#CORK – January 2012 kicked off to a good start for the Port of Cork with over 76,000 tons of dry bulk animal feeds unloaded in one week, a record for the Port. The high quantity of feed which was unloaded as part cargo from five large bulk carriers, gives a welcome boost to the quantities of dry bulk material handled by the Port of Cork.

In the Republic of Ireland bulk cargoes have seen an increase of 2% across all ports and this growth is a reflection of the growing confidence in the agricultural sector.

Commercial Manager, Captain Michael McCarthy said: "Unloading over 76,000tonnes of dry bulk animal feeds at Ringaskiddy Deep-water Terminal in five days is an excellent boost for the port. It demonstrates the port's capabilities when it comes to handling large ships with efficient and safe turnaround times. Many of the main feed importers are utilising the Port of Cork's deep-water capacity with Panamax vessels arriving fully laden to lighten before proceeding to other Irish or UK Ports"

#CRUISE LINERS – The Port of Cork is to welcome 60 cruise vessels this season, an increase on 2011 levels when 53 calls were made, bringing over 100,000 passengers and crew to the region, writes Jehan Ashmore.

According to UK Consultants GP Wild, the average in-transit spend per passenger, while visiting an Irish port is between €73- €100 which provides a significant contribution towards the local tourism economy.

Last year Cork won 1st place for 'Best Destination Experience (Organised)' in the world and 2nd place for 'Best Port Welcome' in the Dream World Cruise Destinations Awards.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Balmoral is the first caller for 2012 when she is to dock at Cobh in April. Larger cruise ships to visit during the season include Celebrity Eclipse, Emerald Princess, Independence of the Seas, Costa Deliziosa and Caribbean Princess.

In addition Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth is to return to Cobh in August. Her inaugural Irish visit was in September last year, when the 90,000 tonnes vessel called firstly to Dublin followed by Cobh, to read more click HERE.

For a list of the cruise schedule, click HERE, noting several calls are to Ringaskiddy and North Custom House Quay in Cork City.

#PORT OF CORK - Port of Cork Company chairman, Mr Dermot O'Mahoney, yesterday announced end of year trade traffic results for the Port of Cork in 2011. He said: "Trade traffic has shown remarkable resilience recording 8.8 million tonnes despite experiencing challenging periods during 2011." These figures are on a par with 2010 figures at the Port of Cork.

A remarkable feature of the figures is the very positive effect on the local economy by the increase in exports from the Port. Total exports at the Port of Cork have remained strong increasing by 9% in comparison to 2010 and by 19% since 2009. Exports are a key driver in the successful recovery of the Irish Economy and the Port of Cork is committed to continuous support in the growth of international trade for both current and future economic prospects.

Although the growth in export volumes to pre –recession levels reflects the rapid "V" shaped bounce back by the export sector which was achieved despite the depressed international economic environment, import volumes are still 12.9% below 2007 levels. The continued low volume of imports is inevitably putting huge strain on the ports, shipping lines and transport sector servicing the country.

The container business at the Port of Cork has shown an increase of 5% with over 150,000 TEU handled in 2011. Animal feed stuffs, fertiliser and other trades have shown a marginal decrease in 2011. Oil traffic has remained steady despite the lower levels of domestic economic activity; however exports of refined product from Conoco Phillips Whitegate Oil Refinery has remained strong and continues to be a significant part of the Port of Cork business.

Remarking on the end of year trade traffic results, Mr Dermot O'Mahoney Chairman of the Port of Cork said: "The Port of Cork is pleased to announce that total trade traffic in 2011 has remained strong with exports increasing by 9% over 2010 volumes. With 98% of all goods imported or exported from Ireland moved by ship, the importance of ports to our economy is of vital strategic importance. The Port of Cork is a key link to the continued economic success of Ireland and in particular the entire Munster region. The challenge now facing the Port of Cork is to continue to develop to meet the needs of the Country as it emerges from this current recession. This requires that we be visionary and seize opportunities presented by emerging trends and logistic supply changes."

He continued: "While the next four to five years will be challenging for us all, we need to continue to promote the fact that Ireland is an excellent investment location and is well placed to capitalise on growing global markets as is evident by our export sector."

53 cruise vessels visited the Port of Cork during 2011 bringing over 100,000 passengers and crew to the region and the Port is scheduled to accommodate 60 vessels in 2012. According to research carried out by UK Consultants GP Wild, the average in-transit spend per passenger, while visiting an Irish port is between €73- €100 which provides a significant contribution towards the local tourism economy. In 2011 the Port of Cork won 1st place for 'Best Destination Experience (Organised)' in the world and 2nd place for 'Best Port Welcome' in the Dream World Cruise Destinations Awards. This achievement highlighted the outstanding team effort and commitment by the Port of Cork to deliver an excellent service to the visiting cruise lines and their passengers when in Cork. Ireland Inc. also received a Commendation as a "Destination where the Quality and Professionalism of Tour Guides is considered outstanding".

