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Cork has a maritime history spanning over a thousand years and the longest shoreline of any county in Ireland so it’s unsurprising that Maritime features as a key economic sector.
From manufacturing through to energy as well as the growing tourism attracted by the natural beauty of the region’s coastal position, Cork is leveraging its rich heritage for economic success.
The Port of Cork is ideally positioned for European trading as well as direct deep sea shipping services, promoting the development of trade and economic growth in a global market. It is the key seaport in the south of Ireland and is one of only two Irish ports which service the requirements of all six shipping modes – Lift-on Lift-off, Roll-on Roll-off, Liquid Bulk, Dry Bulk, Break Bulk and Cruise. The port is classified as a Tier 1 port of national significance.
Recently the Port of Cork jointly purchased Marino Point, a deep water port facility and embarked on a €80 million port redevelopment project in Ringaksiddy. Many leading manufacturers located in the area can utilize the full Panamax vessel capacity that is already available in Ringaskiddy.
The Cork Docklands redevelopment is a game changing infrastructural development that will transform Cork City and underpin its rapid expansion over the next two decades. The redevelopment which is already underway will see significant Grade A office accommodation added in the city.
Cork’s centre of knowledge as a Maritime location is also evident through businesses and academia. Home to the The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), managed by Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) located in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, the centre provides training and education for the Merchant Marine and the non-military needs of the Irish Naval Service (INS).
The College also provides specialised simulation equipment in the areas of navigation, bridge training, communications, engineering, machinery operations, liquid cargo handling/damage control and vessel traffic systems.
A number of specialist businesses related to Maritime are located in Cork such as Ardmore Shipping Services and DeCare Systems.
Cork has a wild and rugged yet serene coastline that can be experienced through land or sea. The colourful towns and villages and abundance of local artisan produce are aspects that attract international as well as national tourists. In 2018, more than 180,000 passengers were anticipated to pass through the Cork region from cruise liner traffic alone, which has experienced double digit growth over the last few years, providing a significant boost to the local economy.