Displaying items by tag: Potential Affect

16th December 2021

Wind Farms Proposed on Irish Sea Could 'Massively' Affect Isle of Man Steam Packet Routes

Wind farms proposed in the Irish Sea could 'massively' affect IOM Steam Packet routes linking the English ports of Heysham, (Afloat add the operators main route) and Liverpool (run on a seasonal basis). Above the ferry fleet including the chartered-in ro ro freigher Arrow berthed (on left) at Douglas Harbour.

According to Manx Radio, two huge wind farms proposed for the Irish Sea would have serious implications for ferry operator the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Managing Director, Brian Thomson, says the Mona and Morgan wind farms would cut across the company's routes to both Heysham and Liverpool.

The contract to build the farms has been won by BP and a German firm as a 50-50 joint venture, and would generate sufficient electricity to power 3.4 million UK homes.

Mr Thomson says the Steam Packet and other operators in the Irish Sea are involved in consultations, but if the farms go ahead in the areas proposed, there would be consequences.

Click this link and scroll down page for a podcast from the ferry's M.D.

Also Manx Radio yesterday reported that Tynwald, the Manx parliament has approved an additional spend of £32.6m towards completion of the new Liverpool terminal, see previous story.

For further reading on this separate yet ferry related story, click here and again scroll down the page to listen to several podcasts.

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.