#portofcork – The Port of Cork Company have today announced their annual results for 2012 and despite the on-going national economic downturn; the port returned an improved performance in 2012 compared to 2011.

Total traffic in volume terms amounted to 9.05 million tonnes, against a volume of 8.8 million tonnes in 2011. Turnover amounted to €21.8 million, an increase of 1.87% and after deducting costs, the profit on ordinary activities before taxation amounted to €1.36 million.

Commenting on the 2012 annual results, Port of Cork Chief Executive, Brendan Keating said: "We are pleased to announce our 2012 results today which have returned an improved performance compared to 2011."

He continued: "Reliable accessible ports delivering prosperity is vital to the achievement of economic recovery in Ireland. We see investment in handling equipment and facilities as key to the future of our business and that of our customers and we are intent on growing our business. The Port of Cork is central to a brighter future for the Irish economy because of the value it brings in moving goods to market for both customers and businesses alike."

Throughout 2012, the company maintained its commitment to capital investment by making additions to fixed assets of up to €6 million. This brings investment levels by the company, since incorporation in 1997, to €103 million. Recent achievements in 2012 saw the Port of Cork complete a new compound in Ringaskiddy to accommodate a new Maersk transatlantic service which commenced in January 2012. This is the first Lo-Lo (Lift on Lift off) deep sea service in Ireland. A new dry bulk store at the Deep-water berth in Ringaskiddy was completed by port customer Arkady, which has helped to increase the volume of trade through the port. This will also help to facilitate the growth of the dry bulk sector. In 2012 the Port of Cork also took delivery of a new pilot boat named 'Failte' and won the business of servicing the Exxon Mobil oil exploration project.

Oil Traffic at Philips 66, Whitegate Oil Refinery amounted to 5 million tonnes, an increase of 1.36%. Non-oil traffic amounted to 3.64 million tonnes showing an increase on 2011 of 6%.

Container traffic through the port increased by 6%, bringing the total volume of containers handled at the port in 2012, to 166,285 TEU. Currently the Port of Cork has weekly container services calling to mainland Europe, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Zeebrugee and Southampton. A deep sea transatlantic container service linking Central America to North West Europe also operates weekly.

While the liquid bulk and container traffic increased, imports of animal feedstuffs also increased. The Port of Cork anticipates further increases in the agri-business, particularly when the reforms to the CAP come into effect in 2015.

In 2012, the Port of Cork welcomed 57 cruise liners, carrying in excess of 100,000 passengers and crew to the region. The visiting cruise liners make a very significant contribution to the economy. The investments made by the Port in recent years developing the cruise facilities in Cobh, continue to show positive returns with booking levels continuing to grow year on year. At the global annual cruise shipping exhibition, Seatrade Miami 2012, the Port of Cork was awarded 'Best Shore Side Welcome' and 'Best Tour Guides'. These awards highlight the commitment and effort the Port of Cork make for every cruise liner calling to Cork.

Brittany Ferries' weekly passenger service from Cork to Roscoff had another successful season operating between March and November 2012. The Port of Cork remains fully committed to establishing new routes from Cork and continues to work to develop a route from Cork to Northern Spain.

Consistent with the Strategic Development Plan Review of 2012, the Port of Cork is planning for the delivery of new Port infrastructure in the lower harbour. This key infrastructure will be required to service the businesses of Ireland for the next 20 years, as they grow and prosper and avail of trading opportunities in global markets. In 2012, by way of planning for this infrastructure, the port carried out a consultation process with An Bord Pleanála. Following the recent publication by Government of the National Ports Policy Statement, in which the Port of Cork was highlighted as a Tier 1 port of National Significance, it is hoped that such recognition will help to accelerate the consultation process. The Port of Cork proposes to lodge a planning application with An Bord Pleanála by the end of 2013, following further public consultation and community engagement.

During 2012, the port was involved in a number of local community based projects in Cork Harbour. Additionally, the very successful schools initiative organised by the port, continues to grow. Now in its seventh year, the initiative attracts up to 20 primary schools from the Cork city and harbour area and helps raise awareness of the Port of Cork and Cork Harbour among 5th class children.

Sustaining the quality of the environment in Cork Harbour, particularly in areas which have the potential to be affected or influenced by Port Operations remains a priority for the Company. The Port of Cork is as always committed to the highest standards of environmental management through the implementation of the environmental management programme and standards consistent with the renewed ISO14001 accreditation and Eco Ports foundation.

#portofcork – An Post and the Port of Cork Company unveiled a new postage stamp collection today (Wednesday 17th July) celebrating the Port of Cork and Cork Harbour.

