#dublinport –  The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, TD, today officially opened Dublin Port Company's new trade car terminal.

The new terminal is located at East Wall Road and will cater for 2,500 vehicles at a time, monitored by a state-of-the-art security system manned on a 24/7/365 basis. The opening follows a 13 month development and construction phase and €3.4 million investment by Dublin Port Company in the new facility.
The works include the construction of a new 80m flyover bridge across East Wall Road. The bridge allows cars to move between the port estate and the new terminal without any interruption to traffic in the surrounding areas. The perimeter of the terminal also incorporates a 'living wall', or vertical façade of green plants, which will be visible from East Wall Road by mid-next year as a permanent feature of the facility.
Measuring 4.3 hectares, the terminal will accommodate the growing number of trade vehicles entering Dublin Port as Ireland returns to economic growth. Figures for 2014 already show a strong increase in numbers.
There were 58,399 trade vehicles recorded in the first nine months of 2014, up 29.8% on the 44,987 that arrived in the same period last year. New figures for the third quarter this year show the arrival of 14,802 trade vehicles, mostly new cars destined for car dealerships, up 48.8% on the corresponding quarter in 2013.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, TD, said: "The opening of the new trade car terminal at Dublin Port signals confidence in Ireland's economic recovery and motor industry. The car industry supports thousands of jobs and this investment by Dublin Port Company will further facilitate the growth in this sector. The opening of the terminal today reaffirms Dublin Port Company's commitment to planning for future growth in a timely and forward-thinking manner."
Eamonn O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company said: "Dublin Port Company is pleased to officially open our new trade car terminal today. We have invested €3.4 million in developing this facility that will cater for the growing number of trade vehicles arriving at Dublin Port. The trade vehicle figures for 2014 are already positive, up almost 30% on this time last year. We expect 2014 to be Dublin Port's strongest year for trade since the peak of 2007 and trade vehicle imports will be an integral part of future growth."
Lucy McCaffrey, Chairperson, Dublin Port Company said: "Dublin Port Company made a commitment in the Masterplan to utilise existing lands to the greatest extent possible. By locating the new trade car terminal on East Wall Road, Dublin Port Company has further consolidated its use of existing quayside space, allowing other port operations to benefit from improved proximity to the quays. Today's trade car terminal opening is a very practical example of how Dublin Port Company is delivering on that commitment under the Masterplan."

#PortCentreTours – Open House Dublin is to feature the Port Centre, the headquarters of Dublin Port Company next weekend with public tours on Saturday 18 October (11.00am – 5.00pm) and Sunday 19 October (12.00pm – 5.00pm).

The Port Centre designed by Architects Niall Scott, Scott Tallon Walker is among over 100 tours, events and workshops during Open House Dublin (incl. Friday 17 October) organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation.

All events are free and most available on a first-come basis as will be the case of the Port Centre. The building was commissioned by DPC's predecessor, the Dublin Port and Docks Board (DP&DB) which intended the building with a strong visual presence in the port.

The six-storey building dating from 1981 sits on a raised podium with the top floor dedicated to plant and ancillary accommodation, while four floors provide office space with spectacular views over the city.

At the time of construction the Board undertook extensive consultation on modern office configurations and the building was designed to embrace change and innovation. The structure is expressed externally in pre-cast concrete columns and beams.

Last tour of the Port Centre is 30 minutes prior to closing. Tours based on a first-come basis, so just turn up and look out for Open House Dublin volunteers.

Location: Alexandra Road East Wall, (approximately mid-way) between the East-Link Bridge and Port Tunnel.

Public Transport: Dublin Bus Routes: 53/151 to East Wall Road or take the LUAS (Red Line) to The Point (terminus) noting city centre stops at Connolly Station and Busaras.

As previously reported, tours of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Headquarters in Dun Laoghaire Harbour are on Sunday 19 October.

#DublinPort - Dublin Port is expecting record trade figures in 2014 on foot of rising passenger levels and that of overall freight throughput.

Third quarter results for 2014 show strong growth in the first nine months as the port saw a 7.3% increase in export and import trade as well to a 5.5% rise in ferry passenger numbers. To put into context this equates to over 635,000 passengers passing through the port (July-September) compared to the same period last year. So far the total for 2014 has reached 1,367,724 passengers.

