#MCIB - Lack of adherence to standard navigation procedures led to the grounding of a German-owned container ship on the Arklow Bank in January this year, according to the official report into the incident.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the MV Arslan II - which was sailing to Belfast from Turkey with a 4,000mt cargo of steel products - was dry-docked at Dublin Port after damaging her rudder on the sandbank some six miles off the Wicklow coast on 14 January.

A familiar visitor to the Irish Sea for more than two decades, mostly under her former name Coastal Isle, the ship was held in Dublin for more than two months while investigators from the Maritime Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) examined all aspects of the vessel and the circumstances surrounding her grounding.

Their report is highly critical of the management of the 89m cargo ship, noting among other things that a stability calculation was not prepared on departure from her first port of call at Ceuta on the Strait of Gibraltar. Neither were her departure drafts or freeboard recorded in the ship's official log.

Stability proved to be an issue on the voyage, with a copy of the plan in force at the time of the incident showing the master's concerns at the vessel's heavy rolling even in even Force 4 winds.

Weather forecasts of Force 6 to 7 winds prompted the ship's master to alter course on approach to the Arklow Bank in the Irish Sea, seeking shelter from the coast.

But via a combination of outdated charts and incorrect tide tables, over-reliance on GPS over visual navigation cues, and miscommunication between deck officers, the Arslan II passed the southern marker buoy on the wrong side and grounded on the south end of the sandbank.

The MCIB took the ship's master to task for failing to report the grounding incident to the Irish Coast Guard, instead chartering her own tug to tow the vessel to the nearest available port large enough to accommodate her, which was Dublin.

In addition, investigators discovered that this was the second grounding incident for the vessel, following an incident in Scottish waters on the Isle of Bute in July 2012.

The full MCIB report is available to download below.

#Self-Stevedoring - A cement business with a plant in Dublin Port has been awarded a port company licence to unload its own ships to cut costs, writes The Irish Times.

The first self-handling stevedoring licence issued by the port company is to the Irish cement producer Ecocem. The cement business has a manufacturing plant in the port and expects to use approximately 150,000 tonnes of imported granulated blast furnace slag, which it uses in its production process, next year.

Conor O'Riain, managing director of Ecocem Ireland, said that aside form being the first self-stevedoring licence awarded, it is also the first licence issued to a new stevedoring operator in some time.

In November last year, the Competition Authority completed an investigation into the Irish ports sector and said competition in the sector could be improved.

For more on this story The Irish Times reports.

#NewGantryCrane – A new rubber tyre gantry crane (RGT) for Burke Shipping Group's container terminal in Dublin Port is currently been assembled and is due to be operational in a fortnight, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The investment by BSG in the quayside infrastructure is to facilitate growing demand and increase capacity at the container terminal located in Alexandra Basin.

The RTG was manufactured by Killarney based Liebherr Container Cranes. This brings to 7 the total of RTG's in operation coupled with 12 cranes representing a €30 million investment by BSG.

In addition to the group operates container terminals in Belfast, Cork and Foynes.

#EUdublinport – According to INEA, almost €2.5 million will be co-funded from the EU TEN-T Programme for studies into the capacity development of the Port of Dublin.

The studies are to improve the freight traffic connection to the main rail and road axis linking Ireland to the UK and continental Europe.

The project covers a set of preparatory studies for the construction works of the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment (ABR) global project with the aim to increase the port's capacity and adapt it to customer needs, mainly in the freight sector.

After the completion of works the port will be able to accommodate larger ships and provide them with multipurpose berths for multiple transport modes.

The studies include planning, environmental impact assessment, hearings on the project, economic and financial assessment, preparation and application for all relevant permits, licenses and consents, as well as procurement of detailed design services and documentation for the construction phase.

The project was selected for EU funding with the assistance of external experts under the TEN-T Multi-Annual Call 2013, priority projects.

Its implementation will be monitored by INEA, the European Commission's Innovation and Networks Executive Agency.

The project is to be completed by the end of 2015. For more about the INEA click this LINK.

#DublinPortPlan - One of the groups which successfully campaigned against Dublin Port Company's plans to infill 52 acres of the bay, Dublin Bay Watch has welcomed new plans to expand the port on its existing land base.

However, the group has warned the plans to double the capacity of the port could have serious environmental impacts on EU protected habitats in the bay.

At an An Bord Pleanála hearing yesterday morning, Dublin Bay Watch said the current plan was a welcome departure from 40 years of " failed attempts" to infill parts of the bay.

A planning hearing has opened into Dublin Port plans to redevelop Alexandra Basin in the north Port area - the first part of the port company's "Masterplan 2012 to 2040".Dublin Port unveils plan for expansion. For more The Irish Times has a report HERE.

#dublinport –  The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, TD, today officially opened Dublin Port Company's new trade car terminal.