The three stamps, designed by Steve Simpson, feature MV Queen Elizabeth berthed at Cobh Cruise Berth, Ireland's only dedicated Cruise berth, a Maersk Vessel carrying large containers of bananas into Ringaskiddy Deep-water berth and the Cork Clipper yacht racing past Cobh as part of the Clipper race in 2010. Collectively these stamps celebrate Cork Harbour and highlight its importance as a commercial port, a cruise destination and a beautiful leisure amenity for everyone to enjoy. The Port of Cork has been for many years the main trade link for the south coast of Ireland and today the Port remains a vibrant busy port, facilitating the movement of imports and exports. The Port of Cork is a key link to the continued economic success of Ireland and in particular the entire Munster region.

Speaking at the postage stamp launch in Custom House, Mr Brendan Keating Port of Cork Chief Executive said: "This is a great honour for the Port and indeed Cork Harbour, to be featured on An Post's latest postage stamp collection. These stamps will not only raise awareness of the Port of Cork locally and nationally, but once posted these stamps will begin to make their way around the world, which is super recognition for Cork."

He continued: "I'd like to thank all those involved in the process and particularly the An Post design team for producing an excellent collection of stamps of which we are very proud."

The Port of Cork stamp set and accompanying First Day Cover and Miniature sheet set will go on sale nationwide immediately. They can also be ordered at irishstamps.ie or by calling 01-7057400.

To coincide with the launch of the stamps, the Port of Cork also announced the winner of their Photograph Competition themed 'Cork Harbour – A Port in Focus'. Tony O'Driscoll from Cobh, Co. Cork was the overall winner and to mark his achievement his photograph was designed into a postcard. Today the postcard was unveiled with the stamps attached, all ready for posting. There were over 130 photographs received for the competition, which greatly exceeded the Port of Cork's expectations.

Mr Keating congratulated the winner and thanked all those who took part in the photograph competition.

#ShippingReview: Over the last fortnight Jehan Ashmore has reported from the shipping scene where container market rates are unlikely to drop any further following average global rates falling to a 17-month low last month.

Port of Cork Company are to invest €3 million in new mobile crane plant equipment for the Ringaskiddy Deep-water Berth.

Rising prices for second-hand dry bulk vessels point to a turnaround in the industry.

The European Commission launched the 'Blue Belt' communication, which contains two concrete proposals that will contribute to establishing an internal market for maritime transport.

#SydneyWorldCruise – Tomorrow is Australia Day and the Port of Cork will welcome up to 1500 from Down Under as well as 400 Kiwis to Cobh as part of their Sydney to Sydney World Cruise on board Princess Cruises Sea Princess.

As the passengers step ashore from the 77,499 tonnes vessel's maiden voyage to Cobh, they are sure to receive a very warm Irish welcome as Cobh Tourism presents Australia Day with the weather forecast to match.

In the morning when Sea Princess arrives there will be a formal port welcome on board to the Captain attended by Port Management and the Australian Ambassador to Ireland Dr. Ruth Adler.

Following this, there will be a civic welcome ashore with the Captain and Cruise Director of Sea Princess and the Australian Ambassador at 11.30 am in Cobh Heritage Centre, adjacent to the quayside.

With such a rich and poignant history of emigration from the Port of Cork, particularly from Cobh (formerly Queenstown) to Australia, this "special Irish Australia Day" will not only mark the visit of this spectacular cruise liner but will also remind visitors of the thousands who left or were deported from Ireland bound for a life down under. With this in mind, a "Blessing of the Bonnets" ceremony will take place in memory of all convict women transported from Ireland to Australia.

Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager Port of Cork has for some time being working with Princess Cruises to secure the call of Sea Princess on her world cruise. With so many Australian roots here, the Port of Cork was thrilled when they received confirmation that the World schedule included Cobh.

Of the 60 cruise liners calling to the Port of Cork in 2013, 11 vessels carry the very distinctive brand of Princess Cruises and they alone will bring over 30,000 visitors to Cork Harbour and its regional attractions. In addition, August is set to be one of the busiest months on record for the port, with 21 liners calling.

With so much happening in Cobh on Sunday, cruise passengers and visitors to Cobh are set to have a fantastic day with local traditional music and dance, fascinating Australian themed shop window displays, sizzling barbecues, food stalls and local arts and crafts stalls on display.

A performance by the Band 1 Southern Brigade will take place at 2.30 pm in the town park and will be followed by more local entertainers. Captain McCarthy stated that "the tremendous work undertaken by Cobh Tourism and the team spirit of all organisations and Councils working together has put Cobh and the entire Cork region a "must see destination" on the cruise companies calendar.

