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Displaying items by tag: CLdN

Compagnie Luxembourgouise de Navigation (CLdN) has announced the launch of a new container route between the Port of Cork and Rotterdam that is to start this month.

Operating the route is CLdN Ro Ro S.A., which is chartering two 962 TEU lift-on/llift-off (LoLo) cargo vessels, the M/V Pavo J and MV Andromeda J, that will ship containers between Rotterdam (where CLdN recently acquired the Distriport terminal) Dublin and Cork.

The introduction of the new LoLo services will also enable an optimization of CLdN’s roll-on and roll-off (RoRo) fleet deployment, thereby increasing capacity on the routes between Rotterdam and the UK.

The addition of the new services responds to high levels of customer demand to move freight between Ireland and mainland Europe. The two additional weekly LoLo sailings complement the three RoRo sailings operated by CLdN each week to and from Dublin. These RoRo services will continue to operate from CLdN’s RoRo terminal in Rotterdam.

The LoLo service to Cork complements the existing RoRo service opened in 2020 by CLdN from its Zeebrugge terminal. The new services will be operational as of the week commencing March 18.

CLdN has grown its presence on the Irish trades significantly since the inception of its first cargo service to Ireland in 1999, with the most recent expansion being announced in December last year when an additional 3.5 hectares of terminal area were added in Dublin.

Today, CLdN ships some 500,000 cargo units a year to and from Ireland, making it the largest mover of ferry freight between Ireland, mainland Europe, and Great Britain. Following the addition of the new lines, CLdN will operate the following Irish services in each direction every week:

Rotterdam ⟷ Dublin: 5 sailings

Rotterdam ⟷ Cork: 1 sailing 

Zeebrugge ⟷ Dublin: 2 sailings

Zeebrugge ⟷ Cork: 2 sailings

Santander ⟷ Dublin: 2 sailings

Liverpool ⟷ Dublin: 60 sailings

Heysham ⟷ Dublin: 6 sailings

In addition to the above direct sailings, CLdN offers extensive transhipment possibilities to the East Coast of England (London, Killingholme, and Teesport), Spain, Portugal, Denmark, and Sweden.

CLdN Ro Ro also operates 11 weekly sailings between Heysham and Warrenpoint, which Afloat.ie highlights were originally part of the network of Irish Sea routes run by Seatruck Ferries, which CLdN acquired in 2022, along with the Dublin-Liverpool/Heysham routes. The brand Seatruck has recently been discontinued, marking the end of an era of the company, whose origins began in 1996.

Commenting on the additional capacity, Florent Maes, CEO of CLdN, said: “The addition of these services is a direct benefit of the recent Distriport acquisition and an example of CLdN’s ability to find innovative and timely solutions for its customers.

The trade flows between Ireland and mainland Europe are significant, and CLdN is pleased to be able to further expand its offering in this area.

Published in Port of Cork

CLdN, the logistics specialist for road, sea and rail is to install two tilting Rotor Sails on board a 2018-built ro-ro vessel, the MV Delphine which is the largest short sea RoRo vessel operating in the world.

The MV Delphine, a vessel with a cargo capacity of close to 8,000 lane meters, transits between the UK, Ireland and Europe (see story). A sister Celine, was dubbed the 'Brexit-Buster' following introduction in the same year on Dublin-mainland Europe routes to Belgium and The Netherlands.

With two 35mx5m Rotor Sails, Norsepower Oy Ltd in Finland, has estimated that the technology would achieve a fuel and emission reduction saving of between 7 to 10% for the MV Delphine, depending on the route.

The Norsepower Rotor Sail Solution - which can be installed on new vessels or retrofitted on existing ships - is a modernised version of the Flettner rotor, a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus effect to harness wind power to thrust a ship. At the time of contract signing, this will be the seventh vessel to be installed with Norsepower’s Rotor Sails.

Tuomas Riski, CEO, Norsepower, commented on the agreement: “Seeing the interest grow in our tilting Rotor Sail design demonstrates how the industry is looking for proven, flexible solutions to lower carbon emissions and reduce fuel costs across a range of vessel sizes and operations.

“Norsepower’s Rotor Sail installation on the MV Delphine demonstrates how the use of clean technology can modernise and evolve the performance of fleets’ younger vessels to manage emissions and help to increase asset value. With fuel becoming increasingly expensive, making savings will also have a huge impact on commercial success. Working with CLdN and its ambitious team is an opportunity to demonstrate what our technology has to offer to continue strengthening the environmental and commercial performance of its fleet.”

