Tom MacSweeney
Tom MacSweeney writes a column for Afloat.ie. He is former RTE Marine Correspondent/Presenter of Seascapes and has a monthly Seascapes Podcast on the Community Radio Network and Podcast services
The refurbished Soviet-era Admiral Nakhimov could become the world's most heavily armed surface warship, serving as the flagship of Russia's Northern Fleet. The ship was first visible in satellite imagery in Kola Bay on June 25. Kola Bay, also called…
After sailing around the world single-handed Cork’s Polish/Irish sailor, Jakub Ziemkiewicz, has decided to change his mind from never racing alone again on such a voyage. He is starting a four-year campaign to enter the McIntyre Golden Globe Race, also…
The Rankin Dinghy 'Worlds' scheduled for this weekend in Cork Harbour have been postponed because forecast weather conditions were considered too severe for the fleet. Organisers said the decision followed discussions with the Officer of the Day. Although the forecast…
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…
The Rankin class returns to the spotlight this weekend when its annual 'World Championships' are staged in Cork Harbour. Hosted by the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven, the two-day event will bring together one of Ireland's most distinctive traditional…
A new visitor attraction centred on the story of the Fastnet Lighthouse and the maritime heritage of Oileán Cléire is expected to open on Cape Clear Island in 2027. Known as Inis, the project will provide visitors with an introduction…
The number of seafarers abandoned by shipowners globally continues to increase according to two United Nations agencies - the International Maritime Organisation and the International Labour Organisation International Labour Organization (ILO), the latter being the specialised agency dedicated to improving…
Twenty-two boats are entered for this Friday’s Inishtearaght/Skelligs Race, organised by Kinsale Yacht Club and SCORA. The fleet includes defending champion Aurelia (J122), Cristina (NMD43), Blue Oyster (Oyster 37) and double-handed entries such as Katanca, Cinnamon Girl, Valfreya and Mach2.…
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The United Nations agency for the sea has adopted the first-ever international code of safety for the use of autonomous ships. The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee is meeting in London at its 111th session, which…
RMS Leinster Memorial To Be Unveiled in Dun Laoghaire This October
10th May 2026 Dun Laoghaire Harbour News
There is finally going to be a permanent memorial to those who died in the sinking of the R.M.S. Leinster on 10th October 1918. It will be unveiled on Saturday, October 10, the RMS Memorial Committee has told its supporters…
Port of Cork has launched a new weekly service route to the United States with global shipping company CMA CGM. The service commenced with the container vessel MV CMA CGM LOUGA sailing from Ringaskiddy Depwater Port. Atlantic Gateway Simon Smith,…
The Chief Executive of Hibernia Line, which has announced a new year-round ferry service between Ringaskiddy in Cork Harbour and Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France, has said that Ireland has been over-reliant on East Coast ports to carry freight to Europe.…
There will be a hundred events across Cork City and the harbour towns during the Cork Harbour Festival from May 30 to June 8. Niamh Glavin and Izzy Prendergast promote Cork Harbour Festival 2026. Photo: Clare Keogh Details of those…
A five-year plan for the future of Cork Port, described as a a "clear strategy" by the company's Chief Executive; has been launched. The Corporate Strategy has four major points - People, Infrastructure, Business and 'Planet,' to "power future growth,…
The Executive Chair of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Paschal Hayes, has retired from his position before the end of his term. In a statement, the SFPA said Mr Hayes is stepping down after almost 45 years of service across…
Being family-oriented, encouraging sailing that combines good racing with leisure, is at the heart of Calves Week in Schull, West Cork, where there are already sixteen boats on the entry list for the event in August. Mark Murphy, Communications and…
Could Bantry Harbour become a location for superyachts? The marketing approach of Cork Port Company representatives at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami, Florida, is interesting! The conference is the world cruise shipping industry’s largest gathering. The Cork delegation…
There is limited inspection of large ‘factory’ fishing vessels operating off Ireland, an Oireachtas committee has heard. The issue emerged during a session of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs examining the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). Committee…
The RNLI today released statistics for last year showing that lifeboats across the island of Ireland launched 967 times at its 46 lifeboat stations, bringing 912 people to safety, 17 of whom were lives saved. 280 of those launches were…
The ‘cruise ship season’ began at Cork Port today with the arrival of AIDAluna on its maiden call to Cork harbour. With 2,000 guests and over 600 crew aboard, it is the first of six vessels which will make maiden…
