#DublinPort – The Dublin Port Company have published their Annual Report & Accounts for 2012 following a presentation of the accounts by Minister for Transport Mr. Leo Varadker to the Government at cabinet level last week. 

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the state's largest port launched a Masterplan last year that set out the development of Dublin Port's for the period from 2012 to 2040.

The 30 year Masterplan costing €600m presented a vision for future operations at the port and critically examines how existing land use can be used for the efficient running of the port through exporting and importing merchandise.

#RenamedBULKER– The former detained 19,354 tonnes bulk-carrier Clipper Faith which was sold last month for €4.5m as previously reported on Afloat.ie has been renamed Island Mariner, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Under the directions of the Admiralty Marshall of the High Court the former Greek operated 181m bulk-carrier completed in 2008 at a Chinese shipyard was sold at public auction. Afloat.ie can reveal the buyer of the Clipper Faith was to another Greek interest, Lynx Shipping Company.

Clipper Faith easily became the largest vessel ever to be sold in an Irish port following the arrest of the vessel in Dublin Port. The plight of her 19-strong Ukrainian crew who had not been paid wages dating back to late last year drew the attention of the authorities.

The 29,501dwt tonnes Clipper Faith had docked in early March after discharging a cargo of animal feed products loaded in New Orleans. Ever since her arrival of more than four months ago, the vessel has had to shift berths on several occasions so to free up quay space for other commercial traffic.

Currently the Island Mariner is moored alongside the Coal Quay on the south quays and in readiness for her departure under her new owners.

#TheWORLD – This morning The World berthed in Dublin Port beside the East-Link Toll Bridge, having made calls to Belfast, Galway and London-Derry in this year of the UK City of Culture, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The exclusive residential vessel of 43,188 tonnes is operated by Residences at Sea. The on board community which own one or more of the 165 private residences between them is spread across the 196m long ship and with facilities on 12-decks.

She has visited Dublin Port several times and on this occasion the vessel is to stay in port for three nights and depart in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Click and scroll across the picture gallery to reveal The World's luxurious facilities which offer many different experiences. Among the various amenities is the swimming pool, a putting green, marina sports platform, the spa, a cigar club and regatta bar plus a choice of dining options. After an active day on board or an excursion ashore what about taking to an open-air Bali-bed!... and under a balmy starry night.

An example of the residents private quarters are the Two-Bedroom Apartments which in the majority have a fully-fitted kitchen, though residents can also dine out in the ships restaurants with a range of cuisine to suit many tastes.

On returning to these two-bedroom apartments, residents can relax in the spacious living and dining areas. The apartment has en-suite bathrooms in both the master bedroom and guest bedrooms. As the ship visits numerous exotic ports and locations, the owners can watch the World go with immediate accessibility with use of the ample veranda space.

The Bahama-flagged The World was launched over a decade ago at the Norwegian shipyard of Fosen Mekaniske Verksteder AS. She is capable of operating her twin 7,400HP direct injection turbo-charged engines from full ahead to full astern in just 50 seconds making her a highly manoeuvrable ship. The turbo-charged engines produce a speed of 18.7 knots.

The full programme of activity includes:

Saturday 1st June
Tall Ships from 11am to 6pm
Tug Boat Displays 2pm
Markets 11am to 6pm
Children's Funfair from 11am to 6pm
MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm
DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm
Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm
Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm
Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm

Sunday 2nd June
Tall Ships from 11am to 4pm
Tug Boat Displays 2pm
Markets 11am to 6pm
Children's Funfair from 11am to 6pm
MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm
DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm
Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm
Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm
'Between the Bridges' - Old Gaffers Howth 17′s Sailing Race 2pm-4pm
Parade of Sail (Over 50 Gaffers and Tall Ships) at 4pm
98FM Roadcaster Sunday 19th May from 11am to 6pm

Monday 3rd June
Tug Boat Displays 2pm
Markets 11am to 6pm
Children's Funfair from 11am to 6pm
DJ and Competitions from 11am to 6pm
MV Cill Airne Open Day from 11am to 6pm
Rowing & Curragh Races from 11am to 6pm
Madigans Bar and Cafe from 11am to 6pm
Facepainters and Balloon Artists from 11am to 6pm
Old Gaffers Barbecue Poolbeg Yacht Club 6pm-late

