As artic conditions persist throughout the country, another shipment of rock-salt is due to arrive at the port of Cork tonight, writes Jehan Ashmore.

In total the National Roads Authority (NRA) will have 25,000 tonnes of salt available during the Christmas week, with 3,000 tonnes distributed to authorities on a daily basis. As a priority the salt will be used to grit the national primary network.  

The second bout of artic conditions that has gripped the country with temperatures plummeting to -17 degrees in the west and -15 degrees is forecast tonight in the north-west. Further snowfalls are also due in various regions tonight and with sub-zero temperatures expected to last up to St. Stephens Day. As such the demand for salt supplies has soared resulting in shipments sourced from overseas countries to include Turkey and Egypt.

CFL Prospect (see video-clip here) is owned by the Dutch shipping company, Kees Koolhof which since 2006 has built up a fleet of modern vessels to trade in the short-sea sector. The 2007 built vessel is one of nine Jumbo 6500s from a series completed by the Peters Shipyard at Krampen.

For the latest NRA's road weather stations logon here in addition to weather forecasts from www.met.ie

 

The National Road's Authority (NRA) are expecting shipments of emergency salt from Egypt and Morocco to arrive next week, according to a report in the Irish Independent. 

Two vessels, the CSL Prospect and Olivia are heading for the Port of Cork with a combined cargo of 11,500 tonnes of salt. In the meantime councils are coping with rapidly dwindling supplies to keep the main roads gritted over the weekend. If the councils fail to ration supplies, the authorities will quickly run out of salt, sparking a crisis for motorists. For more on this story click here.

The Port of Cork added that these salt-shipments will continue beyond next week. In addition to next weeks delivery, more vessels will be calling to the port, bringing in total 35,000 tonnes of salt over the next few weeks.

According to weather forecasts, there will be significant accumulations of snow expected in most parts of the country. Up to 10cm of snow may fall over the next few days. For information on the latest weather updates logon to www.met.ie/forecasts/

The Schools Initiative for 2011 has been launched by the Port of Cork, which is calling upon all 5th-class primary school teachers to become involved. This year's initiative is based on the theme 'Making Cork Harbour a Green Energy Hub for our Future' and encourages school children to look at Cork harbour as an energy hub now and into the future.

School-children will be able to earn about the harbour and how it could be used to harness energy such as wind, wave, gas, electricity and other forms of energy. In addition it will provide an opportunity for the participants to be creative and futuristic about Cork harbour. Children can also look at the importance of green energy in their home and school.

The projects are to be presented in artwork format using paintings, models or photographs. Submitted projects will go on public display in the Cork Customs House for six weeks before the winner is announced in April 2011.

All 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative are treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour and each class will receive a certificate of participation. Prizes will be given for the best artwork piece and best photograph.

The overall winner of the Schools Initiative project will receive a tour onboard one of the many cruise liners that are to visit Cork Harbour next summer.

Closing date for entries is 18th March 2011. For further information on this year's schools project and how to get involved you can contact Captain Pat Murphy Tel: 021 4625312 or by Email [email protected] and by logging on to www.portofcork.ie

In addition you can view below a video depicting liners of yesteryear and the cruiseships that visit Cork Harbour, the world's second largest natural harbour. 

The Port of Cork was delighted to sponsor the Irish Exporter Awards category, 'Deep Sea Shipping Company'. The award was presented to CMA-CGM Shipping Ireland Ltd for providing global container shipping solutions for companies in all sectors, at an awards ceremony in Dublin's RDS on Thursday 25th November, attended by Minister Batt O'Keefe.

Captain Michael McCarthy, Commercial Manager Port of Cork said: As Ireland's primary deep water port, the Port of Cork has a long term focus on meeting the needs of deep sea shipping lines and understands the importance of growing the export market.'

He continued: 'This is the second year sponsoring such an award and we were delighted to sponsor the Deep Sea Shipping Company Award for 2010. We look forward to supporting the growth of international trade for both current and future economic prospects.'

Other nominees of this category were Dublin based companies: APL Ltd., CMA-CGM Shipping Ireland Ltd. and Maersk Line.

French shipping giant CMA-CGM was announced the winner of the Deep Sea Shipping Company of the Year Award at the annual Irish Exporters Association (IEA) Export Industry Awards, which was held in Dublin on Thursday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

In the category of Short Sea Shipping Company of the Year, sponsored by the Irish Maritime Development Office, which recognises the strategically important role of short sea shipping to our economy, the winner of the award was CLDN Colbefret Group.

