Displaying items by tag: Busy times

11th March 2024

Busy Times at the Port of Sligo as Wilson ASA Cargo Ship Trio Load Fishmeal

While tracking vessels in the north-west today, among them passenger ferry Aran Islands Express, a trio of general cargo ships operated by Wilson ASA have been trading in the Port of Sligo at the weekend, writes Jehan Ashmore

The operator Wilson ASA has the largest short-sea fleet in Europe, with around 130 vessels ranging from 1500 to 8500 deadweight tonnes (dwt), all of similar design. Last month, Arklow Shipping as Afloat reported, sold a cargoship to the Norwegian competitor based in Bergen.

Of the three general cargo ships using the Port of Sligo, all are 2,000 dwt plus cargo ships and engaged in exporting fishmeal. The port operated by Sligo County Council is where infrastructure work has taken place to increase more business for the regional port.

Sligo is the only working port between Galway and Derry~Londonderry (Foyleport) and has two quays, the Deepwater of 77m and Barytes of 55m, where the port handles cargoes of coal, timber, fish meal, and scrap. Cargo ships of up to 3,500 dwt tonnes can be accommodated.

Berthed this morning was Wilson Lahn, of 2,484 (dwt) with the 2001 built cargo ship alongside the Deepwater Quay. The slightly larger Wilson Mosel (2,676dwt/1993) completed loading last night and set sail at first light this morning for Egersund, Norway.

The 82m length overall (LOA) cargo ship was tracked later, mid-morning off Co. Donegal while Wilson Lahn continues to be loaded today and is scheduled to depart tomorrow morning.

As for the third cargo ship, Wilson Thames (2,439dwt/2000) departed yesterday, and when passing in the channel the Wilson Lahn, while loading took place of the aforementioned Wilson Mosel.

Both Wilson Mosel and Wilson Thames berthed on Friday’s evening tide, while Wilson Lahn was sitting at anchor in Sligo Bay, having the previous day sailed from Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Scotland. When at anchorage, the 83m cargo ship was waiting to berth on Saturday’s evening tide following the completion of loading fishmeal of the Wilson Thames and the departure of the 89m cargo ship, which is currently bound for Perth on the east coast of Scotland.

All of the similar long cargo ships are registered in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, and have blue hulls with Wilson in white lettering displayed amidships.

Published in Ports & Shipping

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.