The Port of Cork Company proudly announced the official arrival and unveiling of its new state-of-the-art pilot boat, 'SOLAS'. The vessel, a symbol of the port's commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, was introduced in a special ceremony at the Quays Restaurant, Cobh, on Sunday, May 26th, 2024.

Built by Safehaven Marine, 'SOLAS' is a cutting-edge 'Interceptor 48' model, measuring 15 meters long and capable of accommodating seven pilots and crew members. The vessel boasts a top speed of 25 knots and is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation equipment and advanced safety features, reflecting the Port of Cork's dedication to environmental stewardship by operating on HVO Biofuel.

The Port of Cork Company's new state-of-the-art pilot boat, 'SOLAS'

The name 'SOLAS', meaning 'light' in Irish, was chosen through an innovative competition among the children of the Port of Cork staff. The winning name was submitted by 9-year-old Rhys Daly, son of Port of Cork team member Bryan Daly, and was celebrated at the unveiling ceremony.

Rhys Daly, aged 11, from Enniskean pictured at the official launch of the Port of Cork Company’s (PoCC) newest pilot boat, ‘Solas’. Rhys chose the name ‘Solas’ in a competition recently held by PoCC in which the children connected to those working in the Port were tasked with naming the new vessel. ‘Solas’ will join a long list of pilot boats which have, for over 200 years, ferried skilled pilots from land out to visiting large cargo ships and cruise liners in order to guide them safely into Cork Harbour. Pic: Diane Cusack

During the ceremony, Donal Crowley, Acting CEO of the Port of Cork Company, expressed his gratitude to the project team and highlighted the vessel's significance in the port's long maritime history. Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Cork Company, emphasized the vessel's role in preserving the port's heritage while advancing maritime operations.

The unveiling of 'SOLAS' continues a long tradition of pilot boats serving the Port of Cork, combining advanced technology with the dedication and skill of the port's pilots. Nicholas Bourke, Deputy Harbour Master at the Port of Cork Company, described 'SOLAS' as a beacon of light guiding the port into a future where safety, innovation, and sustainability are paramount.

The ceremony concluded with a traditional blessing from local clergy, Fr Tom McDermott and Reverend Elise Hanley, as Rhys Daly proudly cut the ribbon to officially launch 'SOLAS'. This historic event marks another milestone in the rich history of the Port of Cork.

The Port of Cork Company in partnership with the RNLI hosted over 100 secondary and primary school students at the port in Ringaskiddy on Wednesday (15 May) for a “Student Safe” water safety event to promote heightened awareness of water safety practices.

The key purpose of this RNLI “Student Safe” event was to inform and educate students on vital water safety information to help prepare them when engaging in water-related activities ahead of the summer season.

Since the first RNLI lifeboat station in Ireland was established in 1826, the charity has saved an estimated 8,357 lives at sea and aided a further 35,477 people.

As emergency water rescue operations often consist of a multi-agency approach, representatives from the National Ambulance Service, Community First Responders and the Irish Coast Guard were also in attendance and offered student groups the opportunity to engage on a one-to-one basis, ask questions and receive potentially lifesaving information.

This water safety event formed part of a larger collaboration between the Port of Cork and RNLI aimed at promoting essential life-saving water safety practices.

Earlier this year, promotional materials containing water safety tips were posted and erected within the main Ferry Terminal building at the port in Ringaskiddy, which welcomed 116,000 ferry passengers passing through in 2023.

Conor Mowlds, chief commercial officer at the Port of Cork Company praised the event: “It is incredibly important that young people are equipped with the correct knowledge and skills should they encounter difficulties on the water. Events such as this help to broaden water safety awareness to help mitigate emergency and life-threatening incidents.”

Mowlds added: “The Port of Cork is actively committed to working with the RNLI and other emergency service partners to promote water safety practices that create a safe environment for the local community and visitors in the Cork Harbour area.”

Linda-Gene Byrne, RNLI regional water safety lead said: “The RNLI saves lives at sea. But beyond the work we do on our lifeboats, we’re an active part of the community too.

“We are delighted to partner with other emergency services and the Port of Cork to deliver this community based event which enables local students to receive key safety messages.
“We would like to thank the Port of Cork for providing us the space and their support for this Student Safe event and all the schools for attending with their students. All the partners here today are so appreciative to have a space to work together to keep our communities safe.

“If any other schools would like to receive water safety talks that teach the young people in your classroom or group how to stay safe in, on and around the water we’re here to help.”

Two local schools, Coláiste Muire Réalt na Mara Crosshaven and Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS, attended the event at Ringaskiddy.

A European election candidate and former Port of Cork chairman says plans at Rosslare and Cork Ports must be accelerated to enable the construction and maintenance of the offshore wind farms.