According to the port company, trade levels continue to increase with total throughput (imports and exports) for Q3 up 5.7% to 7.8 million tonnes.

Total throughput for the year to date was 23.1 million tonnes, representing a 7.3% increase on the same nine month period last year. Compare this to levels in 2007 which had reached 23.6 million tonnes in Q3 of that year, during the height of Ireland's economic activity. With growth in trade set to continue in the coming quarter, 2014 is expected to be a record year for trade at the port.

Eamonn O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: "The figures for the third quarter show continued growth in trade levels at Dublin Port, with increases across the main areas of our business including import, export, trade vehicle and ferry passenger numbers. With 7.3% growth in total throughput for the year so far, Dublin Port is now on course to exceed the record trading figures recorded in 2007."

Imports for Q3 in 2014 reached over 4.6 million tonnes, while exports amounted to 3.1 million tonnes, representing an increase of 5.5% and 6.1% respectively on the same period last year.

High levels of growth were recorded for trade vehicles, mostly new cars destined for dealerships around the country. There were 14,802 new trade vehicles in Q3, up 48.8% on the same quarter last year. This brings the total number of trade vehicles so far this year to 58,399, up 29.8% on the 44,987 that arrived in the first nine months of 2013.

The figures in this sector underscore the 23% growth in car sales in Ireland published for the first half of the year, which represents more than the total number of sales for all of 2013.

There was particularly strong growth in Lo-Lo sector, which predominantly comprises consumer goods. In Q3, Lo-Lo twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) amounted to 145,374 TEU, bringing the total number of Lo-Lo units so far this year to 418,867 TEU, a 9.4% increase compared to the same period last year.

Operations in Ro-Ro sector also achieved strong results with 210,365 units recorded in Q3, up 7.0% on Q3 2013. This brought the total for the first nine months to 609,775 units, a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

Commenting on the results, Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe T.D. said: "Dublin Port has an important role to play at the heart of the national and local economy, facilitating the effective movement of goods to and from the island".

"Today's trading figures show the resilience of the Irish economy and I commend Dublin Port Company on its strong trading performance in the third quarter and year to date. As a barometer of economic growth, the figures point to a very promising year for 2014 with strong increases in both throughput and ferry passenger numbers already evident. This is very welcome news indeed."

As previously reported, the port plans for an €200m expansion, the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment Project which would also require deepening of the channel to accommodate bigger ships, which was discussed at a An Bord Planeala hearing yesterday.

#DublinPortExpansion – The Irish Times writes that Dublin Port plans for a €200m expansion and redevelopment of a large section of the port and deepening navigation channel for bigger container and cruise ships was outlined at a planning hearing yesterday.

The development is phase one of the Dublin Port Company's masterplan to more than double its throughput from about 29 million tonnes in 2013 to 60 million tonnes in 2040.

The work does not include infilling of Dublin Bay, such as the plan to reclaim about 52 ares in the vicinity of Clontarf Yacht Club which was turned down by An Bord Pleanala in 2010.

Presenting the plan at a Bord Pleanála hearing yesterday Dublin Port Company chief executive Eamonn O'Reilly said the proposed phase of redevelopment would concentrate on the Alexandra Basin area in the north port.

Further coverage of port plans can be read here.

#dublinport –  Ireland's oldest Garda car was back on duty for the first time in over eighty years today, to help launch the inaugural Dublin "Vintage Port" Rally which is being supported by Dublin Port Company. The 1927 Model T Ford of Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP), later to become An Garda Siochána, will be one of over 150 beautifully maintained and rarely seen trucks, classic buses, vintage & classic cars and veteran fire & military vehicles on show. The rally takes place this Sunday 28th September from 10am – 6pm at Dublin Port's Trade Car Compound. The rally coincides with Dublin Port's Parade of Sail, which will see a flotilla of over 40 sail boats sail along the River Liffey to mark the recent installation of new permanent pontoons on the River Liffey at North Wall Quay.

