Quinn Cement Facility in Warrenpoint to Support Export Growth Post-Brexit

23rd February 2017

Warrenpoint Harbour is to expand with a new Quinn Cement export hub. The facility is expected to underpin the economy on both sides of the border and in the south of England. Seen above is a 'M' class bulk-carrier of Arklow Shipping along with the bunker tanker Mersey Spirit which has featured in 'Ports & Shipping' news throughout the years. Credit: WHA

#QuinnCement - Quinn Cement and Warrenpoint Harbour Authority have announced the opening of a new cement export hub at the Co. Down port.

The £2.5 million investment reflects a 10-year deal between the Cavan-based company and WHA. Final commissioning of the new facility was completed at the end of last month.

The export hub, which has an operational capacity of 7,500 tonnes will be dedicated to the export of bulk cement from the Quinn Cement operations in Ireland. The investment is a key pillar in Quinn Cement’s growth agenda for its GB operations and complements a £1.3 million upgrade to the Quinn Cement GB import facility in Rochester, Kent.

Commenting on the development Dara O’Reilly, CFO of Quinn Industrial Holdings said “This is an important and timely development for the business ahead of Brexit. It will allow Quinn Cement to strengthen our supply chain for bulk product, accommodate more flexible transport from our production facility in Co. Cavan and enhance the competiveness and sustainability of our operations on both islands. It also represents an endorsement of our working relationship with Warrenpoint Harbour Authority who have been extremely good to work with.

“Importantly, we believe this investment will help sustain and grow jobs at Quinn Cement and underpin economic activity on both sides of the border and in the south of England.”

Commenting on the development Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Chief Executive, Peter Conway said “The Port is delighted to consolidate the excellent trading relationship with Quinn Cement with the opening of the new export hub at the harbour. This investment and 10-year deal demonstrates the long term commitment of both parties to the successful business venture and is a major enhancement to the port’s trade."

"The Quinn Cement venture is a further demonstration of the Port working as an economic driver creating prosperity and jobs in the local economy and the Authority wishes Quinn every success in the future growth of its business.” added the Chief Executive.

Published in Warrenpoint Port, Ports & Shipping

Published in Warrenpoint Port

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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About Warrenpoint Port

The Original Port of Warrenpoint was constructed in the late 1770s and acted as a lightering port for the much larger Port of Newry.

Following the demise of Newry Port Warrenpoint Harbour Authority was created as a Trust Port by legislation in 1971. The modern Port was completed in 1974 when it covered 28 acres. Since then the port has expanded to its current size of approximately 53 Acres. The Authority has just completed a £22 Million capital infrastructure project (under the terms of a Service of General Economic Interest with the Department for Regional Development) that includes, the construction of a 300 Metres of Deep Water Quay (7.5 Metres C.D), new Ro-Ro berthing facilities, additional lands and covered storage facilities and a new 100 Tonne mobile crane.

Warrenpoint Port is the second largest port in Northern Ireland and the fifth-biggest on the island of Ireland.

Warrenpoint Harbour Authority was created as a Trust Port by legislation in 1971.

In 2018, the value of goods moving through Warrenpoint Port was £6.5 billion. The Port handled 3.56 million tonnes in 2017, increasing to 3.6m in 2018.

The port employs 70 staff directly and supports over 1,500 in the local economy.

In addition to serving the markets in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, the Port deals with imports and exports from countries and regions across the world including to Spain, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Ukraine and the Americas.

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