Gary Walker, COO Shipping, CLdN, added: “In 2021, CLdN announced it is the top performer amongst its ro-ro shipping peers in Northwest Europe for CO2 emissions per tonne of freight carried. By investing in technologically advanced ships and terminals, CLdN enables its customers to improve their carbon footprint and support them at the same time in making their supply chains more efficient and robust. This demand for cleaner shipping is growing and we are committed to making measurable progress. Installing two of Norsepower’s Rotor Sails will maximise our fuel and emissions savings on the MV Delphine, and this pilot project will help determine how the Rotor Sail technology could be rolled out on the current CLdN fleet and our new-build vessels. We look forward to the installation and subsequent results.”

The Norsepower Rotor Sail is the first third-party verified and commercially operational auxiliary wind propulsion technology for the global maritime industry. The solution is fully automated and detects whenever the wind is strong enough to deliver fuel and emission savings, at which point the Rotor Sails start automatically. This is the third installation of the tilting Rotor Sail function, highlighting the growing interest in the flexibility of the latest design.

Published in Ports & Shipping

Freight-ferry operator, CLdN Ro Ro having announced additional sailings on UK and Irish routes out of Zeebrugge, Belgium, is in a next step to increase capacity and frequency on its Iberian service.

The RoRo operator announced the bi-weekly service calling both to Liverpool and Dublin Port out of Santander, Spain as from this week.

Currently CLdN is operating a weekly service out of Santander, calling Liverpool and Dublin separately. The company was forced to detach the respective services at the beginning of this year, as a direct result of Brexit.

Thanks to being an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), complying with most strict customs and safety and security regimes, the company is now in a position to combine intra EU and non-EU sailings and is to re-introduce the triangle trade: Santander-Liverpool-Dublin-Santander, twice a week.

Leaving Santander each Saturday and Wednesday, arriving in Liverpool on Monday and Friday and subsequently calling Dublin on Tuesday’s and Saturday’s.

A spokesman commented on the expansion of the services:” Driven by the success of our youngest unaccompanied routes from the Iberian Peninsula directly to the UK and Ireland, the market can benefit from increased capacity and frequency shortly. Allowing our customers to increase turnaround times of their equipment and rely on a robust service bypassing the Landbridge, with its administrative burdens".

"We are confident this will give a boost to our services and is the right answer to growing market demand, the modal shift from accompanied to unaccompanied transport and to designing sustainable supply chains with a low carbon footprint“

Published in Ferry

Operator CLdN having overcome the challenges of the first two months of this year in the post-Brexit era, has increased shipping capacity by the introduction of additional sailings on its Irish and UK routes.

Getting a vessel back from charter enables the RoRo operator to increase service levels on the Zeebrugge – Dublin service to three sailings per week imminently to cope with risen demand.

(Afloat.ie speculates the chartered ro-ro is Hermine, same class of leadship Laureline, which is currently in the North Sea but is due to Dublin Port this Friday from Zeebrugge). 

A spokesman commented on the expansion of the UK and Irish services: “Once more, CLdN shows its ability to react directly to market developments in order to keep serving its customers with a robust, reliable and cost efficient transport solution. We are poised to maintain our leading role in unaccompanied short sea shipping and will keep interacting with our valued customers in order to meet their expectations."

More here reports Multimodal

Published in Ferry

CLdN which operates Ireland-mainland Europe routes served by freightferry ro-ro 'Brexit-Busters' tonnage, is to step up preparations for the end of the Brexit transitional phase on 31st December 2020 by introducing additional capacity on its UK routes. (See: Brexit 'Freeports story). 

As from last week, Multimodal reported, that 25% extra capacity was added on both the Rotterdam -London and Rotterdam - Humberside routes. In addition, and from week 42, an extra vessel will be deployed and thus a third daily sailing will be added on the Zeebrugge – London route to serve the growing demand.

Over the last months, CLdN have seen a steady growth in customer demand for its reliable, low cost and Brexit -proof unaccompanied freight product. Shipping unaccompanied trailers, (tank) containers, finished vehicles or project cargo between its own ferry terminals provides a ‘one stop shop’ to get goods shipped across the North Sea without running the risk of disruption.

In recent years, CLdN has invested heavily in a fleet of modern vessels with environmentally friendly credentials offering high capacities for freight crossing the North Sea, Irish Sea and Bay of Biscay. The company has maintained its regular sailing schedules on all routes throughout the difficult Covid period and is there to serve the market with robust and reliable products going forwards.

CLdN plays an essential part in the logistics of all types of goods on a network of services among them as alluded in the introduction the Irish services which are Dublin-Zeebrugge-Rotterdam. (Afloat.ie adds a lo-lo service is also maintained by the containership Arx which today is at anchorage In Dubin Bay during a routine layover in between sailings). 

In total the network of short sea services connects the following European ports; Rotterdam (NL) and Zeebrugge (BE) to London (UK), Humberside (UK), Liverpool (UK), Dublin (IE), Cork (IE) as well as Santander, (ES), Porto (PT) Gothenburg (SE) and Esbjerg (DK).

