The Port of Waterford made history over the weekend as it handled a cargo of a record-breaking scale. The port received a vessel load of 80-metre-long wide-turbine blades, the largest ever in size to be imported to Ireland. The blades were shipped to the port due to its expansive riverside space, ability to handle cargo of exceptional size, and proximity to the motorway network.
The vessel, BBC Citrine 153m, arrived from Turkey with the 80m long blades, which are the longest ever imported to Ireland and are believed to be the longest in the UK. The record-breaking exceptional loads of wind turbine blades were unloaded and are currently being stored at the port. They will then be transported by road to their destination at Cushaling Wind Farm, Co. Offaly.
Port of Waterford CEO David Sinnott said, “Port of Waterford was chosen as it is the only port in Ireland capable of handling these long components. In addition, a second ship arrived with the tower section components for the same project."
The 153m BBC Citrine, alongside at the Port of Waterford, having arrived from Turkey with the 80m long blades
While the Port of Waterford has handled similar cargo in 2023, this is the first time that components of this scale were handled through an Irish Port. Several organizations and teams were involved in the record-breaking project over the weekend, including the Port of Waterford marine, tug and mooring operatives, pilots, and agents, stevedoring cargo handlers South East Port Services & transport operators, Colletts Transport and Celtic Shipping.
Statkraft is developing Cushaling Wind Farm and will mark the first use of the Vestas V162-6.2 MW EnVentus turbines in the Irish market. The nine turbines, which have a tip height of 185 meters and will be the largest on any wind farm in Ireland, will maximize the potential of the local wind energy resource. The nine-turbine development, which will deliver 55.8MW of urgently needed clean renewable energy to the grid, represents a €95 million investment by the company.
The role that national ports will play in the provision of offshore wind energy is a current topic, and this particular project proves the important role that port teams are already providing in the creation of the current onshore wind energy infrastructure.
Port of Waterford is strategically positioned to support the future offshore wind energy sector and has currently proposed a 250m quay extension to further support this work and future growth in the sector while also recently applying for a Marine Area consent (MAC) to the Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).
Belview Port is the centre of operations for the Port of Waterford. The port is served directly by the N29 and the N25, which provide direct connections to the M9 motorway. The port is also served directly by a rail connection, which provides the port with exclusive access to the national rail network.
