P&S Review: Port Volumes Fall, EU Parliament Vote on CO2 & Arklow Newbuilds Includes Greystones Call

25th February 2017

iShip Index: Volumes in Republic of Ireland ports fell by 2% in Q4 2016 for the same period of 2015. This is largely explained by a 7% contraction in Bulk traffic which was in turn driven by a 10% fall in Dry-Bulk freight. A prime example is that carried by bulk-carrier Nonna Uia berthed in Dublin Port. Credit: JEHAN ASHMORE

#ShippingReview - Jehan Ashmore reviews the Ports & Shipping scene from among the following stories of the past fortnight.

In the latest iShip Index from the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has revealed shipping and port activity in the Republic of Ireland fell by 2% in Q4 2016 compared to same period of 2015.

The European Parliament voted in favour to include CO2 emissions from shipping “in the absence of progress at international level” as from 2023. In response ESPO strongly believes IMO is by far the right place to introduce CO2 target measures to cut shipping emissions in line of Paris Agreement.

Shipbuilder Ferus Smit whose Dutch yard is rolling out an existing order of ten general cargoships from Arklow Shipping have announced more larger ships to be constructed in the form of four handy-sized bulk-carriers.

On a related note to the Tyrrell family owned shipping operator is another separate family business of the boatbuilder Arklow Marine Services. Their latest newbuild ro-ro ferry Spirit of Rathlin carried out trials in Greystones Harbour. This involved vehicles driving on board the ferry ordered by Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure who have given a tender contract to Rathlin Ferry Ltd.

Also north of the border is where Quinn Cement and Warrenpoint Harbour Authority announced opening of a new cement export hub at the Co. Down port. The £2.5 m investment reflects a 10-year deal between the Cavan-based company and WHA.

And finally, the Department of Transport has advised in Marine Notice No 6 of 2017 (click for PDF) to anyone undertaking maritime training in Ireland, that they ensure courses are approved and comply with statutory certification by a competent authority.

Published in Arklow Shipping, Ports & Shipping

Published in Arklow Shipping

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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