Port of Cork: Committed to CSR

The Port of Cork is committed to the development of modern and efficient systems with the introduction of an Environmental Management System compliant with EcoPortscriteria and compatible with ISO 14001 as a key element. Through this commitment the Port of Cork recognises environmental management to be of equal importance to other prime business considerations. The Port of Cork was awarded IPSEM Certification (International Port Safety and Environmental Management Systems) by Bureau Veritas Classification Society in 2006 and is currently awaiting certification of ISO 14001. Recently, the Port of Cork has developed and implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility policy which aims to align the company’s values and behaviour with the expectations and needs of its stakeholders. Speaking about the CSR policy which has been implemented from the top down, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork, Brendan Keating said: “Our objectives are to engage with stakeholders, comply with legislation, enhance our international reputation as a unique natural harbour, provide best practice labour standards and embrace new technologies and management systems to minimize the Port of Cork’s carbon footprint.” The Port of Cork is involved in a number of local projects such as the River Lee clean-up, maintaining public slipways and working with the National Maritime College of Ireland to provide partnership training aimed at the Ports and Harbours sector. For the past four years, it has also been involved in a schools initiative, inviting schools to participate in projects linked to the Port of Cork. In 2009 the theme is ‘Immigration and Emigration to and from Cork Harbour’ – and the Port expects a healthy response.