Displaying items by tag: Marine Industry Awards

6th July 2017

Shannon Foynes Port Company Winner of Marine Industry Award

Declan McDonald, Partner, PwC presents the Ports & Harbours Operator of the Year award to Pat Keating, CEO, Shannon Foynes Port Company.

#ShannonEstuary - Shannon Foynes Port Company was announced as the winner of Ports & Harbours Operator of the Year at the Marine Industry Awards 2017.

In the third annual hosting of the event (click here), SFPC – which oversees commercial navigation on the Shannon Estuary and is Ireland’s largest bulk port company - took the top award for ports for the first time. The win, which was announced at the awards in Galway, is a further endorsement of the success of the company, which has achieved remarkable growth year on year since 2011.

The award winners are selected by an independent panel of recognised and expert judges, representing Ireland's marine sector.

Speaking after receiving the award, SFPC CEO Pat Keating said it was validation of the collective efforts of the team. “We’re delighted as this is an endorsement of the efforts being made by the company over recent years. We have really turned the business around since the downturn and today SFPC is one of the key contributors to the regional economy.

“Last year we had growth of 11.4% in year on year tonnages at our general cargo terminals, bringing us close to peak tonnages of the boom and delivering double digit growth for the second successive year. This award very much recognises those gains.

“It also recognises the ambition of the company, backed up by a capital expenditure programme by us and our customers that has seen €40m spent at Foynes alone over the past three years.”

SFPC facilitates trade valued at €7.6bn per annum, with an economic impact arising from this of €1.9bn – equivalent to 1% of Ireland’s entire GDP – and supports 3,372 jobs in the regional economy.

The company’s ambitious plan, Vision 2041, is focussed on helping to transform the estuary into an international economic hub by taking advantage of what are among the deepest and sheltered harbours in Europe & the world.

Published in Shannon Estuary

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Marine Industry Awards

5th July 2017

Winners of the Marine Industry Awards 2017

Minister Michael Creed and the winners of the third annual Marine Industry Awards held as part of the recent Seafest event in Galway

#MarineAwards - The winners of The Marine Industry Awards 2017 were revealed at the gala awards ceremony which took place as part of SeaFest in Galway.

In total 16 categories were announced at the premier event in Ireland for showcasing on a national scale the outstanding excellence and innovation in Ireland's marine sector. This was the third such year that the annual event has been held.

As for the winner of the prestigious Marine Industry Leader 2017, Sean O’Donoghue was the worthy recipient of the trophy. The award sponsored by the National Maritime College of Ireland, is in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the growth of the marine industry in Ireland.

A graduate of Civil Engineering from University College, Cork, Sean has been the CEO of Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation since 2000. He has a long and established career in fisheries management and has worked across a wide array of areas such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and state seafood agency, Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

Below are the winners of each of the categories representing what is best in the Marine Industry in Ireland.

Overall Marine Excellence Award

6th March 2017

Entries Open for Marine Industry Awards

#MarineAwards - The Marine Industry Awards are Ireland's premier event to showcase on a national scale excellence and innovation within our marine sector.

Now in the third year, the Awards are a significant event which will be held during SeaFest in Galway. The Awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, June 29th at the Radisson Blu Galway.

The Awards offers a unique opportunity to celebrate industry excellence and network with its most distinguished figures and leading organisations.

Of the 15 categories open for entries, the Marine Industry Awards offer companies an excellent opportunity to showcase the diversity of the marine sector, and the role of companies operating within it. Winners will be selected by an esteemed panel of judges comprising of well-respected professionals and experts across all areas of the marine industry.

So to considering entering your company, entries are now open until April 12th, to apply click online here.

Below are the list of the 15 Marine Industry categories.

Overall Marine Excellence Award

Marine Industry Leader 2017

Future Achiever Award

Ports & Harbours Operator of the Year – Large

Ports & Harbours Operator of the Year – Small

Ship Operator of the Year

Offshore Ireland Award

Marine Tourism & Leisure Operator of the Year

Marine Industry Supplier of the Year

Seafood Business Innovation Award

Seafood Sustainability Award

Excellence in Marine Renewable Energy Award

Excellence in Marine Safety Award

Excellence in Marine Technology Award

Excellence in Marine Education & Training Award

Excellence in Marine Research Award

Excellence in the Provision of Professional Services to the Marine Industry

In addition to assist in making an application for a category, click this PDF Entry Guide booklet here.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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9th July 2016

Shipping Review: Reduced Exposure on Brexit, Marine Industry Awards & Port Volumes Rise

#ShippingReview - Jehan Ashmore reviews the shipping scene and of the following stories among the last fortnight.

Enterprise Ireland are to seek its clients to be less reliant on UK markets following Brexit, this is to reduce exports by about 7% over the next five years.

Bad news for Irish exporters into the UK as imports will decline as foreign products become more expensive due to weakening sterling, ratings agency Fitch has warned.

At the second annual Marine Industry Awards, held in Galway, Dr Dave Jackson of the Marine Institute was named as Marine Industry Leader for 2016.