All activities will take place between the Samuel Beckett Bridge and East Link Bridge.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise Ó Muirí, today officially launched Dublin Port's first "Riverfest" – Ireland's new premier riverside and sailing festival. Taking place this June bank holiday weekend (Saturday 1st June to Monday 3rd June) along Dublin's historic North Wall Quay, thousands of visitors are expected to attend the three day festival of maritime and family friendly activities for both young and old.

Full Riverfest programme highights here.

Organised by Dublin Port Company and the Docklands Business Forum, a huge array of activities are planned for the three day festival, including the arrival of six tall ships, curragh and boat racing on the River Liffey, tug boat displays and a Parade of Sail of over 50 Gaffers and Tall Ships. The festival coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Old Gaffers' Association, and will feature a rare demonstration of skills with the Howth 17′s racing between the lifting East-Link Bridge and the Samuel Becket Bridge on Sunday 2nd June.

Not to be outdone by the water, land activities will also play an integral part of the festival, with something for everyone including street performers, music, cafés and bars, children's entertainment and carnival attractions lined up between the new Samuel Beckett Bridge and the East Link Bridge. Visitors and foodies alike will delight in a range of fresh and exciting food from local and artisan producers.

Launching Riverfest, The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Naoise Ó Muirí, said, "Festivals and events play a crucial role in showcasing Dublin and attracting visitors to the city. Riverfest will be one the biggest family friendly events in Dublin this summer, providing a welcome boost to local businesses and a fantastic celebration of Dublin's maritime heritage. I congratulate Dublin Port Company and the Docklands Business Forum on organising Riverfest. It promises to be a great weekend for Dubliners and visitors to the city."

Commenting, Eamonn O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company, said, "Dublin Port is an integral part of Dublin city life and we want to contribute positively to the city, the local economy and the lives of Dubliners. With a huge selection of entertainment and maritime displays planned over the June Bank Holiday weekend, Riverfest promises to be a fun and colourful event for all the family and I would encourage all Dubliners to come and join us on the North Wall Quay this bank holiday."

Speaking at the launch, Lucy McCaffrey, Chairperson of Dublin Port Company, said, "Dublin Port Company's Masterplan sets out a clear vision as to how Dublin Port will develop over the next 30 years and integrating the port with the city is central to that vision. Riverfest is just one of a number of initiatives which brings this commitment to life, helping better integrate the port with the city and people of Dublin for an engaging celebration this weekend."

#CruiseLiners – MSC Magnifica of 95,000 tonnes, made her maiden Irish call to Dublin Port this morning, she follows MSC Liricia, which last year visited the capital marking the first entry of MSC Cruises operations with calls to Ireland, writes Jehan Ashmore.

At nearly 300m long MSC Magnifica which cost $547million was completed in 2010 and she represents the latest of the 'Musica' class vessels. She has 16 decks in which 13 are exclusively for 2,500 passengers. Throughout these decks there are 17 bars, 5 restaurants, a theatre, library, card room, smoker's room and meeting room.

Among the other facilities, run by her 1,000 crew are the bowling alley, 3D cinema, a casino, internet point and three swimming pools, tennis court and for total relaxation the wellness and spa centre.

#BrazilianTallship– A Brazilian Navy sail training vessel NSV Cisne Branco docked in Dublin Port this lunchtime, her call bringing back memories to last year's hosting of the Tall Ship Race Festival, writes Jehan Ashmore.

On her arrival, the Dutch built Cisne Branco ("white swan") which is three-masted full-rigged ship and only launched in 1999 passed a pair of other tallships. They are the Johanna Lucretia and Irene (previously Irene of Bridgewater) which are also making a weekend visit while moored at the Poolbeg YC & Marina.

