#LegenderryPort160 – Following another successful Legenderry Maritime Festival which culminated with a send-off farewell of Clipper Race yachts at the Parade of Sail on Sunday, the host port also celebrated their 160th anniversary.

Bonnie Anley, the new chairman of Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners commented on her delight having joined the commissioners in their 160th year. "In 1854, the Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners were set up to address the challenges facing a port city which wanted to expand its trading connections".

She added, "Over the past 160 years the port has played a vital role in the life of the city, from transatlantic trade and emigration, to WWII and the modern era.

The north-west port in the present day is a major economic driver for the region and handle over £1 billion worth of commodities per annum, with over 1000 associated jobs.

In 2013, the port had a a record year, with an increase of 27% in shipping. Furthermore, the port which is mostly centred at Lisahally on the east side of Lough Foyle, has acted as a hub for developing industries such as the renewable energy sector.

"We also play a key role in the development of marine leisure and cruise tourism, berthing cruise liners at Lisahally and Greencastle and running Foyle Port Marina to attract sailing and boating crews to the city".

"Providing the marine expertise to manage the arrival and departure of the Clipper Race fleet is a big part of this, and we've just finished a 40 metre extension to the Marina"

It's fantastic that the Foyle is attracting such high profile marine activity", concluded Chairman Bonnie Anley.

The commissioners are the Conservancy Authority for Lough Foyle between the harbour limits from Craigavon Bridge in the city to a line between Magilligan Point and Greencastle in Co. Donegal.

Between these locations is also where a car-ferry service is operated by the Lough Foyle Ferry Company.