Published in Ferry

Freight-ferry operator CLdN and UK ports group, Peel Ports celebate the addition of a second ferry service linking the Iberian peninsula to Liverpool and Dublin Port.

The new weekly service connecting Leixoes, Portugal to the UK and Irish ports, follows the success of the first pure RoRo service between Santander in Spain, Liverpool, and Dublin as Afloat.ie reported in June.

Afloat adds this service was opened by Victorine.

According to Peel Ports, whilst most new services take time to build market confidence, these new connections have already proved a huge success, further increasing frequency and capacity on CLdN’s Irish and UK services from continental Europe.

The enhanced service offers cargo owners and hauliers the chance to utilise longer maritime routes, switching to unaccompanied trailers to improve the overall productivity of the driver pool.

Liverpool is a key port for the Atlantic and Irish Sea trades and this new route between Iberia and Liverpool, will provide both Irish and US exporters alike, with a reliable, fast and direct route for their customers, including those in northern Britain. Market uncertainty, related to COVID and Brexit, has presented a number of ongoing issues within the supply chain, affecting long distance European haulage and driver availability. This new service will mitigate all these risks.

Sjors Bosvelt, Head of Sales, CLdN said: “Since launching the triangular route in June, plus Porto, Dublin, Liverpool sailings, we have continued to progressively expand our route network. The new Portuguese service, which commenced on 11th September with the arrival of Japanese built Kawasaki Class vessel, Clementine into Liverpool, will offer environmental benefits and be less prone to disruptions or interruptions as seen on the short straights, as well as increased coverage of direct shipment possibilities from Iberia to UK and Ireland.”

Published in Ferry

A new Port of Cork-mainland Europe service has been warmly welcomed with the announcement by CLdN Ro-Ro SA of a weekly ro-ro freight service between the Irish port and Zeebrugge in Belgium.

The new service, which begins operations this Friday (24 April), is part of a significant expansion by CLdN of its freight services between Belgium and the Republic of Ireland. (Afloat adds CLdN launched the 'Brexit-buster' ship Celine in 2018 followed by Laureline last year on the Dublin Port-Belgium/Netherlands services).

The Ro-Ro service will leave Zeebrugge on every Friday to arrive in Cork on Sunday. The ro-ro freight ship will return on Tuesday arriving in Zeebrugge again on every Thursday.

CEO of Port of Cork, Brendan Keating, said; “This announcement by CLdN will greatly support our efforts in the Port of Cork to keep supply chains moving during the current Covid-19 pandemic. The Port has been actively looking at ways to bolster its freight activity and is delighted to partner with a company that enjoys such a great reputation in the shipping industry. Introducing this new connectivity to Zeebrugge not only helps Port of Cork to protect supply chains during the current crisis, but also adds a direct freight-only link with the heart of Europe.”

Port of Cork Chairman, John Mullins, said; “This is a very exciting development for both the Port of Cork and CLdN. In these unprecedented times this direct freight link with Europe from Ireland’s primary southern gateway will reinforce the Port’s commitment to supporting businesses in the region and preparing for any eventuality Brexit may still bring.”

The Port of Cork has implemented a contingency plan to ensure freight operations continue as normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Port is a key facilitator of trade in the Munster region, and vital deliveries will continue to several sectors in the weeks ahead.

Published in Port of Cork

#dublinport - Celine, otherwise dubbed the Brexit-Buster following the giant ro-ro ship's christening ceremony almost a year ago in Dublin Port, is to be bolstered with additional sailings linking Ireland directly with mainland Europe.

The operator of Celine, CLdN Ro-Ro SA, based in Luxembourg, which had previously published a fleet development programme, has announced the expansion of its Irish service due to newbuilds entering service.

According to the short-sea operator this week, dedicated vessels were to be deployed to operate on the direct Dublin-Rotterdam trade route. This will offer an increase from three to four sailings in each direction, whilst improving the spread of the sailings and increasing capacity, at a time when Brexit uncertainty is a major feature in clients planning.

Three of the sailings will use Ro-Ro vessels, departing from Rotterdam on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from Dublin Thursday, Saturday and Monday. In addition one Lo-Lo vessel (Afloat adds, the Arx) will sail ex Rotterdam on Saturday and ex Dublin on Tuesday.

The expansion enables customers to maximize equipment turnaround without having to rely on land-bridge solutions going forwards, thus strengthening the direct Irish Continental trade.

The Dublin-Zeebrugge service will for the present time remain to the existing schedule, but the intention of the operator is also to develop this route also, as additional tonnage comes on line.

