2015 was a very good year for the Port of Cork and subsidiaries. The combined traffic amounted to 11.02 million tonnes compared to 10.15 million tonnes in 2015 which represented an increase of 871,713 million tonnes or 8.6 per cent.
Container traffic at the Tivoli Container Terminal increased by a further 8 per cent following a 13 per cent increase in 2014, oil traffic increased by 21 per cent, trade car imports increased by 48 per cent and 56 cruise liners with a gross tonnage of 4 million tonnes, brought a record 144,000 passengers and crew to the region in 2015.
Turnover for the year 2015 amounted to €29.8 million up from €26.4 million in 2014. Consolidated Profit on ordinary activities before taxation amounted to €5.3 million compared to €2.7 million in 2014, an increase of €2.6 million.
Commenting on the 2015 annual results, Chief Executive Brendan Keating said: “Our annual results for 2015 are very encouraging and reflective of the capabilities of the Port to support growth in the Irish economy. We are hopeful that the upward trend will continue over the next three to four years.”
In 2015 the Port’s commitment to the development of infrastructure was supported by An Bord Pleanala by the granting of planning permission to the further development of Ringaskiddy port. The first phase of the Ringaskiddy Development includes an Optimised 360m Single Berth with supporting quay development and equipment. The project will be financed from cash reserves, EU CEF financial support, EIB funding and other bank loans.
Port of Cork Chairman John Mullins said: “For Ireland to achieve economic growth, it is critically important that the investment is made by the Port of Cork in port infrastructure. This investment will help consolidate the Port of Cork’s position as a key trade node in global supply chains, generating increased volumes of trade and increased levels of employment.”
In 2015 other highlights for the Ports were:
- The completion of the repayment of the 2009 docks rationalisation costs which reduced the Port of Cork cost base significantly.
- Completion of the investment of €1.5 million in upgraded, expanded and improved Cruise Berthing Facilities at the Cobh Deepwater Cruise Terminal to accommodate the maximum sized quantum class cruise vessels.
- Official notification by the European Commission of allocated funds of €12.74 million (17.5% of eligible expenditure) to the Ringaskiddy redevelopment project.
- Unveiling of Outline Plans for Phase 1 of the Bantry Inner Harbour Development costing in the region of €8.5 million, due to commence in Quarter 1 of 2016
Speaking about marine tourism in Ireland, Port of Cork Chairman John Mullins said: “Both the Ports of Cork and Bantry play key roles in the promotion of marine tourism. In 2015 Bantry Bay Port Company launched Ireland’s first Blueway initiative which has proven to be hugely popular with local and international visitors. In 2015 the Port of Cork welcomed 56 cruise liners to Cork Harbour bringing over 144,000 passengers and crew to the region.”
