Port of Cork commences €80m container terminal development

The Port of Cork marked a major milestone for the company recently with the launch of the new Cork Container Terminal development in Ringaskiddy. The construction stage of the project was officially commenced at a ceremony at Ringaskiddy Port attended by Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD.

Mark McConnell, RPS’ Maritime Director explains “The requirement for the development of new container handling facilities at Ringaskiddy was identified in the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development plan in 2010. The Cork Container Terminal will initially offer a 360 metre quay with 13 metre depth alongside and will enable larger ships to berth in Ringaskiddy. The development also includes the construction of a 13.5 hectare terminal and associated buildings as well as two ship to shore gantry cranes and container handling equipment.”

Mark continued “It will accommodate current and future container shipping which can be serviced by modern and efficient cargo handling equipment with innovative terminal operating and vehicle booking systems. The Port of Cork anticipates that Cork Container Terminal will become operational by 2020.”

RPS has been the lead consultant for Port of Cork throughout the planning, design and procurement phases of this project. The multidisciplinary service delivery has been led by the Belfast maritime team with various other teams from the Belfast and Cork offices providing specialist design, environmental and planning services.

Chairman of the Port of Cork, Mr John Mullins said: “The Port of Cork’s redevelopment at Ringaskiddy is a key growth enabler for both Cork city and region as well as the national economy and will enable the Port to deliver more efficient container handling facilities, replacing the existing container terminal at Tivoli, and securing the Cork Container Terminal as an international gateway for trade well into the future."

The Port of Cork has awarded the development’s civil engineering contract to BAM Civil Ltd., part of the multi-national construction group, Royal BAM Group of the Netherlands.