Commenting, Eamonn O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company, said, "The bygone sound of classic engines will be heard throughout Dublin on Sunday, as veteran, vintage and classic commercial vehicles from all over Ireland roar into Dublin Port for the inaugural Dublin "Vintage Port" Rally. The rally offers families a truly unique opportunity to view a slice of Ireland's by-gone transport history and I would encourage all Dubliners and visitors to come along to Dublin Port and enjoy a great day out in aid of Barnardos."

Commenting, Ed O'Neill, organiser of the Dublin 'Vintage Port' Rally said, "The rally provides a wonderful opportunity for classic vehicle enthusiasts to view up close a huge selection of the very best commercial and private vintage vehicles in the country. The 1927 DMP/ Garda Car will be just one of many fascinating vehicles on show."

Highlights of the rally include Dublin's oldest double decker bus, Leyland Titan TD4, RI of the Dublin United Transport Company, which dates back to 1937 and a Dennis F8 NIK 888 Fire Engine, which served Dubliners faithfully from 1956 to 1984.

As well as the many classic vehicles on show, there will be exhibition stalls, a children's play bus, model truck and bus exhibition, transport-themed stalls selling collectibles and food kiosks. Families will also be able to enjoy a nostalgic vintage bus trip on a London Routemaster Bus which will be giving guided tours of Dublin Port on the day

The rally will run from 10am – 6pm, at Dublin Port's Trade Car Compound, located at the junction of Sheriff Street Upper and East Wall Road. Access is via the main gate on East Wall Road. While some parking will be available on site and can be accessed via Alexandra Road, the public is encouraged to travel by the LUAS Red Line which terminates across the road from the rally venue.

More here

#UNCTADsigning - The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, will lead the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UNCTAD, Dublin Port Company and the Port of Cork company.

The signing ceremony next Thursday is to take place at the UNCTAD headquarters at the Palais des Nations, Geneva

The MoU aims to strengthen the cooperation between Irish ports and UNCTAD's TrainForTrade Programme in expanding the activities of the Port Training Programme's (PTP) English-speaking network.

Both of the Irish ports will be represented by its CEO and Directors, respectively, while representatives from various permanent missions in Geneva who are part of the PTP have been invited to witness the ceremony.

#FuelPipeline – The Irish Times reports that an aviation fuel pipeline between Dublin port and Dublin airport is to be lodged with a planning application to City and Fingal councils in the coming weeks.

The project envisages replacing existing road tanker traffic with direct pipeline supply and would involve major works along suburban routes such as the Malahide Road.

The pipeline project proposed by a company called Independent Pipeline Company, is backed by Co Laois-based engineering concern Fingleton White, and Dublin-based fuel transporters Reynolds Logistics.

Fingleton White previously received planning permission for an underground pipeline between the port and airport in 2001, but this was never built due to uncertainty in the aviation industry after the attack on New York's Twin Towers.

The original route of the pipeline was via East Wall and Clonliffe roads to Drumcondra and onwards via Whitehall and Santry to the airport. For much more on this story, click HERE.

#OvernightVisitor – One of a quartet of cruise-callers to Dublin Port yesterday, Seven Seas Voyager remains berthed this morning having spent an overnight visit in what will be an overall 38 hour call, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The Regency Seven Seas Cruises 42,363grt tonnes ship is at the high-end of the cruise market with a 6-star rating for the vessel which had a major refurbishment in late 2013. She has an international crew of 447 which allows her 700 guests to be pampered by having a high crew / guest ratio of 1: 1.5. This level of customer-service comes with ultra-luxurious facilities and where all cabin 'suites' categories also have balconies.

Her extended port visit allowing her guests a far more leisurely time to take in the attractions of the capital and beyond. Such calls and turnarounds are been encouraged by Dublin Port Company to increase cruise business and in boosting the local economy from such high-spending clientele.

All shore excursions from Regency are free in every port-of-call and where her guests can avail of many excursions in a day and during the entire cruise. This is offered so to increase experiences in the history, culture and cuisine of destinations visited with local guides and transportation.

Those wishing not to spend longer shore-time excursions can remain on board, however her berthing location in Dubin is somewhat unusual for a cruise-caller been further tucked in within Alexandra Basin. This is unfortunate given the more industrial backdrop at this stretch of quayside compared to those along the more customary cruise berths lining Ocean Pier.

