MV Matthew Blocking Cork Harbour Space For 2.5 Years

4th April 2026

Afloat.ie Team

Harbour block — The seized MV Matthew occupies valuable berth space in Cork Harbour, restricting marine traffic and small craft access while costs to the State have climbed to €14.5m Credit: RTÉ Drivetime

The impounded cargo vessel MV Matthew has been occupying valuable berth space in Cork Harbour for more than two and a half years, with local marine users reporting disruption to navigation and river access.

The ship, seized in the Cork cocaine seizure 2023, is regularly towed across the harbour to accommodate port operations, reducing available space for small craft at the busy mouth of the River Lee.

Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the vessel’s presence is affecting harbour activity.

“It does restrict the scope… and impacts small craft navigating the area,” he said, adding that movements of the vessel “reduce available space for other users.”

The ship’s scale and generator noise have also drawn complaints from residents in Passage West, Glenbrook and Rushbrooke.

“It absolutely towers over that part of the town,” Ó Laoghaire said.

As Afloat reported previously, figures compiled by Revenue, as reported on RTÉ Drivetime, show the vessel has cost the State almost €14.5 million since its seizure, with weekly costs of about €120,000.

These include a 13-person crew required onboard for safety compliance, berthing charges and ongoing maintenance, including fuel for generators.

The MV Matthew was intercepted in a major multi-agency operation involving An Garda Síochána, the Naval Service and the Army Ranger Wing, which recovered two tonnes of cocaine valued at more than €150 million.

Eight men were later jailed for drug smuggling offences.

Despite its high-profile seizure, there is still no confirmed timeline for disposal.

Revenue has engaged London-based broker H. Clarkson & Co. and is in contact with prospective buyers, but has said it cannot guarantee a sale.

Cork ship auctioneer Dominic Daly said the vessel’s prolonged lay-up will have reduced its value.

“Over time… it doesn’t help. It’s like something you keep in storage,” he said, adding that a typical vessel sale would normally take weeks rather than years.

Former International Transport Workers’ Federation coordinator Ken Fleming described the cost as “an unbelievable sum of money… as a result of a vessel just left there to rot.”

Ó Laoghaire said the lack of progress is unacceptable.

“We’re over two and a half years in… I don’t think that’s good enough. This needs to be resolved as quickly as possible.”

Listen to more on RTE Drivetime here

Published in Cork Harbour

Tagged under

MV Matthew

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