European funding set to significantly enhance the Port of Cork’s operating capacity.

EU funding programme, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has awarded €38.4 million to Port of Cork Company for the construction of two quay berths at its deepwater site in Ringaskiddy.

The Connecting Europe Facility is a key EU funding instrument to promote growth, jobs and competitiveness through targeted infrastructure investment in the fields of transport and energy at European level.

The funding positions Port of Cork Company a step closer to realising its potential for offshore renewable energy with increased capabilities.

The funding is earmarked to enable PoCC to accommodate a larger volume of vessels, while increasing throughput efficiency and ability to serve a broader range of international customers, reinforcing PoCC’s position as a key player in European and international maritime trade.

Donal Crowley, Interim CEO of the Port of Cork Company, stated: “This funding granted by the Connecting Europe Facility marks a significant milestone towards realising our Masterplan 2050 ambitions and supporting the crucial development of Offshore Renewable Energy infrastructure.“We are grateful for this investment which will play a crucial role in bolstering the Port of Cork’s infrastructure and operating capabilities to help meet the demands of an ever-evolving global shipping industry.”

Port of Cork will invest the funding in its capacity and operational capabilities with the construction of two berth expansions: Ringaskiddy East – Cork Container Terminal Berth Extension (CCT2) and Ringaskiddy West – Deepwater Berth Extension (DWB).

The Ringaskiddy East project will see a 200m extension to the existing container berth, with associated works including capital dredging to -13mCD, piling, quay deck construction, quayside utilities, and On-Shore Power Supply infrastructure

The Ringaskiddy West project will consist of an 182m extension to the existing deepwater berth, with associated works including capital dredging to -13mCD, piling, quay deck construction, quay utilities, and OSP infrastructure.

PoCC’s Cork Container Terminal (CCT) which opened at Ringaskiddy in 2022 costing €94m was also supported by CEF funding, in conjunction with EIB and AIB National Bank financing.