Dublin Port Company Grants CCIS Inland Port Licence

18th December 2023

Christmas comes early to (l-r) Cormac Kennedy, Head of Commercial at Dublin Port Company, Alan Horner, General Manager at CMA CGM Shipping Ireland and Max Doyle, Director, Doyle Shipping Group Dublin Credit: Conor McCabe

Dublin Port Company (DPC) has today announced that it has granted a new operating licence to CMA CGM Inland Services (CCIS), a subsidiary of CMA CGM Group, to begin operating at Dublin Inland Port. CCIS is one of the world’s largest providers of inland services with a container depot network in over 30 countries worldwide.

From this month, CCIS will become the second company to move its container operations to DPC’s North Dublin logistics hub, following an €8 million investment by DPC on a second phase of the development. It brings to €56m DPC’s total investment in Dublin Inland Port, all self-financed.

With their newly acquired licence, CCIS is now set to expand its portfolio, which already boasts over 23 dedicated empty container depots across Europe. Their state-of-the-art Dublin facility will specialise in container storage and repair, focusing on catering to the export needs of foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerated products. Together with service partner Doyle Shipping Group (DSG), the investment will create 25 new jobs.

Headquartered in Marseille, France, the CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, with a workforce of over 155,000 employees worldwide. Operating a fleet of more than 620 ships calling in over 420 ports across a comprehensive global network, the group has been a significant player in the Irish market since 2006.

This is the second licence awarded at Dublin Inland Port at the North Dublin logistics hub after Dublin Ferryport Terminals (DFT) were granted permission by DPC to operate in October 2021.

Doyle Shipping Group is an Irish family-owned shipping business founded in 1882. They employ over 700 people throughout Ireland, handling over 13 million tons of cargo and providing port service solutions throughput all major ports in Ireland, as well as other services through their Logistics and Renewables divisions. Now steered by the third generation of the Doyle family and a committed board of directors, the Group aims to continue to invest in infrastructure and skills, with an emphasis on Health and Safety, and growth that is underpinned by long-term thinking.

The ongoing development of Dublin Inland Port continues DPC’s delivery of its Masterplan commitment to maximising the use of existing port lands by relocating port-related, but non-core activities – including empty container storage – away from Dublin Port.

Dublin Inland Port is located 14 kilometres from Dublin Port off the M2, with direct access to the M50 and to Dublin Port via the Dublin Port Tunnel and is part of Dublin Port’s world class route-to-market infrastructure.

Cormac Kennedy, Head of Commercial at Dublin Port, said: “In the past 12 months, we’ve invested a further €8million developing the next phase of Dublin Inland Port, which has created the opportunity for CCIS to relocate and grow its business in Ireland further. We are also delighted to see that this will create 25 new jobs. We are delighted to welcome CCIS and to support their business at the facility this December.

“As part of our Masterplan, we made a strategic decision to relocate non-core port users away from the Dublin Port estate. While this has freed up valuable space that is now being used for core activities, we are still running at close to capacity.

“By strategically relocating non-core users, we have successfully freed up 75% of our masterplan 40-hectare target, allowing Irish exporters and importers to benefit from the much-needed additional space within the Dublin Port footprint. Overall, since it opened in 2021, Dublin Inland Port has resulted in more efficient use of the Dublin Port Tunnel and Dublin Port’s internal network.”

A spokesperson for the CMA CGM Group said: “We are delighted It is a great opportunity to have been granted an operating license by Dublin Port Company for Dublin Inland Port. This marks the first expansion of CMA CGM Inland Services (CCIS) into Ireland and aligns seamlessly with our commitment to delivering top-tier logistics solutions.

“With our extensive portfolio, including over 23 dedicated container depots across Europe, this newly acquired license allows us to specialise in container storage and repair. At the state-of-the-art Dublin facility, CCIS will also specialise in the provision of refrigerated containers for frozen foodstuffs and high value pharmaceuticals which are exported worldwide from Ireland. Focused on catering to the export needs of key sectors such as foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, beverages and refrigerated products, we are eager to contribute to the growth and efficiency of Dublin Inland Port.”

Max Doyle, Director, Doyle Shipping Group Dublin, added: “This is an exciting development for the region. Doyle Shipping Group are pleased to be partners in this project, which should go some way to further easing the burden on quayside terminals as well offering a high-grade option to those looking to manage their empty equipment. DSG has operated in the region for many years and we are delighted to be able to further improve the options for our customers. In partnership with CCIS, we are confident that we can provide a service that will benefit from CCIS expertise in Inland depots and DSG’s operational experience and knowledge of the local market.”

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About Dublin Port

Dublin Port is Ireland’s largest and busiest port with approximately 17,000 vessel movements per year. As well as being the country’s largest port, Dublin Port has the highest rate of growth and, in the seven years to 2019, total cargo volumes grew by 36.1%.

The vision of Dublin Port Company is to have the required capacity to service the needs of its customers and the wider economy safely, efficiently and sustainably. Dublin Port will integrate with the City by enhancing the natural and built environments. The Port is being developed in line with Masterplan 2040.

Dublin Port Company is currently investing about €277 million on its Alexandra Basin Redevelopment (ABR), which is due to be complete by 2021. The redevelopment will improve the port's capacity for large ships by deepening and lengthening 3km of its 7km of berths. The ABR is part of a €1bn capital programme up to 2028, which will also include initial work on the Dublin Port’s MP2 Project - a major capital development project proposal for works within the existing port lands in the northeastern part of the port.

Dublin Port has also recently secured planning approval for the development of the next phase of its inland port near Dublin Airport. The latest stage of the inland port will include a site with the capacity to store more than 2,000 shipping containers and infrastructures such as an ESB substation, an office building and gantry crane.

