#Waterford - The Port of Waterford Company has announced increases across all categories shipped in to and out of the port at Belview in 2015.
There was a 10% increase in tonnage of bulk cargoes in 2015 compared to 2014. The number of containers handled was up by three per cent on the previous year while total throughput at the port grew by eight per cent to 1.58m tonnes. In all, 415 cargo vessels arrived at the port in 2015, up 3.75% on 2014.
In addition, the port welcomed 16 cruise ships during 2015, providing a further positive economic spin-off for Waterford and the wider southeast as thousands of passengers took shore excursions to visitor attractions across the region.
Commenting on the 2015 figures, Frank Ronan - CEO at the Port of Waterford Company since October – said: “Reflecting the improving macroeconomic situation, we are satisfied with the results achieved last year while obviously now focused on 2016 and beyond.
“For this year, a priority is to further grow our container business. We are also working on an overall masterplan for future development at the port in Belview and this will underpin significant opportunities for growth. We are also very positive about the prospects for regeneration of our former hub at Waterford’s North Quays in partnership with Waterford City & Council and other stakeholders.
“The port is well positioned to benefit from the Irish economic recovery which continues to gather momentum and the team here are committed to identifying and leveraging every possible inbound and outbound trading opportunity.”