The Cobh Confraternity Brass and Reed Band will play on the quayside as the Sea Princess sails to continue its 104 night odyssey around the World.

Will the traditional "Anchors Aweigh" be replaced by "Tie Me Kangaroo down Sport" as 2000 happy passengers are given a traditional Cobh farewell with white handkerchiefs and Australian and Irish flags waving.

#PortofCork - Plans to start a new Motorway of the Sea between Port of Cork and Gijon in northern Spain was called for at the Ireland-Iberia Trade and Transport Round Table forum which was held in Dublin today.

The IEA chief executive calls for a direct sea-freight connection with one of our longest established markets –in Spain- as way to boost the flagging exports to that market.

Last year exports to Spain amounted to €2.9 billion, this is down by €400 million from the €3.3 billion exports in 2007 . There is sufficient volume to support a new direct service to the Iberian Peninsula -- Ireland exported 230,000 tonnes of goods and imported 701,000 tonnes. Currently 110,000 tonnes of goods move between Ireland and Iberia by road with the consequent cost, environmental impact and susceptibility to British and French restrictions on HGV traffic and road-usage charges.

For some considerable time the Port of Cork and Port of Gijon in northern Spain have been working together on the feasibility of setting up and launching a 'maritime motorway' between the two ports by means of a regular, twice-weekly roll-on/roll-of ferry service which would complete the journey in 25 hours and reduce the total time and cost associated with the movement of goods between the island of Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula.

According to Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager of the Port of Cork "the service will facilitate and enhance the already significant freight and tourist activity between the two regions".

John Whelan, IEA chief executive stated; "The advent of the Irish government's new ports policy together with major investment by Spanish authorities in the Port of Gijon and its 4 million square metre multimodal logistics park ZALIA, and EU incentives to encourage road freight traffic to mode-switch to short sea shipping, have lent considerable extra momentum to this initiative to establish a direct shipping connection between Ireland and Spain.''

The Ireland-Iberia Trade and Transport Round Table hosted by Patrick Daly, Managing Director of Alba Consulting at the Guinness Enterprise Centre on Tuesday 25th June from 1pm to 3.30pm will examine and review developments to date and the opportunities for the future including:
• Updated trade figures by transport mode between Ireland and Iberia.
• Port of Cork infrastructural developments and future strategy.
• Port of Gijon (Spain) developments and future strategy.
• ZALIA intermodal logistics park capabilities and advantages.
• Cork-Gijon RoRo service capabilities and advantages

Executives attending the event in Dublin will include delegates from major Irish importers and exporters such as Diageo, Irish Distillers, PepsiCo Worldwide Flavours, Glanbia, DSV, Celtic Logistics, LTL International among others as well as representatives from the Irish Exporters Association, Port of Cork, Port of Gijon (Spain) and ZALIA Logistics Park (Spain).

#portfofcork – Are you a budding photographer with a keen interest in all things related to Cork Harbour and the Port of Cork? If so then you should enter the Port of Cork Photography Competition.

Through the lens of people who live and visit Cork, this competition is looking for exciting imagery which reflects the theme "Cork Harbour – A Port in Focus". Cork Harbour and the Port of Cork play such important roles in the everyday lives of many people and it is hoped that some of this can be captured through imaginative photographs of our action-packed harbour.

The winning photographer will have his/her photograph designed into a postcard which will be made available free to tourists via local tourist offices and will also be given to individual cruise passengers when they visit Cork. The winner will also be invited to a special launch of their postcard in July, when An Post and the Port of Cork will unveil a new stamp collection.

The competition is open to all ages and levels based on the theme "Cork Harbour – A Port in Focus". The closing date for entries is 10th July 2013.

Photographs must be based on the theme "Cork Harbour – A Port in Focus" and can be emailed to Sara Mackeown [email protected] by the 10th July. Late entries will not be accepted. Photographs should be no larger than 3MB. Winner will be announced on 12th July 2013. Please do not submit faces of people without their prior permission. The winner will retain full copyright of their image but must allow Port of Cork to reproduce the image, without charge, on the postcard and for PR and promotional purposes.

For more information please contact Sara Mackeown, Port of Cork Tel 021 4625375 or email [email protected]

The Port of Cork and the Port of Shenzhen today formally signed a Sister Port Agreement which will see both ports developing the trade and shipping business while deepening the understanding and relationship between each other. The signing took place in the Port of Cork offices during a two day visit of eleven delegates from Shenzhen to the Port of Cork.