Dublin Port Company recently submitted a planning application for a €320 million project that aims to provide significant additional capacity at the facility within the port in order to cope with increases in trade up to 2040. The scheme will see a new roll-on/roll-off jetty built to handle ferries of up to 240 metres in length, as well as the redevelopment of an oil berth into a deep-water container berth.

Dublin Port FAQ

How old is Dublin Port?

Dublin was little more than a monastic settlement until the Norse invasion in the 8th and 9th centuries when they selected the Liffey Estuary as their point of entry to the country as it provided relatively easy access to the central plains of Ireland. Trading with England and Europe followed which required port facilities, so the development of Dublin Port is inextricably linked to the development of Dublin City, so it is fair to say the origins of the Port go back over one thousand years. As a result, the modern organisation Dublin Port has a long and remarkable history, dating back over 300 years from 1707.

Where was the original Dublin Port located?

The original Port of Dublin was situated upriver, a few miles from its current location near the modern Civic Offices at Wood Quay and close to Christchurch Cathedral. The Port remained close to that area until the new Custom House opened in the 1790s. In medieval times Dublin shipped cattle hides to Britain and the continent, and the returning ships carried wine, pottery and other goods.

How big is Dublin Port?

510 acres. The modern Dublin Port is located either side of the River Liffey, out to its mouth. On the north side of the river, the central part (205 hectares or 510 acres) of the Port lies at the end of East Wall and North Wall, from Alexandra Quay.

Who owns Dublin Port?

Dublin Port Company is a State-owned commercial company responsible for operating and developing Dublin Port.

What is Dublin Port Company?

Dublin Port Company is a self-financing, and profitable private limited company wholly-owned by the State, whose business is to manage Dublin Port, Ireland's premier Port. Established as a corporate entity in 1997, Dublin Port Company is responsible for the management, control, operation and development of the Port.

Name someone famous connected to Dublin Port?

Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny of the Bounty fame) was a visitor to Dublin in 1800, and his visit to the capital had a lasting effect on the Port. Bligh's study of the currents in Dublin Bay provided the basis for the construction of the North Wall. This undertaking led to the growth of Bull Island to its present size.

Is Dublin the largest Port in Ireland?

Yes. Dublin Port is the largest freight and passenger port in Ireland. It handles almost 50% of all trade in the Republic of Ireland.

Who handles the Cargo in Dublin Port?

All cargo handling activities being carried out by private sector companies operating in intensely competitive markets within the Port. Dublin Port Company provides world-class facilities, services, accommodation and lands in the harbour for ships, goods and passengers.

Who is the Chief Executive of Dublin Port?

Eamonn O'Reilly is the Dublin Port Chief Executive.

Who is the Harbour Master of Dublin Port?

Capt. Michael McKenna is the Dublin Port Harbour Master

How many passengers come through Dublin Port each year?

In 2019, 1,949,229 people came through the Port.

How many cruise liners arrive in Dublin Port?

In 2019, there were 158 cruise liner visits.

How many tonnes of exports were shipped by Dublin Port?

In 2019, 9.4 million gross tonnes of exports were handled by Dublin Port.

How many ships arrive at Dublin Port each year?

In 2019, there were 7,898 ship arrivals.

What is the total throughput of goods at Dublin Port?

In 2019, there was a gross tonnage of 38.1 million.

How many tourist vehicles come through Dublin Port?

In 2019, there were 559,506 tourist vehicles.

How many trade vehicles come through Dublin Port?

There were 98,897 lorries in 2019

Can pleasure craft enter Dublin Port?

Boats can navigate the River Liffey into Dublin by using the navigational guidelines. Find the guidelines on this page here.

What is the VHF Channel for Dublin Port control?

VHF channel 12. Commercial vessels using Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire Port typically have a qualified pilot or certified master with proven local knowledge on board. They "listen out" on VHF channel 12 when in Dublin Port's jurisdiction.

Is there a Dublin Bay webcam?

A Dublin Bay webcam showing the south of the Bay at Dun Laoghaire and a distant view of Dublin Port Shipping is here

What is Dublin Port’s 'distributed museum'?

Dublin Port is creating a distributed museum on its lands in Dublin City.  A Liffey Tolka Project cycle and pedestrian way is the key to link the elements of this distributed museum together. The distributed museum starts at the Diving Bell and, over the course of 6.3km, will give Dubliners a real sense of the City, the Port and the Bay. For visitors, it will be a unique eye-opening stroll and vista through and alongside one of Europe’s busiest ports: Diving Bell along Sir John Rogerson’s Quay over the Samuel Beckett Bridge, past the Scherzer Bridge and down the North Wall Quay campshire to Berth 18 - 1.2 km. Liffey Tolka Project - Tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route between the River Liffey and the Tolka Estuary - 1.4 km with a 300-metre spur along Alexandra Road to The Pumphouse (to be completed by Q1 2021) and another 200 metres to The Flour Mill. Tolka Estuary Greenway - Construction of Phase 1 (1.9 km) starts in December 2020 and will be completed by Spring 2022. Phase 2 (1.3 km) will be delivered within the following five years. The Pumphouse is a heritage zone being created as part of the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment Project. The first phase of 1.6 acres will be completed in early 2021 and will include historical port equipment and buildings and a large open space for exhibitions and performances. It will be expanded in a subsequent phase to incorporate the Victorian Graving Dock No. 1 which will be excavated and revealed.   The largest component of the distributed museum will be The Flour Mill. This involves the redevelopment of the former Odlums Flour Mill on Alexandra Road based on a masterplan completed by Grafton Architects to provide a mix of port operational uses, a National Maritime Archive, two 300 seat performance venues, working and studio spaces for artists and exhibition spaces. The Flour Mill will be developed in stages over the remaining twenty years of Masterplan 2040 alongside major port infrastructure projects.