Port Of Cork Trade Traffic Shows Increase In 2013

Container volumes through Tivoli Container Terminal were up compared to 2012 figures.

End of Year (2013) Statement from John Mullins, Chairman of the Port of Cork Company Total traffic through the Port of Cork in 2013 reached 9.1 million tonnes compared to 9.05 million tonnes in 2012. Like most Ports worldwide, the Port of Cork has experienced very challenging trading conditions in 2013, however some cargos have shown an increase compared to 2012 levels and this is very encouraging, according to the Port of Cork. Container volumes through Tivoli Container Terminal were up compared to 2012 figures, and Ringaskiddy Container Terminal showed an increase in both imports and exports. This increase in Ringaskiddy is predominantly down to Fyffe’s banana trade handled under contract with Maersk Line, which was established in 2012. This service, the first scheduled deep sea transatlantic service from Central America to Ireland, has opened up trading and logistic opportunities for many of Ireland’s imports and exports to the Caribbean. Oil traffic through Whitegate Oil Refinery, currently owned and operated by Phillips 66 continues to have a significant impact on the overall traffic through the Port of Cork. Imports are showing similar levels to 2012 while exports are marginally down. Non-oil traffic has seen an increase of over 5.9% in imports of animal feed, cereal and fertiliser. Speaking about the end of year trade traffic results, Chairman John Mullins said: “Despite challenging trading conditions worldwide, the Port of Cork saw increases in certain trades in 2013. These increases, while marginal, are encouraging and show the emergence of the economy as Ireland slowly begins to recover. Ports play a vital part in this recovery and the Port of Cork is a vital trading link to the success of Ireland and in particular the Munster region.” He continued: “The Port of Cork has achievable plans for 2014 in terms of future port infrastructure development and these plans were further endorsed in 2013 with the allocation of TEN-T funding, funding which positions the Port of Cork as a priority TEN-T Core Network port.” The Port of Cork as a Tier 1 National Strategic Port plays a key role in the movement of goods to and from European and World markets. The port secured funding as part of the TEN-T programmes which now positions the Port of Cork as a priority TEN-T Core Network port. This foundation block will drive the Port to meet future connectivity needs and supports the development of the wider regional and national economy. This TEN-T funding is of key importance to the port. The Port of Cork cruise business continues to grow year on year and 2013 was no exception. 62 cruise liners called to Cork in 2013, bringing a staggering 123,000 passengers and crew to the region. These transit visitors are a welcome economic stimulus for Cork, bringing a much needed boost to the local economy for eight months of the year. Brittany Ferries had an excellent year with their seasonal service from Cork to Roscoff carrying over 79,000 passengers in 2013. This figure is up on 2012 and there is an expectation that 2014 will be another busy year for Brittany Ferries. Looking forward, the Port of Cork will lodge a planning application in April 2014 with An Bord Pleanála for new and improved port infrastructure in Ringaskiddy. As part of this planning proposal, the Port of Cork will engage with stakeholders to allow for feedback to be given on the proposal. The Port of Cork is confident that this planning proposal will succeed; allowing the port to enhance its competitiveness and offer improved facilities to port customers, and bring a much needed stimulus to the local economy. Following a decision by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under Minister Leo Varadkar, the responsibility of the management and control of Bantry Harbour was transferred to the Port of Cork Company on the 1st January 2014. Through its subsidiary Bantry Bay Port Company, the Port of Cork looks forward to the development of business through this port. The Port of Cork is committed to seeking out new business opportunities for the port and in particular, the agri-food business will be a key sector which the Port of Cork is keen to develop. John Mullins says: “The Agri sector presents huge opportunities for the port’s exports, with the lifting of the Common Agriculture Policy production limits in 2015.” Another area which proved successful in 2013 and one which the port will be actively progressing, is the offshore supply services and renewable energy sector. The Port of Cork is experienced in handling large project cargo and has been at the forefront in offering services in the exploration and development needs of the various multi-national companies in this sector. Details of sister seaport agreements between Port of Cork and PortMiami and the Port of Cork and Port of Shenzhen were announced in 2013. These seaport agreements will benefit the Port of Cork by increasing the exchange of information and ideas, with the intended aim of increasing both cargo and cruise trade between ports. The Port of Cork Schools Initiative is now in its ninth year and aims to educate 5th class primary school children about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of having a local port to facilitate the connectivity to world markets. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading. This year’s theme (2014) ‘Shipping Containers – Cork’s Connection to World Markets’ focuses on the importance of trade between Cork and the World and the important use of shipping containers for importing and exporting cargo. All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork. The Port of Cork’s recreational strategy continues to expand with the aim of improving the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour. Related links for this article  Port Of Cork Website