A spokesperson for CLdN Ro-Ro SA stated: “These further developments are in line CLdN’s long- term strategy, supported by substantial investments in both terminals and fleet, guaranteeing our customers continuity and a solid service on the Irish corridor for many years to come. It also shows the company’s ability to adapt to challenging market conditions, and our customers’ demands, in a very flexible and rapid way.”

Published in Dublin Port
#PORTS & SHIPPING - At the Irish Exporters Association's (IEA) Export Industry Awards, APL Ireland has won the Deep Sea Shipping Company of the Year Award 2011, sponsored by the Port of Cork Company.
The category which included nominee CMA-CGM Shipping Ireland Ltd, also both based in Dublin recognises the strategically important role of deep sea shipping to our island economy. APL Ireland, exports from Dublin, Cork and Belfast ports offering a feeder vessel network with access to North America, Asia, Australia and other distant destinations.

Eucon Shipping and Transport Ltd won the Short Sea Shipping Company of the Year Award 2011, sponsored by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO), which recognises the strategically important role of short sea shipping to our economy. Eucon offers Irish exporters access to worldwide markets via its regular feeder services to Rotterdam, Antwerp and Southampton operating from the ports of Dublin, Cork and Belfast. The other nominees were: CLdN RoRo S.A. and Grimaldi Lines.

In the category for the Logistics Company of the Year Award 2011, sponsored by Dublin Port Company, the award went to Caffrey International. The Co. Meath based company is a specialist provider of road transport and logistics services between Ireland, the UK and continental Europe.

The award recognises the importance of logistics and supply chain management firms to the exporting effort of companies trading internationally from Ireland. The other nominees were: DHL Global Forwarding (Ireland) Ltd., Dublin; Eucon Shipping and Transport Ltd. and Geodis Ireland Limited, Dublin.

ABC Nutrition of Shannon was presented with the overall award of the Exporter of the Year Award 2011 after winning in the Emerging Markets Exporter Award, one of twelve categories which were presented at the ceremony.

Published in Ports & Shipping
Shipping Company CLdN and the Port of Cork are pleased to announce that a new weekly service to Cork will be added to the existing sailing schedule for containerised cargo. CLdN's vessel, MV Arx will call to the Port of Cork's Container Terminal in Tivoli direct from France, before sailing to Dublin as part of its new weekly sailing schedule. The service will also call to the ports of Radicatel in France, Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and Zeebrugge in Belgium.

The decision to establish a direct continental link to the Port of Cork further establishes CLdN's position in Ireland as a key logistics partner to the regions importers and exporters, and shows confidence in CLdn's ability to supply a reliable, market leading and cost conscious service which will assist their clients in the current tough economic climate.

The Port of Cork is the key seaport in the south of Ireland and due to its favourable location and modern facilities, the Port of Cork is ideally positioned to assist CLdN in the development of its quality containerised shipping service between Southern Ireland and the strategic ports in France, The Netherlands and Belgium. A well-developed road network will ensure good transit times both to and from the port, ensuring a reliable service offering to CLdn customers.

According to CLdN: 'CLdN intends to build upon its significant investment in the Irish market to date in an effort to bring further initiatives to the market to improve the reliability and cost effectiveness  required to allow importers and exporters of Ireland maintain a competitive edge in their selected markets.'

Commenting on the new containerised service, Captain Michael McCarthy Commercial Manager Port of Cork said: 'This new service will offer industry in Ireland a competitive choice of routes to market which will contribute to the current competitiveness of the Irish import and export sector. It also emphasises the strategic position of the Port of Cork as recent figures released by the Irish Exporter Association state that the export market has seen an increase of 8% to date and is expected to continue to grow in 2011.'

CLdN, whose Irish offices are located in Dublin and Cork ports, have forged long term partnerships with both suppliers and customers and intend to expand operations in Ireland over the coming years to ensure that the market continues to provide their customers with the infrastructure to assist in their continued success. CLdN was awarded the Irish Exporters Association Shortsea Shipping Company of the Year for 2010 reflecting the positive impact their services have on their members.

Published in Port of Cork
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General Information on using Waterways Ireland inland navigations

Safety on the Water

All users of the navigations are strongly recommended to make themselves aware of safety on the water for whatever activity they are involved in and to read the advice offered by the various governing bodies and by:

The Dept. of Transport, Ireland: www.gov.ie/transport and The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, UK, The RNLI – Water Safety Ireland for information in terms of drowning prevention and water safety.

Registration of Vessels

All vessels using the Shannon Navigation, which includes the Shannon-Erne Waterways and the Erne System must be registered with Waterways Ireland. Only open undecked boats with an engine of 15 horsepower or less on the Shannon Navigation, and vessels of 10 horsepower or less on the Erne System, are exempt. Registration is free of charge.