After 15 years the European Commission, Council and Parliament have agreed on Port Regulation, a legal framework for organising port services and financial transparency for ports.

Following completion of a series of three freight train trials will enable Irish Rail to increase loads by 50%.

CSO figures reveal an increase in Irish port volumes that handled 50.7 million tonnes of goods in 2015, an increase of 3.2 million tonnes (+6.7%) when compared to 2014.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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1st July 2016

Marine Industry Awards Recognise Excellence

Winners at the 2016 Marine Industry Awards in Galway on 30 June

#MarineAwards - The second annual Marine Industry Awards, hosted last night (Thursday 30 June) at the Radisson Blu Galway, saw Dr Dave Jackson of the Marine Institute named as Marine Industry Leader for 2016.

The Marine Institute was proud to sponsor four prestigious awards at last night's ceremony, held to coincide with SeaFest in the City of the Tribes.

These included the Excellence in Marine Technology Award, which went to Seagull Buoys – JFC Manufacturing, and the Excellence in Marine Education and Training Award presented to the Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training (SMART).

The Excellence in Marine Research Award went to the Coastal/Ocean Observing System, NUI Galway, while the award for Excellence in the Provision of Professional Services to the Marine Industry, sponsored by the Irish Maritime Development Office, went to GAC Training and Service Solutions.

Marin eMinister Michael Creed and Marine Institute chief executive Dr Peter Heffernan commended all the awardees on their success.

On Dr Jackson's award, Dr Heffernan said: "This award is a tremendous recognition of the significant role Dave has played in the development of the aquaculture industry both in Ireland and on an international level.

"I would like to personally acknowledge this achievement as a reflection of his career spanning over 30 years, dedicated to the advancement and expansion of the aquaculture industry."

The event was hosted by comic and broadcaster Colm O'Regan, with 19 prestigious trophies presented to the very best leaders and organisations operating across Ireland's marine industry.

According to the organisers, the Marine Industry Awards provide a voice for the individuals and companies that play a significant role in the growth and development of the industry in Ireland while recognising the key functions within the industry that promote growth and sustainability including manufacturing, port operations, logistics and commercial excellence to innovation, tourism and leisure, sustainability, aquaculture, education as well as many others.

A full list of last night's winners is available HERE.

Published in News Update

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16th April 2016

Galway To Host Marine Industry Awards This June

#MarineIndustryAwards - The Marine Industry Awards 2016 will take place at the Radisson Blu Galway in association with SeaFest, Ireland's national maritime festival, on Thursday 30 June.

Debuting in Dublin last year as the Maritime Industry Awards, the ceremony has been revamped to greater encompass all aspects of the maritime and marine sectors, and celebrate their contribution to the Irish economy.

The Marine Industry Awards provide a voice for the individuals and companies that play a significant role in the growth and development of the industry in Ireland while recognising the key functions within the industry that promote growth and sustainability.

The deadline for entries at 5pm next Friday 22 April is fast approaching – with award categories ranging from manufacturing, port operations, logistics & commercial excellence to innovation, tourism & leisure, sustainability, aquaculture, education as well as many others.

National Maritime College of Ireland head Conor Mowlds chairs a judging panel that includes a number of names returning from last year's awards:

Liam Lacy, director, Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) Shipping Industry
Donal Maguire, Bord Iascaigh Mhara
Dermot Clohessy, Marine Institute
Dr Margaret Rae, Marine Institute
Lorcan O’Cinnéide, Irish Fish Processors
Prof Patrick Shannon, Irish Offshore Operators’ Association
Yvonne Shields, Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport
Declan Meally, SEAI
Dave Ronayne, Mainport
Robert Dix, KPMG

For more details visit the Marine Industry Awards website HERE.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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Marine Industry Awards

About The Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic, often mentioned in the same breath as the Rolex Fastnet, The Rolex Sydney–Hobart and Newport-Bermuda as a 'must do' race. The Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club co-founded the race in 1968 and 2007 was the 28th Edition. Save for a break between 1984 and 1995 the event has been run annually attracting 25–30 yachts. In recent years, the number of entries has rissen sharply to 68 boats thanks to a new Organising Committee who managed to bring Rolex on board as title sponsor for the Middle Sea Race.

The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions. Equally, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course, taking competitors close to a number of islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the MSR as "the most beautiful race course in the world".

Apart from Turner, famous competitors have included Eric Tabarly, Cino Ricci, Herbert von Karajan, Jim Dolan, Sir Chay Blyth and Sir Francis Chichester (fresh from his round the world adventure). High profile boats from the world's top designers take part, most in pursuit of line honours and the record – competing yachts include the extreme Open 60s, Riviera di Rimini and Shining; the maxis, Mistress Quickly, Zephyrus IV and Sagamore; and the pocket rockets such as the 41-foot J-125 Strait Dealer and the DK46, Fidessa Fastwave.