European Tour Golf Returns to Fota Island For 2014

The clubhouse at Fota Island

The European Tour of golf has confirmed that Fota Island Golf Resort, situated on Fota Island in Cork Harbour, will host the 2014 Irish Open. This sees a return to the picturesque island setting for the first time in 12 years. The tournament was held twice in successive years in 2001 and 2002, when Colin Montgomery and Soren Hansen took the honours. Fota Island Resort, which was recently purchased by Chinese investors The Kang Group Worldwide, will become an Official Sponsor as well as host venue of the Championship. BAM Contractors are also sponsors, while Cork City and County Councils have pledged valuable support. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Catherine Clancy, commented: “Cork City Council is delighted to be associated with the securing of this event for Cork through the provision of financial support from the Council’s Economic Development fund. “The staging of the 2014 Irish Open in Fota Island will see significant short term and longer term tangible benefits to the city from the event itself and the strategic marketing messaging that will present Cork throughout the world as a place to visit through our association with the event. Cllr. Noel O’Connor, Mayor of County Cork, said “the 2012 event at Royal Portrush smashed European Tour attendance figures attracting 131,000 visitors and if the event in Fota can attract close to those figures, it will mean a massive spin off for the Cork region.” Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring said: “Failte Ireland remains committed to the Irish Open and fully appreciates its value in terms of global advertising and exposure. Both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are working together to promote the island of Ireland overseas as a golf destination, and as the home of golfing champions. With the renaissance in Irish Golf over the last decade, the Irish Open is a superb opportunity to show just what Ireland can offer to golfers.” Ireland’s top golfers, including Rory McIlroy and Graham McDowell welcomed the announcement and will provide plenty of local interest in the event. Related links for this article  European Tour Press Release Tickets for the Irish Open 2014

RTE News Footage of Safehaven Marine sea trials

Safehaven sea trials are conducted in heavy sea conditions

Paschal Sheehy of RTE had a fascinating report on the Six One news on 8th January, featuring the sea trials of two search and rescue boats built by Safehaven Marine. The trials took place off Roches Point in Cork Harbour during the recent heavy wind and stormy conditions. Wind speeds in excess of 100 Km/per hour and 20 metre waves were being recorded in the area at the time. Frank Kowolski, Managing Director of Safehaven Marine, gives an interesting insight into trialing these high performance vessels. View footage of sea trials by following the link below. Related links for this article  See the RTE footage here Safehaven Marine website

EU Funding Endorses Port of Cork Plans for Development

The proposed developments are the first phase of the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan Review (2010)

Following a successful funding procedure, the Port of Cork has been awarded funding by the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The Port of Cork, described as a future Core Network port by TEN-T, plays a key strategic role in the movement of goods to and from the UK and Continental Europe. This funding will assist in ensuring the Port of Cork meets future connectivity needs and will support the development of the wider regional and national economy which is of key importance to Cork. It is anticipated that in the first quarter of 2014 and following public consultation, the Port of Cork will lodge a planning application to An Bord Pleanala for the future development of port facilities in Ringaskiddy. The proposed developments are the first phase of the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan Review (2010), the core principles of which were endorsed in the National Ports Policy launched in 2013. This Policy also identified the continued commercial development of the Port of Cork Company as a key strategic objective. Speaking about the proposed developments and the recently secured funding, Mr Denis Healy, Manager Engineering Services, Port of Cork said: “This TEN-T funding endorses the Port of Cork’s plans for future development and securing connectivity for the region. The general objective of the TEN-T is to modernise transport infrastructure and this objective sits in line with the Port of Cork’s need to improve and ensure future port facilities.” He continued: “The funding will go towards the achievement of the required statutory consents and the preparation of designs for developments, primarily at Ringaskiddy, but also at Marino Point and Tivoli. It also opens up the opportunity for further EU supports for the implementation phase of the project under the new Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).” The Trans-European Transport Network Executive Agency (TEN-T EA), established by the European Commission, is responsible for managing the technical and financial implementation of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) programme, one of the most important means of infrastructure funding. Its mission is to support the European Commission and TEN-T project managers and promoters, by ensuring the technical and financial management of the projects and the successful implementation of the TEN-T Programme. Related links for this article  Port of Cork website

Port of Cork Company Appoint New Harbour Master

Captain Paul O’Regan, Harbour Master, Port Operations Manager and Superintendent of Pilots of the Port of Cork

The Port of Cork Company have announced the appointment of Captain Paul O’Regan as Harbour Master, Port Operations Manager and Superintendent of Pilots of the Port of Cork. Captain O’Regan will assume the position immediately. Commenting on this Board appointment, Mr Brendan Keating, Chief Executive said: “We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Paul O’Regan as Harbour Master & Port Operations Manager in the Port of Cork Company. Paul has worked with the company for eight years and during that time he has gained considerable experience and a great understanding of the port business and he has shown excellent leadership qualities. I am confident he will be a great asset to the company in the years ahead.” Captain Paul O’Regan joined the Port of Cork in 2005 as a Pilot and then progressed to Deputy Harbour Master in 2008. Prior to this, Paul worked with a number of overseas and Irish companies. Speaking about his appointment, Captain O’Regan said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Harbour Master and Port Operations Manager in the Port of Cork and look forward to working with my colleagues, customers and all stakeholders within the Harbour. It is an exciting time in the Port of Cork Company with its ambitious plans for the development of the port. These plans will consolidate Cork as a key seaport enabling the port to strengthen its position in global trade.” Captain Paul O’Regan takes over as Port of Cork Harbour Master from Captain Pat Farnan, who retired in January 2013. The Port of Cork offers all six shipping modes such as; Lift on, Lift off, Roll on Roll off, Break bulk, liquid bulk, dry bulk and cruise and is Ireland’s second busiest port. Related links for this article  Port Of Cork website