Craft registration should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/craft-registration

Permits for use of the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation

All vessels using the Grand and Royal Canals and the Barrow Navigation must display appropriate valid Permit(s) i.e A Combined Mooring and Passage Permit (€126) and if not intending to move every five days, an Extended Mooring Permit (€152).

Permit applications should be completed online at: https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/canal-permits

Passage on the Royal and Grand Canals – Dublin Area

For boat passage through the locks east of Lock 12 into / out of Dublin on either the Royal or Grand Canals, Masters are requested to contact the Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (M-F 9.30am-4.30pm) on tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or email [email protected] prior to making passage in order to plan the necessary lock-keeping assistance arrangements.

On the Grand Canal a minimum of two days notice prior to the planned passage should be given, masters should note that with the exception of pre-arranged events, a maximum of 2 boats per day will be taken through the locks, travelling either east or west.

Movements in or out of the city will be organised by prior arrangement to take place as a single movement in one day. Boaters will be facilitated to travel the system if their passage is considered to be safe by Waterways Ireland and they have the valid permit(s) for mooring and passage.

Newcomen Lifting Bridge

On the Royal Canal two weeks’ notice of bridge passage (Newcomen Lifting Bridge) is required for the pre-set lift date, and lock assistance will then also be arranged. A minimum of 2 boats is required for a bridge lift to go ahead.

Waterways Ireland Eastern Regional Office (Tel: +353(0)1 868 0148 or [email protected] ) is the point of contact for the bridge lift.

A maximum number of boats passing will be implemented to keep to the times given above for the planned lifts (16 for the Sat / Sun lifts & 8 for the weekday lifts). Priority will be given on a first come first served basis.

On day of lift, boaters and passengers must follow guidance from Waterways Ireland staff about sequence of passage under bridge & through Lock 1, and must remain within signed and designated areas.

Events Held on the Waterways

All organised events taking place on the waterways must have the prior approval of Waterways Ireland. This is a twelve week process and application forms must be accompanied with the appropriate insurance, signed indemnity and risk assessment. The application should be completed on the Waterways Ireland events page at :

https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/event-approval

Time Limits on Mooring in Public Harbours

On the Shannon Navigation and the Shannon-Erne Waterway craft may berth in public harbours for five consecutive days or a total of seven days in any one month.

On the Erne System, revised Bye Laws state that: No master or owner shall permit a vessel, boat or any floating or sunken object to remain moored at or in the vicinity of any public mooring, including mooring at any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location, for more than 3 consecutive days and shall not moor at that same mooring or any other public mooring within 3 kilometres of that location within the following 3 consecutive days without prior permission by an authorised official.

Winter Mooring on the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterway

Winter mooring may be availed of by owners during the period 1 Nov to 31 Mar by prior arrangement and payment of a charge of €63.50 per craft. Craft not availing of Winter Mooring must continue to comply with the “5 Day Rule”. Winter Mooring applications should be completed online at : https://www.waterwaysireland.org/online-services/winter-moorings-booking

Owners should be aware that electricity supply and water supply to public moorings is disconnected for the winter months. This is to protect against frost damage, to reduce running costs and to minimise maintenance requirements during the winter months.

Vessel owners are advised that advance purchasing of electricity on the power bollards leading up to the disconnection date should be minimal. Electricity credit existing on the bollards will not be recoverable after the winter decommissioning date. Both services will be reinstated prior to the commencement of the next boating season.

Smart Cards

Waterways Ireland smart cards are used to operate locks on the Shannon Erne Waterway, to access the service blocks, to use the pump-outs along the navigations, to avail of electrical power at Waterways Ireland jetties.

Berthing in Public Harbours

Masters are reminded of the following:

  • Equip their vessel with mooring lines of appropriate length and strength and only secure their craft to mooring bollards and cleats provided for this purpose.
  • Ensure the available berth is suitable to the length of your vessel, do not overhang the mooring especially on finger moorings on floating pontoon moorings.
  • Ensure mooring lines, electric cables and fresh water hoses do not create a trip hazard on public jetties for others users.
  • Carry sufficient fenders to prevent damage to your own vessel, other vessels and WI property.
  • Allow sufficient space between your vessel and the vessel ahead /astern (c.1m) for fire safety purposes and /or to recover somebody from the water.
  • Do not berth more than two vessels side by side and ensure there is safe access/egress at all times between vessels and onto the harbour itself.
  • Do not berth in such a way to prevent use of harbour safety ladders, slipways or pump-outs.
  • Do not allow the bow of your vessel to overhang the walkway of a floating mooring thus creating a hazard for others with an overhanging anchor or bow fendering.
  • Animals are not allowed to be loose or stray at any time.
  • Harbour and jetty infrastructure such as railings, power pedestals, fresh water taps, electric light poles, safety bollards, ladders etc are not designed for the purpose of mooring craft , they will not bear the strain of a vessel and will be damaged.
  • At Carrybridge on the Erne System, Masters of vessels are not permitted to use stern on mooring. Masters of vessels must use the mooring fingers for mooring of vessels and for embarkation / disembarkation from vessels.

