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Port Progress — Belfast Harbour reported turnover of £97.1 million and underlying profit before tax of £44.4 million in 2025, with major investment planned under its 2050 Masterplan.
Belfast Harbour has reported another year of strong financial performance and major investment, according to its 2025 Annual Report. Turnover increased by 10.2% to £97.1 million, while underlying profit before tax rose 21% year-on-year to £44.4 million. The Trust Port…
Cruising Confidence — North Sails has launched its new NPL TOUR cruising sail service, combining custom sail design with long-term durability, an extended warranty and premium aftercare for cruising sailors.
North Sails has launched its new NPL TOUR cruising sail service, aimed at sailors seeking durable, custom-built sails for coastal and offshore cruising. The company says the new offering combines advanced sail design with lightweight, durable materials to provide long-term…
Unsung Heroes — The IMO's Day of the Seafarer recognises the vital contribution of the world's 1.8 million seafarers and highlights the growing risks faced by maritime workers keeping global trade moving.
Today is the 'Day of the Seafarer,' observed internationally each year on June 25, providing an opportunity to recognise the essential role of seafarers in global trade and the risks they bear in sustaining it.  This year, the International Maritime Agency…
Anniversary Watch — WIORA marks its 50th anniversary at this year’s West Coast Championships in Fenit, with more than 40 boats expected for four days of racing from July 1 to 4.
The West Coast Offshore Racing Association (WIORA) will celebrate its 50th anniversary when sailors gather in Fenit, Co Kerry, for the 2026 West Coast Championships from July 1 to 4. Excitement is already building at Tralee Bay Sailing Club as…
Future Focus — The Dargan Forum returns to Dún Laoghaire with a programme exploring Ireland’s green and digital transition, regional development, innovation, infrastructure and sustainable growth.
Leaders from business, local government, transport, healthcare and renewable energy will gather in Dún Laoghaire this week for the Dargan Forum 2026. The two-day event at the Royal Marine Hotel on June 24 and 25 will focus on delivering Ireland's…
Ocean Economy — Ireland's seafood industry remains a cornerstone of coastal communities, supporting almost 16,000 jobs as the sector adapts to lower quotas, tighter supplies and changing global markets.
Ireland’s seafood sector saw a sharp contraction in landing volumes in 2025 but continued to deliver growth in value, according to Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM). This demonstrated “strong global demand even as supply tightened”, its latest Business of Seafood report says. Landing volumes…
Safety First — Round Ireland Race competitor Stephen Breen poses alongside Spirit of Shackleton in Wicklow ahead of the race start, supporting the Irish launch of the Swiss-developed Airmarker marine distress location system.
A Swiss-developed marine safety device designed to improve search-and-rescue operations at sea is being launched in Ireland at the start of the Round Ireland Yacht Race in Wicklow this weekend. Airmarker, a balloon-based location system, will make its Irish debut…
UK Sailmakers Ireland is delighted to announce a major expansion of our market area and local network. Moving forward, our operations will officially extend to cover Scotland, Wales, and Northern England, significantly broadening our regional footprint. This growth aligns perfectly with the…
Custom Fit Edge — North Sails is promoting its bespoke sail design service, offering sailors personalised advice, custom quotations and tailored sail plans to match individual boats and performance goals.
North Sails has launched a campaign encouraging sailors to seek personalised sail solutions tailored to their boats and sailing ambitions. The sailmaker is offering custom quotations backed by expert advice, with recommendations tailored to boat specifications, sailing style, and performance…
United Voice — Delegates from across Europe gather in Istanbul for the 2026 European Boating Industry General Assembly, where members discussed sustainability, market intelligence and future priorities for the recreational boating sector.
The European Boating Industry (EBI) has expanded its membership and outlined future priorities at its 2026 General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey. Hosted by the Yacht and Boat Industry Association of Turkey (YATED), the meeting brought together representatives from across Europe's…
West Marine’s Buffalo, NY store
US boat retail chain West Marine is closing 59 stores as it files for bankruptcy, as Marine Industry News reports. A court hearing is scheduled for Thursday (11 June) as the beleaguered company attempts to restructure with an “omnichannel” model,…
Fjord Factor — An aerial view of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, often called the ‘Norway of Arabia’, shows the deeply indented coastline that has fuelled renewed discussion of a short canal linking inlets south of the Strait of Hormuz.
Construction of  a very short canal in Oman on the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz could help to solve current issues with shippingsince the US invasion of Iran, according to economist Pablo Rodas-Martini.Writing on LinkedIn, the former chief…
Driving Transition — Philip Easthill, Secretary-General of European Boating Industry, says a technology-neutral approach supported by infrastructure and investment is essential to the sector's energy transition.
European Boating Industry (EBI) has published a new roadmap outlining how marina infrastructure can support the energy transition in recreational boating across Europe. The document, titled Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe: A Roadmap for Alternative Fuel Infrastructure, sets…
Coastal Comfort – Dubarry’s new women’s UV and Sun Protection Clothing range combines Riviera technical polo styling with lightweight crew shorts designed for active sailing and warm-weather cruising.
Dubarry has launched a new women’s UV and Sun Protection Clothing range aimed at sailors and watersports enthusiasts ahead of the summer season. The collection combines technical performance with casual styling and includes new women’s crew shorts alongside the Riviera…
With the racing season well underway, UK Sailmakers Ireland are looking forward to the next big events including the Round Ireland Race, Cork Week and Calves Week. We have had a super busy season! J/109 Artfull Dodjer IRL 1713 with…
Sun Shield – Dubarry’s new Men’s UV and Sun Protection Clothing range combines the Imperia technical shorts with a lightweight long-sleeved polo designed for summer sailing and watersports.
Dubarry has expanded its Men’s UV and Sun Protection Clothing range with the launch of new technical sailing shorts and a lightweight performance polo. The new collection is aimed at sailors and watersports users seeking lightweight clothing with built-in protection…