The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) is still celebrating the long-awaited launch of operations in its new Cork Container Terminal (CCT) in Ringaskiddy which got underway on Saturday 23rd, April.
This is a hugely important milestone for the Port of Cork Company as CCT represents the largest single investment in marine infrastructure in its history. The €86 million investment in the site is also the largest investment of any Irish port over the last 100 years.
The commencement of operations on site have been greatly anticipated by Port of Cork Company and its customers as it will.enable PoCC to deliver more efficient container handling facilities. It will position CCT as an international gateway for trade into the future.
CCT is also earmarked as a key enabler for growth, not only for the Port of Cork but for the regional and national economy. Initially CCT will handle ICL’s Cork to the US service as well as the weekly Maersk’s Costarican service as PoCC continues the process of relocating its deep sea trans ocean cargo business to CCT in Ringaskiddy.
Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer of Port of Cork Company said: “This is a proud and monumental milestone for our people and our business. CCT is the largest investment in our 250 year history. It’s a pivotal project in our strategic efforts to enhance and future proof our offering which will position Cork as an international gateway for trade. As we begin this exciting chapter in our business’ story, we’d like to thank all those who have supported us in reaching this point.”
About Port of Cork Company
The Port of Cork is the world’s second largest natural harbour and is a key international gateway for trade. It is the key seaport in the south of Ireland and is one of the three Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) as designated by National Ports Policy.
As a multi-model port it is only one of two ports in Ireland to service all six shipping modes – lift on/ lift off, roll on/ roll off, liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk and cruise.
The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) is a commercial semi-state company responsible for the broad range of commercial running of Cork harbour as well as the navigation and berthage in the port.
In 2020, PoCC reported a traffic throughput of 10.5 million tonnes. The PoCC’s direct workforce is 150 staff, however it supports thousands of jobs through indirect employment through warehouses, hauliers and shipping agents.
PoCC is a hugely important catalyst for trade and employment, offering direct connectivity to a global supply chain particularly for FDI. 35 of its top customers are from industries such as Med-Tec, Pharma, IT, chemical and Agri-Food accounting for €145billion of manufacturing and supporting over 45,000 jobs directly in the southwest region.
The Port of Cork Company’s facilities and operations are situated at four distinct locations in Cork’s natural deepwater harbour: The City Quays provide the service for bulks, both Tivol and Ringaskiddy provide the lift on/ lift off, roll-on/ roll off and bulks services, while Cobh caters for cruise liners with Ireland’s only dedicated deep-water berth for cruise ships.
This is one of the most exciting periods of growth and investment for Port of Cork Company with a number of significant investment and redevelopment projects underway, including the €86 million investment towards its new deepwater Cork Container Terminal (CCT) in Ringaskiddy which is due to officially open in 2022. This is all part of the PoCC’s strategic efforts to enhance and future proof its offering and positioning as an international gateway for trade.