The new terminal is located at East Wall Road and will cater for 2,500 vehicles at a time, monitored by a state-of-the-art security system manned on a 24/7/365 basis. The opening follows a 13 month development and construction phase and €3.4 million investment by Dublin Port Company in the new facility.
The works include the construction of a new 80m flyover bridge across East Wall Road. The bridge allows cars to move between the port estate and the new terminal without any interruption to traffic in the surrounding areas. The perimeter of the terminal also incorporates a 'living wall', or vertical façade of green plants, which will be visible from East Wall Road by mid-next year as a permanent feature of the facility.
Measuring 4.3 hectares, the terminal will accommodate the growing number of trade vehicles entering Dublin Port as Ireland returns to economic growth. Figures for 2014 already show a strong increase in numbers.
There were 58,399 trade vehicles recorded in the first nine months of 2014, up 29.8% on the 44,987 that arrived in the same period last year. New figures for the third quarter this year show the arrival of 14,802 trade vehicles, mostly new cars destined for car dealerships, up 48.8% on the corresponding quarter in 2013.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, TD, said: "The opening of the new trade car terminal at Dublin Port signals confidence in Ireland's economic recovery and motor industry. The car industry supports thousands of jobs and this investment by Dublin Port Company will further facilitate the growth in this sector. The opening of the terminal today reaffirms Dublin Port Company's commitment to planning for future growth in a timely and forward-thinking manner."
Eamonn O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company said: "Dublin Port Company is pleased to officially open our new trade car terminal today. We have invested €3.4 million in developing this facility that will cater for the growing number of trade vehicles arriving at Dublin Port. The trade vehicle figures for 2014 are already positive, up almost 30% on this time last year. We expect 2014 to be Dublin Port's strongest year for trade since the peak of 2007 and trade vehicle imports will be an integral part of future growth."
Lucy McCaffrey, Chairperson, Dublin Port Company said: "Dublin Port Company made a commitment in the Masterplan to utilise existing lands to the greatest extent possible. By locating the new trade car terminal on East Wall Road, Dublin Port Company has further consolidated its use of existing quayside space, allowing other port operations to benefit from improved proximity to the quays. Today's trade car terminal opening is a very practical example of how Dublin Port Company is delivering on that commitment under the Masterplan."

#PortCentreTours – Open House Dublin is to feature the Port Centre, the headquarters of Dublin Port Company next weekend with public tours on Saturday 18 October (11.00am – 5.00pm) and Sunday 19 October (12.00pm – 5.00pm).

The Port Centre designed by Architects Niall Scott, Scott Tallon Walker is among over 100 tours, events and workshops during Open House Dublin (incl. Friday 17 October) organised by the Irish Architecture Foundation.

All events are free and most available on a first-come basis as will be the case of the Port Centre. The building was commissioned by DPC's predecessor, the Dublin Port and Docks Board (DP&DB) which intended the building with a strong visual presence in the port.

The six-storey building dating from 1981 sits on a raised podium with the top floor dedicated to plant and ancillary accommodation, while four floors provide office space with spectacular views over the city.

At the time of construction the Board undertook extensive consultation on modern office configurations and the building was designed to embrace change and innovation. The structure is expressed externally in pre-cast concrete columns and beams.

Last tour of the Port Centre is 30 minutes prior to closing. Tours based on a first-come basis, so just turn up and look out for Open House Dublin volunteers.

Location: Alexandra Road East Wall, (approximately mid-way) between the East-Link Bridge and Port Tunnel.

Public Transport: Dublin Bus Routes: 53/151 to East Wall Road or take the LUAS (Red Line) to The Point (terminus) noting city centre stops at Connolly Station and Busaras.

As previously reported, tours of the Commissioners of Irish Lights Headquarters in Dun Laoghaire Harbour are on Sunday 19 October.

#DublinPort - Dublin Port is expecting record trade figures in 2014 on foot of rising passenger levels and that of overall freight throughput.

Third quarter results for 2014 show strong growth in the first nine months as the port saw a 7.3% increase in export and import trade as well to a 5.5% rise in ferry passenger numbers. To put into context this equates to over 635,000 passengers passing through the port (July-September) compared to the same period last year. So far the total for 2014 has reached 1,367,724 passengers.

According to the port company, trade levels continue to increase with total throughput (imports and exports) for Q3 up 5.7% to 7.8 million tonnes.

Total throughput for the year to date was 23.1 million tonnes, representing a 7.3% increase on the same nine month period last year. Compare this to levels in 2007 which had reached 23.6 million tonnes in Q3 of that year, during the height of Ireland's economic activity. With growth in trade set to continue in the coming quarter, 2014 is expected to be a record year for trade at the port.

Eamonn O'Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: "The figures for the third quarter show continued growth in trade levels at Dublin Port, with increases across the main areas of our business including import, export, trade vehicle and ferry passenger numbers. With 7.3% growth in total throughput for the year so far, Dublin Port is now on course to exceed the record trading figures recorded in 2007."