Passenger Vessel Berths

Masters of vessels should not berth on passenger vessel berths where it is indicated that an arrival is imminent. Passenger vessels plying the navigations generally only occupy the berths to embark and disembark passengers and rarely remain on the berths for extended periods or overnight.

Lock Lead-in Jetties

Lead-in jetties adjacent to the upstream and downstream gates at lock chambers are solely for the purpose of craft waiting to use the lock and should not be used for long term berthing.

Vessel Wake

Vessel wake, that is, the wave generated by the passage of the boat through the water, can sometimes be large, powerful and destructive depending on the hull shape and engine power of the vessel. This wake can be detrimental to other users of the navigation when it strikes their craft or inundates the shoreline or riverbank. Masters are requested to frequently look behind and check the effect of their wake / wash particularly when passing moored vessels, on entering harbours and approaching jetties and to be aware of people pursuing other activities such as fishing on the riverbank.

Speed Restriction

A vessel or boat shall not be navigated on the Shannon Navigation at a speed in excess of 5 kph when within 200 metres of a bridge, quay, jetty or wharf, when in a harbour or canal or when passing within 100 metres of a moored vessel or boat.

Vessels navigating the Shannon-Erne Waterway should observe the general 5 kph speed limit which applies along the waterway. This is necessary in order to prevent damage to the banks caused by excessive wash from vessels.

Vessels navigating the Erne System should observe the statutory 5kt / 6mph / 10kph speed limit areas.

A craft on the Royal and Grand canals shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 6km per hour.

A craft on the Barrow Navigation shall not be navigated at a speed in excess of 11km per hour except as necessary for safe navigation in conditions of fast flow.

Bank Erosion

Narrow sections of all the navigations are particularly prone to bank erosion due to the large wash generated by some craft. Masters are requested to be vigilant and to slow down to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage when they observe the wash of their craft inundating the river banks.

Unusual Waterborne Activity

Unusual waterborne vessels may be encountered from time to time, such as, hovercraft or amphibious aircraft / seaplanes. Masters of such craft are reminded to apply the normal “Rule of the Road” when they meet conventional craft on the water and to allow extra room to manoeuvre in the interest of safety.

Sailing Activity

Mariners will encounter large numbers of sailing dinghies from late June to August in the vicinity of Lough Derg, Lough Ree and Lower Lough Erne. Sailing courses are marked by yellow buoys to suit weather conditions on the day. Vessels should proceed at slow speed and with due caution and observe the rules of navigation when passing these fleets, as many of the participants are junior sailors under training.

Rowing

Mariners should expect to meet canoes and vessels under oars on any part of the navigations, but more so in the vicinity of Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Coleraine, Enniskillen and Limerick. Masters are reminded to proceed at slow speed and especially to reduce their wash to a minimum when passing these craft as they can be easily upset and swamped due to their very low freeboard and always be prepared to give way in any given traffic situation.

Canoeing

Canoeing is an adventure sport and participants are strongly recommended to seek the advice of the sport’s governing bodies i.e Canoeing Ireland and the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, before venturing onto the navigations.

Persons in charge of canoes are reminded of the inherent danger to these craft associated with operating close to weirs, sluice gates, locks and other infrastructure particularly when rivers are in flood and large volumes of water are moving through the navigations due to general flood conditions or very heavy localised precipitation e.g. turbulent and broken water, stopper waves. Shooting weirs is prohibited without prior permission of Waterways Ireland.

Canoeists should check with lockkeepers prior entering a lock to ensure passage is done in a safe manner. Portage is required at all unmanned locks.

Canoe Trail Network – "Blueways"

Masters of powered craft are reminded that a canoe trail network is being developed across all navigations and to expect more organised canoeing along these trails necessitating slow speed and minimum wash when encountering canoeists, rowing boats etc

Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals – Lough Key

It is expected that work on Rockingham and Drummans Island Canals on Lough Key will be completed in 2021. Access to these canals will be for non-powered craft only, eg canoes, kayaks, rowing boats.

Fast Powerboats and Personal Watercraft (Jet Skis)

Masters of Fast Powerboats (speed greater than 17kts) and Personal Watercraft (i.e.Jet Skis) are reminded of the inherent dangers associated with high speed on the water and especially in the confines of small bays and narrow sections of the navigations. Keeping a proper look-out, making early alterations to course and /or reducing speed will avoid conflict with slower vessels using the navigation. Personal Watercraft are not permitted to be used on the canals.

