Port of Cork trade traffic rises by 8.6%

THE Port of Cork has said it handled 8.8 million tonnes of cargo last year, up by 8.6% on 2009.

While the port authority said it had experienced a challenging year, there was a very welcome boost in exports.

Total exports at the Port of Cork have remained strong increasing by 10% in 2010 over the previous year.

The port said exports are a key driver in the successful recovery of the Irish economy and it is committed to continuous support in the growth of international trade for both current and future economic prospects.

The port’s container business remained constant with more than 150,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEU) handled in 2010.

Animal feed stuffs, fertiliser and other trades have shown a significant increase in 2010.

Oil traffic has shown a slight increase of 3.5% as a consequence of lower levels of economic activity; however it continues to be a significant part of the Port of Cork business.

Dermot O’Mahoney, chairman of the Port of Cork said the company was pleased to announce that total trade traffic in 2010 has shown an 8.6% increase on 2009 traffic.

“With 98% of all goods imported or exported from Ireland moved by ship, the importance of ports to our economy is vital. The Port of Cork is a key link to the continued economic success of the entire Munster region and the challenges now for the Port of Cork, is to continue to develop. This requires that we be visionary and seize opportunities presented by emerging trends and logistic supply changes,” Mr O’Mahoney said.

He said that while the next four or five years will be challenging there was a need to continue to promote the fact that Ireland is an excellent investment location and is well placed to capitalise on growing global markets.

A total of 52 cruise liners visited the port last year bringing more than 100,000 passengers and crew to the region.

According to research carried out by British consultants GP Wild, the average in-transit spend per passenger, while visiting an Irish port is €73.

Ferry passenger numbers though the port also increased mainly due to the welcome re-commencement of the ferry service linking Cork with Swansea.

The weekly ferry service from Cork to Roscoff with Brittany Ferries also had a successful year.

Last year the Port of Cork developed a recreational strategy to improve the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.

The first project carried out was the construction of a 100 metre marina on South Custom House Quay.

Mr O’Mahoney said that was long term investment for the city.