The Belgium operator opened two new routes from Dublin to Rotterdam and Zeebrugge in November last year, providing a range of transport options to Irish exporters selling to Europe. Since then Cobelfret have gradually introduced new Con-Ro (Containers and Roll-On/Roll-Off) vessels onto the continental routes. The six 25,000 gross tonnes newbuilds were built by FGS Flensburg, Germany and the latest unit Opaline, is due to make a Dublin debut tomorrow.

Cobelfret's operations in Dublin are based in Alexandra Basin East using the ports No. 2 ro-ro linkspan berth. A previous linkspan built in the 1950's was demolished last summer to develop a larger linkspan, to cater for larger tonnage like the Opaline. The new vessel has 2,907 lane metres for freight vehicles spread over three decks and a container capacity for 854 TEU mafi-trailers.

Donegal based Marine Harvest won the Seafood Export Award, sponsored by Bord Biá. The company is an indigenous fully-integrated salmon breeding, farming and processing operation, exporting premium products to Europe and North America.

The overall winner of the IEA's Export Industry Award for 2010 was the Irish Dairy Board.

This morning the 28,388 gross tonnes cruises-ship Boudicca is due to arrive into Dublin Port, writes Jehan Ashmore. The visit of the 1973-built vessel will represent the second last cruise-call of this year's cruise-season. The 900-passenger capacity Boudicca will depart later today on a 10-day cruise to include calling to Cork.

The final cruise-call scheduled for Dublin Port will once again by made by Boudicca on 20 November. On that cruise the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ship will be returning from Cork after an overnight passage.

Next year Dublin is to welcome 86 cruise-ships, where the largest of these vessels will berth in Alexandra Quay, located 2 kms from the city centre. Smaller vessels can dock closer to the city-centre but they have to transit the East-Link toll-road lift bridge. In addition the depth of water on the River Liffey also restricts the size of cruise-ship.

Incidentally the Boudicca will be the first caller to Dublin in 2011, with a morning arrival due on 9 April. For further information on next year's cruise-call season, a list is available online at www.dublinport.ie/not-in-menu/cruise-ship-scheduled/

 

2010 proved to be another busy year for the Port of Cork with a total of 52 cruise liners calling to Cobh, Ireland's only dedicated cruise berth.

Onboard the 52 cruise liners were a total of 100, 414 passengers and crew, a record number to visit Cork.

Following the Port of Cork's investment in Cobh's dedicated cruise berth over the last five years, some of the largest liners in the world are now capable of berthing, bringing with them thousands of passengers and crew, all of whom contribute to the local economy. With a ambitious target to grow the cruise business even further, the Port of Cork are aiming to increase the number of cruise liner calls over the next five years to seventy-five.

Speaking at a recent Port of Cork cruise seminar entitled Achievement of growth in the cruise business in Cork, Captain Michael McCarthy, Port of Cork Commercial Manager said: 'We are keen to grow the business even more over the next five years. This will mean further investment of Cobh Cruise berth from the Port of Cork to handle even larger ships and to increase the number of current overnight stays.'

He continued: 'While the Port of Cork is committed to investment in this area we recognise that the region is the biggest benefactor from this business and we would therefore encourage the local authorities and organisations to support this investment.'

In a recent study carried out by UK cruise consultants, GP Wild, the on average spend per in-transit passenger is approximately €73 per day while in port. Captain McCarthy commented: 'With so many passengers arriving into Cobh and Cork, the impact that this has on the local economy is very positive.'

During the cruise seminar Captain McCarthy talked about Cork's potential as a cruise capital saying that: 'Feedback from cruise companies visiting Cork is very positive. Direct access to the quayside for passengers coupled with the accessibility of trains to Cork and the historic town of Cobh and its attractions on their doorstep, makes Cobh an attractive port of call. However tour operators and shore side attractions must all work together to offer passengers exciting full and half day tours, while also making it a memorable experience so that they may return.'

Also speaking at the Port of Cork cruise seminar was Clare Newman Port of Dover, Paul Ellerby UK Cruise Consultant and Aiden Pender Failte Ireland.

Since 1991 Port of Cork passenger and crew numbers have grown by nearly 85,000, highlighting the rapid growth of the sector which is predicated to continue. Cruise bookings for 2011 have already exceeded 2010 calls and potentially could be the busiest yet for the Port of Cork.

The 2011 Port of Cork cruise bookings list will be available at www.portofcork.ie at the end of January 2011.

The Port of Cork intends to remove all unauthorised or illegibly marked moorings in Cork harbour this winter and has written to harbour users about the removal which will start next month.

The Port Company recently completed a detailed survey of all moorings within Cork Harbour. A number of unauthorised and illegibly marked moorings have been identified in the course of the survey. The Port says 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. All unauthorised or illegibly marked moorings will be removed over the coming months commencing on the 1st day of November 2010.