Towing Waterskiers, Wakeboarders, Doughnuts etc

Masters of vessels engaged in any of these activities are reminded of the manoeuvring constraints imposed upon their vessel by the tow and of the added responsibilities that they have to the person(s) being towed. These activities should be conducted in areas which are clear of conflicting traffic. It is highly recommended that a person additional to the master be carried to act as a “look-out” to keep the tow under observation at all times.

Prohibition on Swimming

Swimming in the navigable channel, particularly at bridges, is dangerous and is prohibited due to the risk of being run over by a vessel underway in the navigation.

Age Restrictions on operating of powered craft

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the minimum age for operating of powered craft. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a personal watercraft or a fast power craft shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years does not operate or control the craft

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft powered by an engine with a rating of more than 5 horse power or 3.7 kilowatts shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 12 years does not operate or control the craft.

Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Lifejackets and PFD’s are the single most important items of personal protective equipment to be used on a vessel and should be worn especially when the vessel is being manoeuvred such as entering / departing a lock, anchoring, coming alongside or departing a jetty or quayside.

In the Republic of Ireland, Statutory Instrument 921 of 2005 provides the legal requirements regarding the wearing of Personal Flotation Devices. The Statutory Instrument contains the following requirements:

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall ensure, that there are, at all times on board the craft, sufficient suitable personal flotation devices for each person on board.

- A person on a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) of less than 7 metres length overall shall wear a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of decked craft, other than when the craft is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years complies with paragraph above.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft), shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person who has not attained the age of 16 years wears a suitable personal flotation device while on board an open craft or while on the deck of a decked craft other than when it is made fast to the shore or at anchor.

- The master or owner of a pleasure craft (other than a personal watercraft) shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person wears a suitable personal flotation device, at all times while – (a) being towed by the craft, (b) on board a vessel or object of any kind which is being towed by the craft.

Further information is available at: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2005/si/921/made/en/print

Firing Range Danger Area – Lough Ree

The attention of mariners is drawn to the Irish Defence Forces Firing Range situated in the vicinity of buoys No’s 2 and 3, on Lough Ree on the Shannon Navigation. This range is used regularly for live firing exercises, throughout the year, all boats and vessels should stay clear of the area marked with yellow buoys showing a yellow "X" topmark and displaying the word "Danger".

Shannon Navigation, Portumna Swing Bridge Tolls

No attempt should be made by Masters’ of vessels to pay the bridge toll while making way through the bridge opening. Payment will only be taken by the Collector from Masters when they are secured alongside the jetties north and south of the bridge.

Navigating from Killaloe to Limerick on the Shannon Navigation

The navigation from Killaloe to Limerick involves passage through Ardnacrusha locks, the associated headrace and tailrace and the Abbey River into Limerick City. Careful passage planning is required to undertake this voyage. Considerations include: lock passage at Ardnacrusha, water flow in the navigation, airdraft under bridges on Abbey River in Limerick, state of tide in Limerick

Users are advised to contact the ESB Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station (00353 (0)87 9970131) 48 hours in advance of commencing their journey to book passage through the locks at Ardnacrusha. It is NOT advised to undertake a voyage if more than one turbine is operating (20MW), due to the increased velocity of flow in the navigation channel, which can be dangerous. To ascertain automatically in real time how many turbines are running, users can phone +353 (0)87 6477229.

For safety reasons the ESB has advised that only powered craft with a capacity in excess of 5 knots are allowed to enter Ardnacrusha Headrace and Tailrace Canals.

Passage through Sarsfield Lock should be booked on +353-87-7972998, on the day prior to travel and it should be noted also that transit is not possible two hours either side of low water.

A Hydrographic survey in 2020 of the navigation channel revealed that the approach from Shannon Bridge to Sarsfield Lock and the Dock area has silted up. Masters of vessels and water users are advised to navigate to the Lock from Shannon bridge on a rising tide one or two hours before High Tide.

Lower Bann Navigation

The attention of all users is drawn to the “Users Code for the Lower Bann”, in particular to that section covering “Flow in the River” outlining the dangers for users both on the banks and in the navigation, associated with high flow rates when the river is in spate. Canoeists should consult and carry a copy of the “Lower Bann Canoe Trail” guide issued by the Canoe Association of Northern Ireland. Users should also contact the DfI Rivers Coleraine, who is responsible for regulating the flow rates on the river, for advisory information on the flow rates to be expected on any given day.

DfI Rivers Coleraine. Tel: 0044 28 7034 2357 Email: [email protected]

Lower Bann Navigation – Newferry – No wake zone

A No Wake Zone exists on the Lower Bann Navigation at Newferry. Masters of vessels are requested to proceed at a slow speed and create no wake while passing the jetties and slipways at Newferry.