Port officials are pro-actively engaged with tourism interests, County and City Councils and destination attractions to enhance the product on offer to the visiting cruise lines with a view to growing the business further through its dedicated cruise terminal.

Ferry passenger numbers with Brittany Ferries remained steady on its weekly ferry service from Cork to Roscoff and the Port awaits the outcome of the Examinership of Fastnet Lines and the re-commencement of the ferry service linking Cork with Swansea.

The Port of Cork's recreational strategy continues to expand with the aim of improving the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.

Mr O' Mahoney concluded by saying that "the Port of Cork must continue to reinforce its existing strength as the primary deep-water port in the south of Ireland and build on our progress so far by effectively resolving our challenges in an imaginative way and with a strong sense of urgency and determination."

#PORT & SHIPPING NEWS - The Port of Cork is scaling down its plans for a new container terminal in Ringaskiddy, according to the Irish Examiner.

The new plan is "significantly scaled back" from the €220 million containter terminal proposal for Oysterbank, which was rejected at appeals stage two years ago.

Port officials hope to submit the new application under the Strategic Infrastructure Act, which means the decision will be made by An Bord Pleanála and not Cork County Council.

Officials are already in consultation with the planning board and interest groups around Cork Harbour to eliminate any issues before proceeding with the new scheme, which will be half the size of the previous plan and will involve less land reclamation.

Expected upgrades to the roads infrastructure in the area will also have an impact on the new proposals.

The €100 million plan would be constructed over four phases, to be fully operational by 2020.

The Irish Examiner has much more on the story HERE.

#EVENTS-The annual Seafarers Commemoration in Cork will be held at 12 noon, on 28th November in the Port of Cork Offices, Custom House Quay.

The event is organised by the Cork branch of the Maritime Institute of Ireland which also hosted the Seafarers Commemoration in Dublin last Sunday where a mass was held at City Quay Church. Wreaths were laid afterwards at the nearby Irish Seaman's National Memorial, for the men of the Irish mercantile marine who lost their lives at sea during the Second World War.

In the afternoon, a commemoration service of those who lost their lives on Irish ships also took place at Evensong in St. Patricks Cathedral.

As the 'family of the sea' gathered at the City Quay memorial, this provided an opportunity to reflect memories of former seafarers. In recent years, the memorial service has been extended to honour all Irish seafarers who have died at sea.

For further information detailing lists of Irish merchant ships lost during WW2 and the names of those seamen lost, click HERE in addition a short video clip depicting war footage and paintings of Irish vessels lost.

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of the sinking of the B&I Line containership Kilkenny in Dublin Bay in which three crew lost their lives in a collision with the German owned Lo/Lo Hasselwerder.

A memorial to the incident in 1991 is located at Irish Continental Group's (ICG) headquarters in Dublin Port, where the former state-run B&I Line was based before privatisation and sold to ICG's ferry subsidiary Irish Ferries.

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.

The discontinued winter sailing schedule for this year is also expected not to be repeated during October 2012-March 2013. Fastnet Line's decision to make the Celtic Sea route into a shoulder season and summer only service follows a similar path taken by Stena Line which withdrew Dun Laoghaire-Holyhead (HSS) sailings in mid-September, for report click here. The central corridor route is due to reopen sometime in April or May 2012.

Cork City and County council and Kerry County council have provided €700,000 to support Fastnet Line and yesterday they announced an additional €150,000 in co-funding for the period of the examinership. In order to stabilise finances the ferry company are to radically reduce passenger capacity of the Julia (see photo) from 1,500 down to 950. This is in line with the capacities of the Julia serving 'night' sailings.

She has a crew predominately from Eastern Europe and Irish and UK deck officers. The Bermuda flagged, Hamilton registered vessel is currently berthed at Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal, Cork Harbour. At 154m she is the largest ferry to date capable of berthing in the limited confines of the swing basin in Swansea and with a draft of 5.8m in a port which is subject to a large tidal range on the Bristol Channel.

Operating costs on the 10 hour service has been severely hampered by continuing increases to world oil prices. From the year 2010 to this year, fuel costs rose by 27% and almost 50% from the original budget of 2009. The company claims that each crossing amounts to €18,560 alone in fuel costs.