The Port of Shenzhen and the Port of Cork are important ports in their respective regions and given the growth of the world's shipping industry Shenzhen Port and the Port of Cork face common opportunities as well as challenges. The Port of Shenzhen is one of the busiest and fastest growing ports in southern mainland China. Located in the southern region of the Pearl River Delta in China's Guangdong province, it is the economic hinterland for Hong Kong trade with the Mainland and also one of the most important ports in terms of China's international trade.

Shenzhen port is home to 39 shipping companies with 131 international container routes. There are 560 ships on call at Shenzhen port on a monthly basis and also 21 feeder routes to other ports in the Pearl River Delta region.
This sister port agreement will see the leadership and management of both ports maintaining regular contact and will look to send staff for an exchange of visits to their respective ports to discuss issues of mutual benefit and further enrich the cooperation and collaboration between both ports. There will also be an agreement to recommend beneficial partners to each other.

Speaking at the signing of the sister port agreement, Chairman of the Port of Cork, John Mullins said: "We have signed this sister port agreement with the Port of Shenzhen to the benefit of both ports. We anticipate much cooperation and exchanging of port expertise into the future and we know the Port of Cork can expect to learn a lot from Shenzhen in terms of international trade, port development and expanding our services."

He continued: "This really is an excellent opportunity for the Port of Cork and one we intend to maximise.

Both ports are committed to working together to draw upon the experience and business expertise between the two ports and broaden the exchange and cooperation between each other in the areas of port planning and building, operation and management, environmental protection, information technology, personnel training and port security.

During their visit to the Port of Cork, the delegates from Shenzhen visited the port facilities, Cork City and Cobh.

#NavalVisit- While Dublin Port has a flotilla of visiting European naval visitors, the Port of Cork also has a call from a Canadian Navy frigate this weekend, writes Jehan Ashmore.

HMCS St John's (FFH 340) which arrived yesterday to Cork Harbour, is the eleventh of twelve 'Halifax' class frigates and one of the most combat capable warships in the world.

The frigate was commissioned in 1996 in St. John's, Newfoundland and is armed with systems to deal with surface and air threats as well. This combination makes the class the work-horses of the Canadian Navy task group concept.

Listed below are some principle specifications of the Halifax class frigates.

Speed: 29+ knots
Endurance:
7,100 nautical miles at 15 knots (diesel)
4,500 nautical miles at 15 knots (turbine)
Complement: 225 (including air detachment)
Range: 9,500 nautical miles

HMCS St. John's is berthed alongside J.J. Horgan's Wharf on Cork's city's central quays.

In total the Canada Navy has 33 warships, submarines, and coastal defence vessels which are divided more or less evenly between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

The naval bases of the Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) are in Halifax, Nova Scotia and for the Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) this is located in Esquimalt, British Columbia.

#CruiseConference- At the Cruise Europe conference held in Le Havre yesterday, plans for the new sulphur emissions regulations due to come into force in 2015 were among the issues discussed at the event.

Captain Michael McCarthy, chair of Cruise Europe and commercial manager at the Port of Cork addressed the potential for fuel shortages when emission control areas (ECAs) come into force in 2015. Citing likely competition between marine and land-based users, he said: "There is a huge shortfall in oil refining in Europe. The European Union may have no choice but to offer derogation by 2015."

McCarthy addressed changes brought about by globalisation of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), commenting: "Cruise Europe is happy to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with CLIA Europe to continue to promote consistency of product quality in Europe." For more on this story CruiseandFerry.net reports

#CruiseCORK – The first caller of the Cork cruise season is to be made this evening by Discovery, which as previously reported also started the 2013 season to Dublin Port last week, writes Jehan Ashmore.

She is to due to dock around 22.00hrs this evening alongside the deepwater berth at Cobh Cruise Terminal and where she will make an overnight visit.

A total of 60 cruise ships are scheduled to call in 2013, carrying in excess of 100,000 passengers and crew to be welcomed to the region.

Also recently reported on Afloat.ie was the announcement that the Port of Cork Company is to become 'a sister port' in an alliance with PortMiami, the "Cruise Capital of the World".

Close to 700 passengers can be accommodated on Discovery which is making her debut season operating cruises for Cruise & Maritime Voyages. On this cruise she embarked passengers from her homeport of Avonmouth, near Bristol in north Devon.

The UK based CMV are running cruises by the 20,000 tonnes vessel (and Marco Polo) this season. In tandem the owners of Discovery - Voyages of Discovery are marketing their own cruises using the same vessel under the 'Discovery Sailaway' banner.

Considerably larger cruiseships will call throughout the season to Cork Harbour, for further details and dates click this LINER-LIST.

For example the next caller on 27 April is Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) Vision of the Seas, of 78, 000 tonnes with a capacity for more than 2,400 passengers.