Freight News, Sea

Cork traffic steady, boxes buoyant

[ January 19, 2017   //   Chris ]

Total traffic through the Port of Cork reached 9.2 million tonnes in 2016, a slight decrease compared to 2015 traffic. Imports remain steady while exports were reduced primarily due to the closure of Lisheen Mines in Co. Tipperary and the end of lead and zinc traffic in 2016.

Total container volumes through both Tivoli and Ringaskiddy Container Terminals grew by 2% compared to 2015 figures, to over 209,000teu. Cork also handled the largest container vessel to visit an Irish port at Ringaskiddy with fresh produce from Central America.

Port chairman John Mullins said: “The results in 2016 are overall very encouraging despite some decreases in certain trades.” He added: “Traffic figures which are in line with pre-recessionary time highlights the positivity returning to the market and I am confident that the port can sustain this growth across 2017. There was impressive growth in the imports of trade cars with over 46,000 vehicles imported.”

In 2015 An Bord Pleanala granted a 10-year planning permission to the port for the redevelopment of port facilities at Ringaskiddy and in July it submitted to the Board a request to alter the terms of the permission granted to enhance the long-term sustainability of the port. More progress on the €80 million scheme is expected in 2017.

Tags: Port of Cork