Imports for Q3 in 2014 reached over 4.6 million tonnes, while exports amounted to 3.1 million tonnes, representing an increase of 5.5% and 6.1% respectively on the same period last year.

High levels of growth were recorded for trade vehicles, mostly new cars destined for dealerships around the country. There were 14,802 new trade vehicles in Q3, up 48.8% on the same quarter last year. This brings the total number of trade vehicles so far this year to 58,399, up 29.8% on the 44,987 that arrived in the first nine months of 2013.

The figures in this sector underscore the 23% growth in car sales in Ireland published for the first half of the year, which represents more than the total number of sales for all of 2013.

There was particularly strong growth in Lo-Lo sector, which predominantly comprises consumer goods. In Q3, Lo-Lo twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) amounted to 145,374 TEU, bringing the total number of Lo-Lo units so far this year to 418,867 TEU, a 9.4% increase compared to the same period last year.

Operations in Ro-Ro sector also achieved strong results with 210,365 units recorded in Q3, up 7.0% on Q3 2013. This brought the total for the first nine months to 609,775 units, a 7.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

Commenting on the results, Minister for Transport, Paschal Donohoe T.D. said: "Dublin Port has an important role to play at the heart of the national and local economy, facilitating the effective movement of goods to and from the island".

"Today's trading figures show the resilience of the Irish economy and I commend Dublin Port Company on its strong trading performance in the third quarter and year to date. As a barometer of economic growth, the figures point to a very promising year for 2014 with strong increases in both throughput and ferry passenger numbers already evident. This is very welcome news indeed."

As previously reported, the port plans for an €200m expansion, the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment Project which would also require deepening of the channel to accommodate bigger ships, which was discussed at a An Bord Planeala hearing yesterday.

#DublinPortExpansion – The Irish Times writes that Dublin Port plans for a €200m expansion and redevelopment of a large section of the port and deepening navigation channel for bigger container and cruise ships was outlined at a planning hearing yesterday.

The development is phase one of the Dublin Port Company's masterplan to more than double its throughput from about 29 million tonnes in 2013 to 60 million tonnes in 2040.

The work does not include infilling of Dublin Bay, such as the plan to reclaim about 52 ares in the vicinity of Clontarf Yacht Club which was turned down by An Bord Pleanala in 2010.

Presenting the plan at a Bord Pleanála hearing yesterday Dublin Port Company chief executive Eamonn O'Reilly said the proposed phase of redevelopment would concentrate on the Alexandra Basin area in the north port.

Further coverage of port plans can be read here.

#dublinport –  Ireland's oldest Garda car was back on duty for the first time in over eighty years today, to help launch the inaugural Dublin "Vintage Port" Rally which is being supported by Dublin Port Company. The 1927 Model T Ford of Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP), later to become An Garda Siochána, will be one of over 150 beautifully maintained and rarely seen trucks, classic buses, vintage & classic cars and veteran fire & military vehicles on show. The rally takes place this Sunday 28th September from 10am – 6pm at Dublin Port's Trade Car Compound. The rally coincides with Dublin Port's Parade of Sail, which will see a flotilla of over 40 sail boats sail along the River Liffey to mark the recent installation of new permanent pontoons on the River Liffey at North Wall Quay.

Commenting, Eamonn O'Reilly, Chief Executive of Dublin Port Company, said, "The bygone sound of classic engines will be heard throughout Dublin on Sunday, as veteran, vintage and classic commercial vehicles from all over Ireland roar into Dublin Port for the inaugural Dublin "Vintage Port" Rally. The rally offers families a truly unique opportunity to view a slice of Ireland's by-gone transport history and I would encourage all Dubliners and visitors to come along to Dublin Port and enjoy a great day out in aid of Barnardos."

Commenting, Ed O'Neill, organiser of the Dublin 'Vintage Port' Rally said, "The rally provides a wonderful opportunity for classic vehicle enthusiasts to view up close a huge selection of the very best commercial and private vintage vehicles in the country. The 1927 DMP/ Garda Car will be just one of many fascinating vehicles on show."

Highlights of the rally include Dublin's oldest double decker bus, Leyland Titan TD4, RI of the Dublin United Transport Company, which dates back to 1937 and a Dennis F8 NIK 888 Fire Engine, which served Dubliners faithfully from 1956 to 1984.

As well as the many classic vehicles on show, there will be exhibition stalls, a children's play bus, model truck and bus exhibition, transport-themed stalls selling collectibles and food kiosks. Families will also be able to enjoy a nostalgic vintage bus trip on a London Routemaster Bus which will be giving guided tours of Dublin Port on the day

The rally will run from 10am – 6pm, at Dublin Port's Trade Car Compound, located at the junction of Sheriff Street Upper and East Wall Road. Access is via the main gate on East Wall Road. While some parking will be available on site and can be accessed via Alexandra Road, the public is encouraged to travel by the LUAS Red Line which terminates across the road from the rally venue.

More here