EUROPE

Transhipment terminal for Shannon

22 years ago

Plans for a € 350m investment to transform the River Shannon Estuary into one of Europes largest cargo hubs have been announced by state-owned Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), an investment that, it is claimed, represents the largest ever boost to infrastructure in the western half of Ireland.

Shannon Estuary: capitalising on European congestion

A key component is the construction of a new deepwater container transhipment terminal at Ballylongford, County Kerry, at an estimated cost of €250m, a terminal which is expected to capitalise on the acute congestion at existing European container ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp and Bremerhaven.

Another highlight will be the commercial redevelopment of land within Limerick City’s Docklands. This initiative will cover a 250-acre site, within 44 acres of dock facilities, right in the heart of Limerick City. This development will be phased over a number of years so the capacity of the working docks will not be impaired, and will include residential, commercial, hotel and other projects.

Some €30m will be invested in Foynes Harbour to establish an extra 400 metres of jetties, open quay storage, new warehousing, container storage yards and capital investment in additional cargo handling equipment.

A major overhaul and upgrading of the Shannon Airport oil jetty is also expected plus a new ferry service across the Shannon for large container trucks.

Meanwhile, a new container liner service between Rotterdam and the Shannon Estuary is due later this year.