of Cork stamp set and accompanying First Day Cover and Miniature sheet set will go on sale nationwide immediately. They can also be ordered at irishstamps.ie or by calling 01-7057400. To coincide with the launch of the stamps, the Port of Cork also announced the winner of their Photograph Competition themed ‘Cork Harbour – A Port in Focus’. Tony O’Driscoll from Cobh, Co. Cork was the overall winner and to mark his achievement his photograph was designed into a postcard. Today the postcard was unveiled with the stamps attached, all ready for posting. There were over 130 photographs received for the competition, which greatly exceeded the Port of Cork’s expectations. Mr Keating congratulated the winner and thanked all those who took part in the photograph competition. Related links for this article  Irish Stamps website

The Date is set for Another Cork Harbour Open Weekend

Minister Simon Coveney T.D. joined organisers of Cork Harbour Open Weekend in the RCYC to announce the dates for the harbour open weekend

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Simon Coveney T.D. joined organisers of Cork Harbour Open Weekend in the Royal Cork Yacht Club Crosshaven to officially announce the dates for the exciting harbour open weekend. The weekend event will take place on 14th & 15th September 2013 and once again organisers promise it to be an excellent weekend of fun for all the family with many events free to the public. Organisers are particularly excited about the raft race organised by the scouts on the River Lee which no doubt will be a great spectacle from Cork City quays. The open weekend is a great opportunity for people to see exactly what Cork Harbour has to offer, and this year will be no exception with the second largest natural harbour in the world playing host too many different activities. While the programme of events is still coming together, organisers confirmed there will be an open day in the RCYC for anyone keen to try out sailing, a children’s crab fishing competition in Cobh, a free open day at the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), a rowing race around Spike Island, an Air Sea Rescue Demonstration and family fun on Spike Island. An Irish Naval vessel will also be open to the public for free tours on both Saturday and Sunday in Cork City. The idea for a Harbour Open Day, now extended to a full weekend, emerged from discussions between various stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the Integrated Strategy for the Harbour in 2007. This has been taken forward by the Harbour Management Focus Group (HMFG) which meets quarterly to exchange information on Harbour issues. A HMFG working group comprising representatives from UCC, City and County Councils and the Port of Cork set about working together to engage users of the Harbour and to organise the Open Day. If anyone is interested in getting involved with Cork Harbour Open Weekend or would like to organise an event, please contact harbourevents@corkharbour.ie to request an event application form. Your event will be promoted on the lead up to the weekend via local media, CorkHarbour.ie website, twitter and facebook. For more information on Cork Harbour Open Weekend visit www.corkharbour.ie or email harbourevents@corkharbour.ie for information. Related links for this article  See pictures of the launch on our Facebook page