The pair are visiting the capital as part of a series of Tallship 'Gathering' events organised by Sail Training Ireland and held throughout the summer, and where the Poolbeg facility is to host the inaugural Dublin Port River Festival on the June Bank holiday.

Cisne Branco transited through the East-LinK toll-bridge and berthed at Sir John Rogerson Quay where the 2,991 tonnes luxury charter motoryacht Lauren L has in recent days shifted berths within the port.

Also berthed nearby the L.E. Aisling (P23), the final member of the trio of 'Emer' class OPV's which are an improved version of the 'Deirdre' . As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the leadship L.E. Emer is to be sold along with L.E. Aoife.

Two Class B Tall Ships will arrive in Dublin Port today as part of a "Gathering Ireland 2013" project organised by Sail Training Ireland and their Liverpool Based partner "Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust".  The first ship, Irene of Bridgewater, sailed in last night and anchored in Scotsman's Bay just as the Queen Mary 2 departed.

The ships are being hosted by Poolbeg Marina and tomorrow morning at 11.00am an Irish-Coffee reception is organised on board. If you are interested in Tall Ships or perhaps a future voyage, this is your chance to come along and see the ships first hand.

Irene is a West Country Trading Ketch, built in 1907 by FJ Carver and Sons.Owned by the same family since 1965, Irene has sailed extensively around the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and UK waters. Following a complete rebuild lasting six years, Irene is now earning her keep as both a sail training vessel and a sustainable cargo business.  She also attends many of the major sailing events on the annual regatta and festival calendar.

The project entitled "Sail Home To Your Roots" involves two ships and 16 novice-sailors aged from 16 to 70 years from the UK. Some of the participants are of Irish descent and sail here to celebrate their Irish roots.

The ships will arrive at Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club between 2 and 3pm today. Tomorrow morning, Councillor Paddy Bourke of Dublin City Council will officially welcome the crews to Dublin. Cllr. Bourke will be representing The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Naoise O Múirí who is Admiral of Dublin Port and a very strong supporter of Sail Training Ireland's activities.

This event is a pre-cursor to a larger event on the June bank holiday weekend where these two ships will be joined by 2 larger Class A Tall Ships and another Class B to take part in the Dublin Port River Festival being organised by Dublin Port Company.

#CruiseLiners – The dual serving liner and cruiseship Queen Mary 2 was not the only passenger vessel visiting Dublin Bay today, as the Serenissima docked within Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Artania called to Dublin Port, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The contrast could not be so diverse between the Dun Laoghaire cruise callers. The 2,620 passenger Cunard Line giant of 151,400 tonnes, making an impressive sight at anchorage (see web-cam) while Noble Caledonia's 2,500 tonnes Serenissima slipped into port berthing at Carlisle Pier. She had sailed overnight from Waterford and has accommodation for just over 100 passengers.

Serenissima is a former member of the Norwegian Hurtigruten Coastal Cruises fleet and her hull form and overall appearance certainly reflects her era. She was built in 1960 and launched as Harald Jarl serving a career along the many fjords of Norway.

As an exploration cruiseship she has also travelled to the other end of the world on cruises to the Antarctic under the name Andrea.

Also making a mid-May morning arrival albeit heading for Dublin Port was Phoenix Reisen Cruises Artania from Belfast.

The 44,500 tonnes Bermuda flagged vessel with a 1,200 passenger capacity was formerly launched for Princess Cruises as Royal Princess and christened by Diana, Princess of Wales.

#DublinPort –Visiting cruise ships such as today's arrival of Le Boreal to Dublin Port are to be brought much further up the Liffey in a new plan to develop deep water berths.

Part of the river at Dublin Port is to be dredged to create a 12m deep channel for some of the world's biggest liners, up to 340m long, to dock beside the East Link toll bridge.

The development will be promoted with at least a quarter of the 100 cruise ships coming into Dublin this year using the berths. It will also ensure that tides will not stop the bigger ships getting closer to the city centre.

Dublin Port Company has begun a pre-planning consultation process and a planning application for the work to take place is expected to be submitted in September. The development intends to create room for two new cruise berths next to the toll bridge.

For more on this story, The Irish Times reports.