It should however be acknwlowedged that AidaCara and Ocean Majesty (see report) had occupied these main cruise berths at Ocean Pier leaving the fourth caller, Ocean Princess to berth upriver at North Wall Quay extension.

In order to meet the demand from increased cruise calls and ever larger vessels, Dublin Port Company propose a €200m dedicated cruise terminal at the North Wall next to the East-Link Bridge. This more attractive solution closer to the city centre along the main river-channel would bring shorter transport times between the port and the capital.

After today's second opportunity to visit the capital and visitor attractions in the surrounding hinterland, guests will head back to the comfort of their floating hotel for her 20.00hrs departure tonight. 

This will involve Seven Seas Voyager firstly moving astern into the channel to swing off opposite the Poolbeg Yacht Boat Club & Marina before she heads downriver bound for Waterford.

#FerryToCruiseship- Of the quartet of cruiseships in Dublin Port today, Ocean Majesty (as pictured) has the most unconventional background, having been launched in 1966 as a side-loading car ferry for Mediterranean service, writes Jehan Ashmore.

In her current role, Ocean Majesty with a 672 capacity has German passengers on board who embarked on 17 August from Hamburg on a charter cruise (Hansa Touristik) of the UK and Ireland.

The 10,417 tonnes cruiseship had sailed northbound through the Irish Sea and berthed in Dublin around noon. According to her itinerary, the ports of call so far visited were Plymouth, the Pool of London involving a transit through Tower Bridge as part of a two-day stopover in the capital.

She is operated by Athens based Majesty International Cruises who in 1994 rebuilt the former Trasmediterránea ferry, Juan Marsh, which served a career mostly between Spain and the Balearics and also to the Canary Islands.

Likewise of the quartet of cruise callers, Juan March was also a member of a quartet of almost identical Albatros-class sisters (two pairs of half-sisters).

The Portuguese flagged Ocean Majesty is completely unrecognisable as the former ferry (See Photo) which saw radical rebuilding of superstructure. Note the gentle sweeping curvature of her decks. Her hull form has an attractive flared bow and retained cruiser stern that these days displays Madeira as her port of registry.

Tonight she heads for Belfast and then several Scottish ports of call. They are Fairlie, Ullapool, Kirkwall and Rosyth and followed by a day at sea before her return to the German North Sea port on 29 August.

This season sees Ocean Majesty operating more than 12 cruises, the first cruise started in Nice and other embarkation ports are Warnemunde and later this year from Venice.

#CruiseQuartet- Following yesterday's busy cruise trio line-up to Dublin Port, among them the 5-star luxury sail-assisted Sea Cloud II, even more callers are due when a quartet are to dock tomorrow morning, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Leading the quartet will be Ocean Princess, one of a pair of the smallest units of the Princess Cruise fleet, having only 672 guests. Built in 1999 for former owners Renaissance Cruises, the 30,000 tonnes ship is to enter Dublin Bay at 06.00hrs. She is to dock next to the East-Link Bridge, where Sea Cloud II had occupied berth 18 along North Wall Quay extension. 

A quarter of an hour later, the bay is to receive the 6-star rated Seven Seas Voyager, which has a similar capacity of 700-guests who all enjoy 'balcony'  suites. Operated by Regent Seven Sea Cruises, she was refitted in late 2012 and is to call to Alexandra Basin's berth 30.

After another 15 minute interval, the next caller is AidaCara, the 11 deck vessel which serves the German market is operated by Aida Cruises. Notably is her distinctive bold livery of facial features displayed on the bow. She is to call alongside berth 35 at the river-side of Ocean Pier.

Following all this activity, the three Dublin-berthed cruiseships will have to wait to 11.30 before the fourth and final caller joins them in port in the form of the veteran Ocean Majesty.  The 1966 built former Mediterannean ferry is to arrive at Ocean Pier's berth 35 within Alexandra Basin east.

Launched as Juan March for operators Trasmediterránea, she mostly served the Balearic Islands. Work on reconstructing the side-loading car ferry took three years to complete in 1994 for her Athens based owners Majestic International Cruises.