Overhead Power Lines (OHPL) and Air draft

All Masters must be aware of the dangers associated with overhead power lines, in particular sailing vessels and workboats with cranes or large air drafts. Voyage planning is a necessity in order to identify the location of overhead lines crossing the navigation.

Overhead power line heights on the River Shannon are maintained at 12.6metres (40 feet) from Normal Summer level for that section of navigation, masters of vessels with a large air draft should proceed with caution and make additional allowances when water levels are high.

If a vessel or its equipment comes into contact with an OHPL the operator should NOT attempt to move the vessel or equipment. The conductor may still be alive or re-energise automatically. Maintain a safe distance and prevent third parties from approaching due to risk of arcing. Contact the emergency services for assistance.

Anglers are also reminded that a minimum ground distance of 30 metres should be maintained from overhead power lines when using a rod and line.

Submarine Cables and Pipes

Masters of vessels are reminded not to anchor their vessels in the vicinity of submarine cables or pipes in case they foul their anchor or damage the cables or pipes. Look to the river banks for signage indicating their presence.

Water Levels - Precautions

Low Water Levels:

When water levels fall below normal summer levels masters should be aware of:

Navigation

To reduce the risk of grounding masters should navigate on or near the centreline of the channel, avoid short cutting in dog-legged channels and navigating too close to navigation markers.

Proceeding at a slow speed will also reduce “squat” effect i.e. where the vessel tends to sit lower in the water as a consequence of higher speed.

Slipways

Reduced slipway length available under the water surface and the possibility of launching trailers dropping off the end of the concrete apron.

More slipway surface susceptible to weed growth requiring care while engaged in launching boats, from slipping and sliding on the slope. Note also that launching vehicles may not be able to get sufficient traction on the slipway once the craft is launched to get up the incline.

Bank Erosion

Very dry riverbanks are more susceptible to erosion from vessel wash.

Lock Share

Maximising on the number of vessels in a lock will ensure that the total volume of water moving downstream is decreased. Lock cycles should be used for vessels travelling each way.

High Water Levels:

When water levels rise above normal summer level masters should be aware of:

Navigation

Navigation marks will have reduced height above the water level or may disappear underwater altogether making the navigable channel difficult to discern.

In narrow sections of the navigations water levels will tend to rise more quickly than in main streams and air draft at bridges will likewise be reduced.

There will also be increased flow rates particularly in the vicinity of navigation infrastructure such as bridges, weirs, locks etc where extra care in manoeuvring vessels will be required.

Harbours and Jetties

Due care is required in harbours and at slipways when levels are at or near the same level as the harbour walkways' as the edge will be difficult to discern especially in reduced light conditions. It is advised that Personal Flotation Devices be worn if tending to craft in a harbour in these conditions.

Slipways

Slipways should only be used for the purpose of launching and recovering of water craft or other objects from the water. Before using a slipway it should be examined to ensure that the surface has sufficient traction/grip for the intended purpose such as launching a craft from a trailer using a vehicle, that there is sufficient depth of water on the slipway to float the craft off the trailer before the concrete apron ends and that the wheels of the trailer do not drop off the edge of the slipway. That life-saving appliances are available in the vicinity, that the vehicle is roadworthy and capable of coping with the weight of the trailer and boat on the incline. It is recommended that slipway operations are conducted by two persons.

Caution to be Used in Reliance upon Aids to Navigation

The aids to navigation depicted on the navigation guides comprise a system of fixed and floating aids to navigation. Prudent mariners will not rely solely on any single aid to navigation, particularly a floating aid to navigation. With respect to buoys, the buoy symbol is used to indicate the approximate position of the buoy body and the ground tackle which secures it to the lake or river bed. The approximate position is used because of the practical limitations in positioning and maintaining buoys in precise geographical locations. These limitations include, but are not limited to, prevailing atmospheric and lake/river conditions, the slope of and the material making up the lake/river bed, the fact that the buoys are moored to varying lengths of chain, and the fact that the buoy body and/or ground tackle positions are not under continuous surveillance. Due to the forces of nature, the position of the buoy body can be expected to shift inside and outside the charted symbol.

Buoys and perches are also moved out of position or pulled over by those mariners who use them to moor up to instead of anchoring. To this end, mariners should always monitor their passage by relating buoy/perch positions with the published navigation guide. Furthermore, a vessel attempting to pass close by always risks collision with a yawing buoy or with the obstruction that the buoy or beacon/perch marks.

Masters of Vessels are requested to use the most up to date Navigation guides when navigating on the Inland Waterways.

Information taken from Special Marine Notice No 1 of 2023