In 2006, Mike Sanderson and Seb Josse on board ABN Amro, winner of the Volvo Ocean Race, the super Maxis; Alfa Romeo and Maximus and the 2006 Rolex Middle Sea Race overall winner, Hasso Platner on board his MaxZ86, Morning Glory.

George David on board Rambler (ex-Alfa Romeo) managed a new course record in 2007 and in 2008, Thierry Bouchard on Spirit of Ad Hoc won the Rolex Middle Sea Race on board a Beneteau 40.7

The largest number of entries was 78 established in 2008.

Middle Sea Race History

IN THE BEGINNING

The Middle Sea Race was conceived as the result of sporting rivalry between great friends, Paul and John Ripard and an Englishman residing in Malta called Jimmy White, all members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. In the early fifties, it was mainly British servicemen stationed in Malta who competitively raced. Even the boats had a military connection, since they were old German training boats captured by the British during the war. At the time, the RMYC only had a few Maltese members, amongst who were Paul and John Ripard.

So it was in the early sixties that Paul and Jimmy, together with a mutual friend, Alan Green (later to become the Race Director of the Royal Ocean Racing Club), set out to map a course designed to offer an exciting race in different conditions to those prevailing in Maltese coastal waters. They also decided the course would be slightly longer than the RORC's longest race, the Fastnet. The resulting course is the same as used today.

Ted Turner, CEO of Turner Communications (CNN) has written that the Middle Sea Race "must be the most beautiful race course in the world. What other event has an active volcano as a mark of the course?"

In all of its editions since it was first run in 1968 – won by Paul Ripard's brother John, the Rolex Middle Sea Race has attracted many prestigious names in yachting. Some of these have gone on to greater things in life and have actually left their imprint on the world at large. Amongst these one finds the late Raul Gardini who won line honours in 1979 on Rumegal, and who spearheaded the 1992 Italian Challenge for the America's Cup with Moro di Venezia.

Another former line honours winner (1971) who has passed away since was Frenchman Eric Tabarly winner of round the world and transatlantic races on Penduik. Before his death, he was in Malta again for the novel Around Europe Open UAP Race involving monohulls, catamarans and trimarans. The guest list for the Middle Sea Race has included VIP's of the likes of Sir Francis Chichester, who in 1966 was the first man to sail around the world single-handedly, making only one stop.

The list of top yachting names includes many Italians. It is, after all a premier race around their largest island. These include Navy Admiral Tino Straulino, Olympic gold medallist in the star class and Cino Ricci, well known yachting TV commentator. And it is also an Italian who in 1999 finally beat the course record set by Mistress Quickly in 1978. Top racing skipper Andrea Scarabelli beat it so resoundingly, he knocked off over six hours from the time that had stood unbeaten for 20 years.

World famous round the world race winners with a Middle Sea Race connection include yachting journalist Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Les Williams, both from the UK.

The Maxi Class has long had a long and loving relationship with the Middle Sea Race. Right from the early days personalities such as Germany's Herbert Von Karajan, famous orchestra conductor and artistic director of the Berliner Philarmoniker, competing with his maxi Helisara IV. Later came Marvin Greene Jr, CEO of Reeves Communications Corporation and owner of the well known Nirvana (line honours in 1982) and Jim Dolan, CEO of Cablevision, whose Sagamore was back in 1999 to try and emulate the line honours she won in 1997.

THE COURSE RECORD

The course record was held by the San Francisco based, Robert McNeil on board his Maxi Turbo Sled Zephyrus IV when in 2000, he smashed the Course record which now stands at 64 hrs 49 mins 57 secs. Zephyrus IV is a Rechiel-Pugh design. In recent years, various maxis such as Alfa Romeo, Nokia, Maximus and Morning Glory have all tried to break this course record, but the wind Gods have never played along. Even the VOR winner, ABN AMro tried, but all failed in 2006.

However, George David came along on board Rambler in 2007 and demolished the course record established by Zephyrus IV in 2000. This now stands at 1 day, 23 hours, 55 minutes and 3 seconds.

At A Glance - Middle Sea Race 2024

First held: 1968

Organising Authority: Royal Malta Yacht Club

Start

The 45th Rolex Middle Sea Race will start on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

Grand Harbour, Valletta: seven separate starts, at 10-minute intervals, from 11:00 CEST Saturday, 21 October 2024

Start Line: between the Saluting Battery, Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta) and Fort St Angelo (Birgu)

Various vantage points all around the Grand Harbour, high up on the bastions or at water level. Harbour access for spectator boats is restricted during the period of the start.

Course

Set in the heart of the Mediterranean and is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It starts and finishes in Malta, passes two active volcanoes and takes in the deep azure waters surrounding Sicily, and the Aeolian and Egadi Islands, as well as lonelier outposts of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, both closer to the African continent than Europe.

Length: 606 nautical miles (1,122km)

Outright Race Record: 33h 29m 28s, Argo, United States, Jason Carroll

Monohull Race Record: 40h 17m 50s, Comanche, Cayman Is, Mitch Booth