Fastnet Line to date has carried 150,000 customers, of which 75% have originated from the UK market, generating on average €350 per person (€40m approx) exclusive of fare and on-board spend. This crucial market is core to the success of the company's direct 'gateway' route to scenic south-west Ireland, with Swansea connected to the M4 motorway linking midland population centres and London. The operator claims a saving of 600km driving based on a round trip compared to using rival ferries running on routes to Rosslare from Pembroke Dock and Fishguard.

Since the reinstatement of the service in March 2010, after Swansea Cork Ferries pulled the Superferry (photo) off-service in 2006, the loss to tourism generated revenue on both sides of the Celtic Sea was estimated to be £25m per annum according to the Welsh Assembly and a similar figure recorded in the Cork and Kerry region.

The company also outlines the reduction in carbon emissions saved from operating the only direct service specifically connecting the regions of Glamorgan and Munster. Some 500,000 freight miles alone were saved in the Welsh region since the service started instead of using alternative route running from Pembrokeshire ports.

Mr Justice Peter Kelly appointed Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton interim examiner at a sitting of the High Court. Mr McAteer will present a progress report to the court on November 15.

The Fastnet Line companies are owned by the West Cork Tourism Co-Operative Society Limited, which was formed in April 2009. Over 400 members have invested funds in the venture which started in March 2010 following the closure of Swansea Cork Ferries which ran on the route until 2006.

Pont-Aven's final end of season sailing will be departing Ringaskiddy on Saturday (29th) at 15.00hrs and she is due to arrive at her homeport of Roscoff at 06.00hrs local time.

To confirm sailing schedule including next season starting March 2012 click HERE and for sailing update click HERE.

The €100m luxurious ferry was built in Germany in 2004 and she entered service that year on the three-route roster linking Ireland on the 14-hour overnight weekend sailings in addition to serving on French-UK and UK-Spainish routes.

Uniquely she is the only ferry operating in Irish waters with a swimming pool which is enclosed on the upper deck. Of the various facilities, services and entertainment, they may vary depending on the date and time of year.

The Port of Cork Company mentioned at the seminar that the port's role is to facilitate the safe and efficient berthing to all vessels. However, increasingly the Port finds itself acting as a tourism body promoting the region to the cruise companies, attending trade exhibitions, meeting attractions and tourist providers and insuring new shore excursions are being offered. As the cruise business in Cork continues to grow, a wider and united approach with city and county councils, tour operators, travel agents, local tourism organisations and attractions, is needed to promote the region and the activities which cruise passengers can enjoy during their visit.

In 2010 at a previous cruise seminar, the Port of Cork announced their aim to grow the cruise business over the next five years to 75 cruise calls and to encourage cruise companies to use Cork as a turnaround port, offering cruises departing from Cork and returning to Cork.

At this year's seminar, the Port was delighted to announce that two companies in 2012 will offer turnaround cruise calls to Cork. Both MSC Cruises and Hebridean Island Cruises will operate cruises in August and September highlighting the opportunities Cork has as a turnaround port and for Irish passengers wishing to cruise from Cork. MSC Cruises will call to Hamburg, Amsterdam, Scotland, Dublin and back to Cork, while Hebridean Island Cruises will focus on Cork and the West coast of Ireland.

Speaking at the cruise seminar, held in Fota Island Resort, Captain Michael McCarthy Port of Cork said: 'The two turnaround calls in 2012 are very exciting and we are delighted that the Cork cruise business is growing, following our efforts and investment over the years. We now have Ireland's only dedicated cruise berth, capable of handling the largest liners afloat today and we must now capitalise on working together and offering more to attract the cruise lines. It's imperative that there is a united approach so that when a ship calls we are able to promote all that is happening in the City, the county and the wider Munster region directly to the cruise passengers.'

He continued: 'We are currently undergoing a strategic review of our cruise berth and we hope to have this completed in 2012. In Cork we have a unique product offering in terms of the cruise berth and its location in Cobh. While the Port of Cork is committed to investment in the Cruise sector,  we recognise that the region is the biggest benefactor from this business with at least €20 Million being generated both directly and in-directly, hence the need for a united approach.'

Also speaking at the cruise seminar was Aiden Pender, Strategic Development Failte Ireland, Jens Chr. Skrede, Managing Director Cruise Europe and Margaret Cronin Specialised Travel Services.

Since 1991 Port of Cork passenger and crew numbers have grown by nearly 85,000, highlighting the rapid growth of the sector which is predicated to continue. Cruise bookings for 2012 have already exceeded 2011 calls and potentially could be the busiest yet for the Port of Cork.

The 2012 Port of Cork cruise bookings list will be available at www.portofcork.ie at the end of January 2012.