The Port has asked Royal Cork Yacht Club to bring the matter, affecting all harbour users, to the attention of its members according to a post on the club website.

The post also says that all boats are requested to obey the speed limits in various parts of the harbour, particularly on their way to the new pontoon in the city. Boats travelling at excessive speed make life very difficult for other harbour users, particularly the members of the rowing clubs on the river.

Cork Harbour Open Day proved to be a great success with hundreds of people enjoying the harbour and the free family events on offer. Throughout the day, the LE Aoife at Horgan's Quay welcomed families and children on board where they were given a tour of the ship and an insight into Navy life. The sailing race from Cobh to Blackrock, sponsored by the Port of Cork, was a huge success with over 50 boats taking part. Blackrock Castle opened the tower to the public and was busy throughout the day with people using the tower to watch the boats sail through the finish line at Blackrock.

Camden Fort in Crosshaven attracted hundreds of visitors to see the newly restored rooms and to learn more about the 'Rescue Camden' project. Also in Crosshaven the Coastal Rowing Association organised their end of season championship regatta where Passage West won all eleven races and the RNLI Station opened to the public.

'Dreamer' the fastest rigid inflatable boat (RIB) round Ireland was at the Port of Cork Marina for all to see. Built locally by Gale Force Ventures in Carrigaline and owned by current round Ireland record holder, Phillip Fitzgibbon from Co. Kerry, the 10 metre RIB can reach a speed of 65 knots.

Further events such as the World Rescue Challenge on North Custom House Quay, attracted large crowds over the whole weekend and in Cobh, the 'See You in Cobh' committee organised a crab fishing event on the promenade with over 80 children taking part.

One of the organisers of Cork Harbour Open day, Sara Dymond was thrilled with the day saying: 'The sun shone in Cork Harbour on Saturday and showed the harbour in all its glory. Cork Harbour Open Day aims to raise awareness of the different activities available for people in the harbour both on and off the water and this year we saw an exceptional turnout of people of all ages. There are endless activities to do in the Harbour and this year proved how popular the harbour is and how much people enjoy it. We hope to expand on this for next year.'

She continued: 'Thank you to all those who arranged events and helped out on the day.'

The idea for a Harbour Open Day emerged from discussions between various stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the Integrated Strategy for the Harbour. A group comprising representatives from UCC, City and County Councils and the Port of Cork set about working together to engage users of the Harbour and to organise the Open Day.

Images from Bob Bateman on the Afloat Gallery HERE

The 2010 Cobh to Blackrock Race on Saturday was an outstanding success and no bigger compliment could be paid than to say it was reminiscent of the event some twenty years ago as it had approximately 100 boats on the water writes Claire Bateman. The day was a scorcher with cloudless blue skies and while the wind may have been a little flukey, nonetheless the flotilla of mixed classes of all descriptions with happy families on board were determined to make the best of the wonderful day on the water. The flotilla was accompanied by many RIBS and practically any other sort of craft one could think of.

The racing was started from the beautiful Ketch Soubrette from the Naval Service Yacht Squadron Cove S.C. First off were the slow dinghies and the white sail and classic yachts and these presented no problem to the Race Officer. However, when it came to the turn of the cruisers, with a strong flood tide they charged the line, and a general recall ensued. The Race Officer then proceeded to start the J80s before having another attempt at the cruisers Zero to Class Four. This time a Z flag was flown and anyone over the line in the final minute would have a 20% penalty applied. Happily, all went well on this occasion with a clean start and although the breeze was light and flukey all boats managed to make the finish at Blackrock Castle before the time limit. The finishing boat was a former Aran Class Lifeboat, the Samuel J and the first boat to reach the line was Jim Sheerin of Royal Cork Yacht Club in his Catamaran, narrowly beating Eddie English in the Holy Grounder from Sail Cork. In days gone by Eddie used always be first to the finish line in his yellow Hobie. Happy memories!

The event played a big part in the Port of Cork Open Day and for the first time the race had the benefit of the Port of Cork City Marina. When the boats had completed the race at Blackrock Castle they proceeded right up to the city for the prize giving and other festivities planned. All the local towns and villages in and around Cork had events planned for the Open Day and what a difference to last year when the event was completely washed out.

What a coup for Cove Sailing Club with the wonderful reinvigoration of this much loved event. One of the nice things about this is that young children were to be seen sailing with their parents and being given the opportunity to helm all types of craft from Catamarans to Cruisers. It was that kind of event and a wonderful way to get youngsters interested in sailing and fostering a love of the sport.

Photos of the event on the Afloat Gallery HERE