Former Bord Gais Éireann chief executive John Mullins, who is standing for Fine Gael in the European elections in the Ireland South constituency, made his comments after the Government published the location of four areas off the south coast were identified for offshore wind development in the State's Draft "DMAP" on Friday.

"I welcome the progress of the Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) process. As part of this process, four sites have been chosen for wind farms: two off the Waterford coast and two off south Wexford", Mullins said.

"It is wonderful to see progress here as Ireland needs to advance in this area but it is vital that we get the accompanying grid plans from EirGrid and that new interconnections are considered," he added.

"Proper resources need to be put in place to enable the projects to get through foreshore and planning", he said

Mullins said it is important that this €1bn per annum opportunity sticks to the proposed timetable and that it is enabled by an all Government approach.

"Plans at Rosslare and Cork Ports must also be accelerated to enable the construction and maintenance of the offshore wind farms" he said.

He added, "We also need to ensure proper engagement with fishermen and other maritime interests so that these projects can be a success for all.

Ireland must fight for its fair share of EU fisheries quotas as what is unfolding is a travesty for the industry. This is according to John Mullins, a former Chairman of the Port of Cork, who is running for the European elections for Ireland South.

Mr Mullins visited Castletownbere in West Cork recently and paid a visit to the harbour.

“Ireland South is a strategic economic hub for the seafood industry and we need to be a leading voice in Europe when it comes to supporting the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The sector is in decline and it is a travesty that this is the case considering that we are an island nation surrounded by a fantastic seafood resource.” Mullins said.

"We must fight for our fair share of EU Fisheries Quotas as we have a travesty on our hands right now"

“I fully support the recently announced comprehensive review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Ireland’s quotas were set when information was not as accurate as it is today. Irish fisheries were disadvantaged by bad information in the past and this wrong must be righted.” he said. 

“And so as part of the CFP review, I am pleased that a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of Brexit on the functioning of Ireland’s fisheries will take place. Additionally, protecting Irish fisheries from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing from entering our market is of particular concern to me. The people I spoke to are of the view that inspectors in other EU countries are not as steadfast as Irish authorities, and as such, there is not a level playing field", Mullens added.

“There are serious issues around stability of income and succession in the Irish fisheries sector. Boats are tied up too often and impacting the very viability of an industry where brave crew encounter all challenges to make a living. Norwegian boats are entitled to 20% of native Irish Blue Whiting stock while Irish fishermen are entitled to only 3.5%. Irish fishermen should also receive enhanced quota for Blue Fin Tuna which is now arriving off our shores. I vow to be a voice for the fishermen of Ireland South and all of Ireland if elected to Brussels.”

John Mullins is a first-time candidate for the European Elections for Fine Gael and is entering politics from a business and civic background. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur.

He founded renewable energy company, Amarenco in 2013 and was nominated as an EY Entrepreneur of the year in 2019. He also served as Chairman of the Port of Cork and was Chief Executive of Bord Gáis Eireann from December 2007 until the end of 2012. Mullins was awarded a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur by the French Government for sustainable investment in France. 

The Port of Cork Company says it welcomes the Government’s publication this week of the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy.

As already reported by Afloat, the framework sets out 29 actions to secure Ireland’s potential as a world leader in offshore renewable energy (ORE). 

Port of Cork Company chief commercial officer Conor Mowlds said that while the framework outlines the long term ambitions for 2040 and 2050, “the focus at Port of Cork remains to have onshore infrastructure in place by 2027”.

This onshore infrastructure will “support the 2030 ORE targets which will in turn realise Cork’s potential to be a key strategic hub for renewable energy”, he said. 

“ As the only Irish port with full planning in place to deliver this infrastructure we are making good progress with preferred funders to facilitate this development,” Mowlds added.

“In addition to this we have been working closely with the Port of Belfast, investigating ways that we can deliver support to the ORE sector at either end of the island of Ireland,” he said.

The Chief Executive of Cork Port is leaving after four years in the post.

Eoin McGettigan announced his intention to step down from his role in May today.

“This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly as it has been an honour to lead the Port of Cork through such a transformative period for the company. The Port has celebrated many significant milestones over the last four years. The opening of a €94m new terminal in Ringaskiddy, the moving of 70% of the Port’s activities from Cork City to the deeper waters of the lower harbour, as well as the launch of the Port Masterplan 2050 which sets out the Port’s exciting ambitions for the future. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Port of Cork and working with the excellent team here, but I feel the time is right for me to focus on further professional goals I hope to achieve.

Michael Walsh, Chairman of the Port of Cork, said the CEO’s “careful stewardship,” had achieved a great deal.

“We wish him well in his future endeavours. Our focus remains on continuing to further strengthen and evolve our business and looking ahead to an exciting transformative period for Port of Cork.”

