Irish Port and Shipping News

NO TRADE DEAL: A busy 'file' photo scene in Dublin Port AFLOAT adds shows Helen, a small short-sea coaster depart with the backdrop of berthed containerships at the DFT terminal (part of the ICG Group) which yesterday received new cranes invested at the facility. This is one of the port's three container terminals that play a vital role in imports and exports to and from the UK, the EU and beyond.

“Working Towards Strong Likelihood of No-Trade Deal (EU-UK) Must be Brought Back to the Fore” - Irish Exporters Association

5th June 2020 Ports & Shipping

At a press briefing today, the EU’s Chief Negotiator pointed out that the UK is not living up to several crucial issues jointly agreed in the Political Declaration from October 2019, including the level playing field. The end of the…

The European Commission’s report - the first of its kind on CO2 emissions from maritime transport - estimates that merchant ships added over 138 million tonnes to EU carbon emissions in 2018

European Ships Generate Carbon Emissions Equivalent to Belgium, New EU Report Says

5th June 2020 Ports & Shipping

European merchant ships generate almost four per cent of total EU carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a new EU report states. The European Commission’s report - the first of its kind on CO2 emissions from maritime transport - estimates that merchant…

Arklow Rover (recently sold to Norwegian interests) is seen a few years back in Dublin Port at the Deep Water Berth (DWB) from where other fleetmates of Arklow Shipping feature in a documentary 'Keepers of the Port' which is only available to watch until today. On a related note, also today berthed at the DWB is Arklow Vale which can be viewed on another LINK below which shows the excellent filming of the ship's launch.

Shipping Snippets from Belfast Harbour & Dublin Port With Exclusive Documentary Till Today!

5th June 2020 Ports & Shipping

Wilson Porto the former Arklow Rover recently acquired by Norwegian interests, Wilson Ship Management along with another 'R' class fleetmate which Afloat will later report on, is berthed today in Belfast Harbour, writes Jehan Ashmore. The general cargoship of 2,999…

The Welsh Port of Milford Haven handles liquid, bulk, break-bulk and heavy-lift cargoes and a ferry service to Rosslare Europort. Among cargoes is fuel products to Dublin Port including for planes at the capital's airport. As for the south Wales port which is the UK's largest energy port capable of 30% of that nation's gas demand. Above AFLOAT adds ia a view from a liquid natural gas (LNG) carrier and those berthed at the port which imports LNG from Qatar in the middle-east involving 18 days at sea and covering over 6,000 nautical miles.

Welsh Port of Milford Haven Highlights Positive Results Amid Challenging Times

3rd June 2020 Ports & Shipping

Wales has the largest energy port in the UK located in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire from where the port published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2019 which reported strong financial results driven by increased shipping activity. The Port of Milford…

Independent Container Line (ICL) cargo ship Independent Spirit

Port of Cork Announces New Direct Service from Cork to USA

28th May 2020 Port of Cork

The Port of Cork has announced the start of a new weekly direct service from Cork to USA, giving Ireland its first direct container service to the USA in many years. The new Cork Harbour service is set to commence…

Webinar: The Future of Motorways of the Sea (MoS) is to be held on 1 July. Above AFLOAT's photo shows a diversity of ship types berthed in Dublin Port. From the left is a cement-carrier, cruise ship and con-ro vessel which connected Ireland and mainland Europe.

Webinar: Shaping Policy of a European Maritime Space-The Future of Motorways of the Sea (1 July)

26th May 2020 Ports & Shipping

A Motorways of the Sea (MoS) webinar "Shaping the Policy of a European Maritime Space – The Future of Motorways of the Sea" is to take place on Wednesday 1st July 2020 (09h30 – 11h15). The Motorways of the Sea (MoS)…

The temperature screening technology involves using a camera detection system to monitor the temperature of passengers

Port Prepares for Passengers with Temperature Screening Technology

22nd May 2020 Ports & Shipping

Portsmouth International Port says it's the first UK port to install a thermal temperature scanner, which will be available for ferry and cruise operators to screen their passengers. The temperature screening technology involves using a camera detection system to monitor…

Containers at the Tivoli Container Terminal, Cork from where 'feeder' services link the UK in addition to mainland Europe

Irish Exporters Association Says “Stalemate in EU-UK Talks Threatens Covid-19 Economic Recovery”

22nd May 2020 Ports & Shipping

Irish Exporters Association's chief executive has commented that the ongoing stalemate in the EU-UK negotiations on a future partnership could severely counteract the ability of an export led COVID-19 economic recovery. Following, the UK Government’s publication of how it intends…

Northern Ireland fishery and research vessel RV Corystes which recently left Cork Dockyard's graving-dock, the Republic's sole surviving facility for 'ships' following the closure of the larger dry-dock in Dublin Port in 2015. The stout and sturdy looking 53m vessel is seen in Belfast Lough and was built for previous owners in 1988 at a shipyard across the other side of the North Channel along the Firth of Clyde at Ferguson Ailsa shipyard in Troon, Scotland.

