Irish Shipping News

MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, and renewable energy consultants Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG) have announced the inception of the 'ShipFuel' research project.The initiative is set to position Ireland at the helm of maritime sustainability by developing a clear path to support the transformation of the shipping sector's reliance on traditional fuels to low-carbon alternatives.The research is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

The European Investment Bank is providing EUR 155 million to finance two new passenger and vehicle ships for the Irish Continental Group (ICG) subsidiary Irish Ferries.The two ferries will increase passenger and cargo capacity on routes to Ireland, replace older and smaller vessels and significantly reduce emissions from the Irish Ferries fleet.The new ferries are expected to be used on both the Dublin-Holyhead and Dublin-Cherbourg routes to reflect demand for a greater choice of services from Ireland to Britain and direct to continental Europe.The announcement was made as the W.B. Yeats cruise ferry made its maiden commercial voyage from Dublin to Holyhead this morning.The largest ever EIB support for Irish shipping was announced during a visit this morning by Andrew McDowell…

Ireland’s maritime industry grew strongly in 2015, says the Irish Maritime Transport Economist (IMTE), an annual publication issued by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO). The iShip Index, which measures the total volume of traffic moving through our national ports, recorded a 7% increase, with all major traffic modes delivering substantial growth. Bulk traffic grew by 7% to reach 29.8 million tonnes, with Cork, Greenore, Shannon Foynes, Waterford and Wicklow recording above average growth rates. LoLo traffic, moving predominantly through Dublin, Cork and Waterford, grew by 8% to 860,277 TEU, with each port recording significant volume gains. RoRo traffic grew by 6% to 1,002,920 units, 88% of which was shipped through Dublin and 12% through Rosslare.

Even though the struggle for independence from Britain finally resulted in Ireland being declared “a sovereign, independent, democratic state” in 1937 there was little interest being shown in the maritime affairs of the country. This, despite Ireland being seen as having opportunities to derive added value from its vast marine resources. Up until a few years ago, sporadic endeavors failed to achieve optimum economic benefits. Ireland’s ambition to create a maritime cluster gathered momentum only during the last few years. It began with the introduction of the tonnage tax regime in 2003. This made Ireland an attractive destination for shipping. The immediate effect was that it reversed the trend of Irish shipping companies flagging out to foreign registries.

On his election yesterday as President of The Nautical Institute, Captain Robert McCabe FNI issued a challenge to members and branches to evaluate their contribution to the Institute as a “responsible and independent voice for the maritime industry, selflessly dedicated to delivering the highest standards in the profession. In his inaugural address at the Institute’s Annual General Meeting held in Sydney, Australia, Captain McCabe pointed out change and continuous improvement at the Institute meant that the building blocks of NGO status at IMO…

The Irish Minister for Finance, McCreevy T.D announced a tonnage tax for Ireland in this years Budget. act as a catalyst to regenerate the Irish shipping industry. The industry has been stagnant in recent years and this new tax regime will ensure a more attractive and enhanced fiscal environment. competitiveness with those in other member states". Register and changes to Irish Mercantile Marine legislation. enormous degree of success in sectors such as finance, telecommunications and IT. develop our own indigenous industry. A year ago, the IMDO said that radical reform would be needed to halt the rapid decline of the Irish shipping industry. "The industry was on the brink of a complete collapse," Murphy said.

Irish Sea freight ferry operator Seatruck Ferries has been voted "Irish Sea Shipping Line of the Year". Seatruck Ferries received the award at the annual All Ireland "Transport & Logistics Awards" at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast on Friday, 10 September. The award was open to any shipping operation that sails into Ireland, including all ferry operations, container, bulk and liquid carriers. Seatruck made it into the final three, with P&O Irish Sea and Stena Line also in contention. During the presentation ceremony Seatruck was praised for running an excellent operation, with a number of extremely favourable customer comments finally convincing the independent judging panel that Seatruck should be given the winning vote.