Over €50 Million of New Funding Secured for Cork Harbour in 2013

An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD, turning the sod on the site of UCC's new Beaufort Laboratory in July 2013 on the IMERC Campus, Ringaskiddy

It has been a good news year for Cork Harbour in 2013. Over €50 million of new funding has been awarded to many exciting projects around the harbour, and the benefits should be felt around the entire region over the next few years. Added to this is the €40m funding secured last year for the cleanup of the East Tip on Haulbowline Island, and the €30 million Lower Harbour Energy Groups investment in wind turbines. Here is a breakdown of how much of that funding is to be spent. Beaufort Research and MAREI project – €44.2m Construction is to begin on the new €15.2 million Beaufort Research Laboratory in Ringaskiddy in the coming weeks. This is to be UCC’s footprint on the IMERC Campus, and the laboratory will house the National Ocean Test Facility and more than 100 researchers when completed in 2015. The building will stand adjacent to the NMCI in Ringaskiddy and will help position Ireland at the forefront of global maritime and energy research for academia and industry. The construction phase of the project will see the creation of a further 200 jobs and is expected to take 12 months. As the sod was being turned on the site of the new laboratory, Beaufort Research received a major boost when the €29million MAREI project, which will be lead by the centre, received funding through Science Foundation Ireland earlier this year. MAREI will be part of the largest ever state/industry co-funded research investment in Ireland, and will accelerate the development of the marine renewable energy sector in Ireland. This will give Ireland's maritime economy a huge boost and will be a great start for Beaufort Research. The project aims to stimulate 2,000 jobs by 2020, attract new foreign direct investment, and spawn new start up companies. Infrastructure Investment by the Port of Cork - €3m  In July, the Port of Cork announced an investment of €3 million in new plant equipment following an agreement with crane manufacturer, Liebherr. The investment includes a new LHM 550 Harbour Mobile Crane, which will be in operation at Ringaskiddy Deep-water Berth. Spike Island Tourism Development - €4m In 2013, Fáilte Ireland sanctioned funding of €2.5m for the Spike Island tourism project, which will help deliver on the potential of the island as a major tourist destination. Cork County Council are to add a further €1.5m. A recent report on Spike suggested that 300,000 visitors could be attracted to the island once some key infrastructure is in place. Phase 1 of the recently compiled master plan for the island can now proceed which will deliver key infrastructure such as an interpretive centre in Fort Mitchell. The master plan, compiled by a team of experts, led by Scott Tallon Walker and destination specialists, CHL Consulting, details the magnificent opportunity to create a new 100 acre national park on the water, with the 40 acre Mitchel Fort at its centre, renovated and developed as a complex of cultural heritage attractions and museums. IMERC Master Plan - €1.3m €1.3m was secured in the recent budget to support the IMERC master plan, which aims to develop an expanded campus in Ringaskiddy, adding to National Maritime College, Beaufort Research Laboratory and Naval Service infrastructure. IMERC promotes Ireland as a world-renowned research and development location and aims to harness and integrate diverse research and industry expertise. New Wind Turbines for Cork Harbour - €30 million  Construction has also began on the Cork Lower Harbour Energy Group’s wind turbines in the Ringaskiddy area. Three turbines are due to be fully built and operational by May 2014. The total investment in the harbour area over the course of this project is around €30 million with each of the 6 planned turbines generating between 2 and 3 MW of power. East Tip Remediation - €40m Following extensive public consultation a year ago, the proposed cleanup and remediation of the former ISPAT site on Haulbowline, also known as the East Tip, is progressing. Cork County Council , who are leading the €40m cleanup project, submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála in October seeking permission to remediate the East Tip and transform it into a public recreational amenity. Waste licence applications have also been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency. This project received the green light in January 2012 when Simon Coveney TD secured funding from the cabinet to finally address the issue of the former Irish Steel site. Related links for this article  Beaufort Research website Haulbowline Remediation Updates

The National 18, a 75 year history

The public are cordially invited to the launch of Brian Wolfe's book on 11th December.

Brian Wolfe’s new book documenting the 75 year history of the National 18-foot dinghy will be launched on Wednesday 11th December at 7.30PM at the Royal Cork Yacht Club, Crosshaven, Co. Cork. This book is an essential in any sailors, boat restorers or builders library and details all of the championships and sailors who were and are, involved with the class along its great history. The book will be launched by Tom Mac Sweeney, Eithne Payne and Brian Wolfe at a reception in the Royal Cork Yacht Club. Related links for this article  More Information from RCYC