The Port of Cork Company has issued a warning to all mooring holders in Cork Harbour that it is going to remove all unauthorised, unpaid or poorly marked moorings in Cork Harbour.

“It is the responsibility of the mooring holder to ensure that their mooring is in the correct position and is clearly marked at all times with the correct mooring number,” the Port Company says. “We hereby give notice that it is the intention of the Port of Cork Company to remove all unauthorised, unpaid or poorly marked moorings over the coming months, from the week commencing 26th of February.”

It has “suspended” the issuing of mooring positions for applications received after 10th of January, “until these works have been completed” and says it will resume “issuing mooring positions on 1st April 2024.”

Supporting the accelerated growth of the fixed offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector is a key component of the Port of Cork Masterplan 2050, which was launched on Friday (19 May) by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Finance Minister Michael McGrath.

The Port of Cork Company Masterplan (read the executive summary HERE) outlines its plans and ambitions over the next three decades and provides an integrated framework for the port to strategically plan and adapt to meet the needs of Ireland’s future social, economic and environmental development.

It includes plans to support the green energy sector and a roadmap outlining the port’s ‘River to Sea’ journey, consolidating all activities in the lower harbour by 2050.

Minister Ryan, who is also Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, said: “I am delighted to be on site today to be guided through the Masterplan and to see first-hand the world-class facilities that are already in place at the Port of Cork.

“Cork Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. It has been a working port for centuries and is one of Ireland’s major employment hubs. The Port of Cork Masterplan offers a strategic blueprint towards the future, with the facilitation of fixed Offshore Renewable Energy as a central part of the plan, with full planning permission already in place to provide essential onshore infrastructure resources.

“I also welcome the port's ambitions to achieve a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, reaching NetZero emissions by 2050, in accordance with the government’s Climate Action Plan 2023. This new plan is definitely charting a course to a new sustainable and secure future for the port.”

Eoin McGettigan, chief executive officer at the Port of Cork Company said: “Historically, the Port of Cork has been an energy hub for the region by facilitating the import of fuels such as coal, oil, timber and land-based wind turbines.

“As we make the necessary move away from fossil fuel consumption, the Port of Cork will continue to play a key role in facilitating the future energy needs of the country as a hub for renewable fuels, transition fuels and offshore energy streams.“”

McGettigan added: “The Port of Cork is a commercial port and to ensure its ongoing competitiveness, we must adapt to the rapidly changing customer expectations which are pressuring the shipping industry to deliver goods in a faster, more flexible, and sustainable manner at low delivery cost. To do this, we must provide our customers with reliable, safe, high-performing facilities and services, and be an efficient link in the logistics chain.

“Despite this commercial ambition, we are extremely aware of our heritage and the role we play in our local community. As we endeavour to meet changing demands, the well-being of the people of Cork and its environment will continue to be embedded in our values, and be reflected in every decision we make.”

The ESB and the Port of Cork Company have signed a memorandum of understanding regarding joint plans for Ireland’s offshore wind and green hydrogen development, as the Irish Examiner reports.

A key factor of Port of Cork’s masterplan is aiming to position the city and its natural, deep-channel harbour at the forefront of Ireland’s growing offshore renewable energy sector.

And with the ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 seeing collaboration as critical to the development of green energy in Ireland, the partnership comes at an opportune time.

The Irish Examiner has more on the story HERE.

The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) looks forward to welcoming the return of cruise ships this spring in Cork Harbour as it announces its Cruise Liner Schedule for 2023. Anticipating a strong year, PoCC sees bookings return to pre-pandemic levels, with 113 vessels expected in 2023, compared to 100 vessels in 2019.

The first cruise liner of the season, ‘The Ambience’, will dock in Cobh on Monday, 10th April.

Speaking about the 2023 Cruise Schedule, Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork Company stated, “Last year, we were delighted to welcome over 115,000 passengers on 90 cruise ships to Cork following a two-year pause as a result of the pandemic. Now, we look forward to what is expected to be a thriving year in the cruise liner industry, as bookings return to pre-pandemic levels, which will have a really positive impact on the local region’s tourism and trade. All of us here at the Port of Cork look forward to welcoming the cruise liners, passengers and crew in the coming months.”

Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Cork

Johanna Murphy, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber said: “We’re looking forward to once again welcoming cruise passengers and crew back to Cobh. The cruise season is always a huge lift for everyone in Cobh and the local harbour community, so we look forward to what is anticipated to be a busy year of cruise liners which will boost local trade in the town.”

Johanna Murphy, President of Cobh and Harbour Chamber

The Ambience cruise ship is due to dock quayside in Cobh Cruise Terminal at 12:00pm and is scheduled to depart at 19:00pm on April 10th 2023.