Shipping Snippets: 'Sixties' Ship Returns, North And South Ship's Meet & New Ferry Not Due Back to June

18th May 2020 Ports & Shipping

Below are some news items from the Irish Sea and surrounding areas that Jehan Ashmore reports on from the shipping scene. Small 'Sixties' Ship Returns to Dublin A small short-sea cargoship Saturn (627 gross tonnage) dating to the era of…

European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) represents the seaport authorities of all maritime Member States towards the EU institutions. Last year's EPSO Award went to the Port of Dover where AFLOAT adds above in Calais is a ferry identified as P&O's Spirit of Britain which among other ferries serving the French port and along with Dunkirk is where the UK port is currently assisting to keep food supply chain moving and ensure the NHS receives vital medical supplies through this vital cross-Channel link with mainland Europe.

Submit Your EuroPort's Eco-System Project for the ESPO Award 2020

15th May 2020 Ports & Shipping

The port theme for this year's European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) Award on Social Integration of Ports is “Enhancing the port-city relationship by encouraging innovators and local start-ups to be part of the port ecosystem”. This is the award's 12th…

The crude oil tanker Braer during a storm in 1993 foundered in the Shetlands Isles off Scotland spilling almost 85,000 tonnes. The disaster was one of the major oil spills in history and is ranked the 15th worst out of 20 indicents in terms of oil spill size tonnes according to the ITOPF's Oil Tanker Spill Statistis 2019 - see download link below. As for above the tanker is seen at Garths Ness where it broke-up on the rocky shore.

International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Announce Research & Development Award 2021

15th May 2020 Ports & Shipping

The not-for-profit organisation the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) is as a source of objective technical expertise in the area of accidental spills of oil, chemicals, and other cargoes and substances in the marine environment. As the federation is…

Associated British Ports (ABP) and Tata Steel sign long-term Port Talbot (above) agreement for the major south Wales industrial plant works to export using the Port of Newport near the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Also above AFLOAT adds is the drill-ship Sertao which departed the port in 2019 following a period of lay-up as referred below.

Associated British Ports and Steel Company Sign Long-Term Agreement to Export in Welsh Port

14th May 2020 Ports & Shipping

Associated British Ports (ABP) and Tata Steel have entered a new 10-year agreement in supply of raw materials to integrated steelworks via Port Talbot's deepwater harbour and the export of finished products through the Port of Newport in south Wales.…

Covid19 Impact: The charity Liverpool Seafarers Centre CEO John Wilson presented an i-phone to stranded Indian seafarer, Nishanth Sadaram who had lost touch with his family after his mobile phone was damaged by seawater. The presentation took place on board the bulk-carrier M.V. Seamec Gallant where the seafarer is the 3rd officer of the 20,969grt bulk-carrier which AFLOAT adds having departed Liverpool is currently at anchorage off Moelfre on the Isle of Anglesey, north Wales.

Maritime Groups in Liverpool Assist Stranded Indian Seafarer Back in Touch with Family

14th May 2020 Ports & Shipping

Across the Irish Sea an Indian seafarer stranded thousands of miles from home because of the Covid-19 crisis has been able to reconnect with his family thanks to the help of two Liverpool-based maritime organisations. Ecumenical charity Liverpool Seafarers Centre…

Funding for phycial posts in Northern Ports. AFLOAT adds updates on Belfast Harbour (as above) freight and passenger ferries of Stena Line berthed at the VT2 terminal and partially in the photo is ro-ro freight ferry Stena Forecaster (which Afloat reported in April) was temporarily withdrawn from Belfast-Birkenhead (Liverpool) route due to impact of Covid19. The freightship had since returned to service but as of this morning's Afloat tracked inbound sailing, noting subsequent services on the Irish Sea route have been cancelled by this ship until 1 June. Also in the foreground is a ship to shore (STS) container crane which was transported by sea from Cork Harbour (reported in March) which have since been erected. The STS crane was moved to VT3 to increase efficiency of handling essential goods for Northern Ireland.

Ports in Northern Ireland Stormont Committee Hears Physical Posts Set for Funding

14th May 2020 Ports & Shipping

Ports in Northern Ireland with physical posts are set for funding ahead of the UK’s exit from the EU, a Stormont committee has been told. According to the Press Association, Junior Minister Declan Kearney told the committee that the Executive had…

The world's biggest container shipping company Maersk warns global demand is to shrink this year. Above Afloat's photo of the operator's containers stacked in Dublin Port.

Container Giant Maersk Warns Global Demand to Shrink this Year

13th May 2020 Ports & Shipping

Danish shipping group AP Moller-Maersk has today warned of a sharp drop in global container volumes due to the coronavirus pandemic, sending its shares down sharply. The coronavirus epidemic has thrown the global container shipping trade off balance as global…

The Coastworker is 19.5m long with two Caterpillar engines and has a maximum speed of 11 knots

Coastworker Displacement Tug Arrives in Bangor Harbour

12th May 2020 Northern Ireland Waters

Bangor Marina on Belfast Lough may be closed but the Harbour is certainly not out of bounds to commercial traffic and the 120-ton displacement tug Coastworker arrived yesterday afternoon. She will tow the modular barge currently berthed alongside the commercial…