Port Pro Of The Month: Ann Doherty (Irl)

Our port pro of the month is Ann Doherty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Port of Cork in Ireland. In what follows, you will read more about investment and environmental priorities in this Irish Port, as well as the importance of energy in the port sector. Discover below some other interesting topics addressed by our port professional of the month!

Can you briefly tell us about the Port of Cork? What are its main characteristics and challenges?

Ideally located in the South of Ireland, the Port of Cork is one of Ireland's most significant and versatile ports, serving as a vital gateway for trade and commerce. The Port of Cork is home to the world's second-largest natural harbour and plays a crucial role in Ireland's import and export industries, handling everything from consumer goods to pharmaceuticals and agriproducts. It is one of only two Irish ports that can accommodate all six shipping modes: lift-on/lift-off, roll-on/roll-off, liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk, and cruise.

One of the key challenges the port faces is adapting to evolving global trade demands while maintaining efficiency and sustainability. As container traffic and offshore renewable energy (ORE) projects expand, infrastructure development is essential to ensure long-term competitiveness. Additionally, balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth is a key priority, particularly as we look to integrate more green energy solutions into port operations and position Cork as a leader in the renewable energy industry.

What is your long-term vision for the Port of Cork? What are the main investment projects for the coming years? Could you briefly describe the importance of these investment projects for the port and the city?

Ann Doherty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Port of Cork.

Our vision is to establish the Port of Cork as a world-class, future-ready port that sustainably supports economic growth and Ireland's transition to renewable energy. Recent major investments include the €94 million Cork Container Terminal (CTT) in Ringaskiddy, which officially launched in 2022 and has expanded our capacity and improved supply chain efficiency.

A further investment in excess of €100 million, co-funded by the European Union as part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport programme and by Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) brings certainty to the construction of additional facilities at the Cork Container Terminal (CCT).

When complete, Cork will become the first port in the state capable of hosting the large-scale storage and assembly requirements of offshore wind projects. In addition, the investment will also help realise the ambitious plans of the Port of Cork's Masterplan 2050 to develop multi-purpose berths in Ringaskiddy to accommodate a larger volume of vessels, while increasing throughput efficiency and ability to serve a broader range of international customers.

On your website, you mention that you are on a ‘River to Sea Port' journey, aiming to move port operations downstream and consolidate all activities in the lower harbour by 2050. Could you please elaborate further on this project? What is its main focus?

This project, as part of our Port Masterplan to 2050, is a once-in-a-generation move that is essential for us to facilitate increasing global vessel sizes, provide consolidated, efficient, and sustainable operations for our customers, and ensure the global connectivity of the southern region.

By 2050, our focus will be to consolidate all activities in the lower harbour, but the Port of Cork will also play a key role in facilitating Ireland's future energy needs too. Construction has already begun on the new 200-meter-deep water quay. All the necessary facilities will be ready in good time for ORE projects, which are expected to require use of the facility when they receive their own planning consents, expected to be from around 2027.

Cobh Cruise Terminal ©Port of Cork

We read that you received EU funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme for the construction of two quay berths at its deepwater site in Ringaskiddy. Please, could you further explain us about this project? What are the benefits for the port?

The €38.4 million funding will enable the port to accommodate a larger volume of vessels, while increasing throughput efficiency and ability to serve a broader range of international customers, reinforcing the Port of Cork's position as a key player in European and international maritime trade.

The development consists of two berth expansions: Ringaskiddy East (200m container berth extension) and Ringaskiddy West (182-meter deepwater berth extension). Both projects include dredging to -13-meter piling, quay construction, utilities, and onshore power supply infrastructure.

The partnership between the Port of Cork and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, is aimed at supporting the development of new port infrastructure in Cork Harbour, reinforcing Ireland's future as a key renewable energy hub. Could you further elaborate on this project?

The ISIF investment brought certainty to the construction of port infrastructure that will facilitate the deployment of Ireland's first offshore wind projects off the coast of Ireland, from 2027 and beyond. It also secures Port of Cork Company's (PoCC's) position as a leading global multi-purpose port into the next century.

Of the total funding requirement of €100 million, €88 million is provided by ISIF's commercial funding, which will reduce to €70 million when the initial CEF funding of €18 million is drawn down on achievement of construction milestones. The balance of funding, €30 million will be a combination of the grant funding and from PoCC's own fund.

Cork Container Terminal (CCT) ©Port of Cork

How has Brexit changed the business and the role of the Port of Cork?

Brexit has led to increased customs procedures such as checks and paperwork for goods moving between the UK and the EU, which can cause greater complexity in operations.

However, Brexit has also presented opportunities for the Port of Cork such as new trade routes to continental Europe, particularly as companies look for alternative routes to ensure smooth access to the EU market.

An example of this would be our twice-weekly CLdN short sea service between Cork and Zeebruges. The service was launched post-Brexit's full implementation as a once-a-week route and demand has subsequently led to the introduction of a second weekly call.

The greening of a port requires the help of all port stakeholders. What can the Port of Cork do to encourage all stakeholders to make their operations more sustainable?

We are adapting to the rapidly changing customer expectations which are pressuring the shipping industry to deliver goods in a faster, more flexible, and sustainable manner, at low delivery cost. To do this, we strive to work with and provide our customers with reliable, safe, high-performing facilities and services.

We will also play our part in tackling the climate crisis. In line with the Government's Climate Action Plan, our ambition is to achieve at least a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030 and to set ourselves on a path to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Would you call yourself an energy port? If so, how do you anticipate the projected changing energy landscape in Europe? Within this changing energy landscape, what are the business opportunities for your port? What will be the main challenge?

Yes, the Port of Cork has historically been an energy hub for the region, facilitating the import of fuels such as coal, oil, timber, and land-based wind turbines.

As Ireland and Europe move away from fossil fuel consumption to tackle climate change, the Port of Cork will continue to play a key role as a hub for renewable fuels, transition fuels, and offshore energy streams to help ensure Ireland's energy security in the short and long-term.

The resilience of our electrical network as we have seen with the recent storms, as well as the security of our liquid and gas energy sources is a real concern for our island and an area where the ports currently play a key role which will be even more pronounced in the future.

ICL Vessel docked at CCT ©Port of Cork

How did you get into maritime transport? How did your career path lead to this position?

Prior to joining the Port of Cork Company as CEO in November 2024, I worked for over 30 years in leadership and operations management roles.

This includes a decade-long tenure as Chief Executive of Cork City Council, where I led several initiatives central to the city's expansion and development such as overseeing Ireland's largest boundary extension, significantly increasing Cork City's jurisdiction, and establishing the groundwork for sustainable urban growth.

As the Port of Cork aims to move port operations downstream and consolidate all activities in the lower harbour by 2050, I will utilise my previous experience and expertise to progress this move which is essential for us to provide efficient and sustainable operations for our customers, and ensure the global connectivity of the southern region.

Finally, if you had to bring us to your favourite spot in the Port of Cork, where would you take us?

Great question! I'd take you to the top of one of our towering cranes at the Cork Container Terminal in Ringaksiddy, which has an incredible view of Cork Harbour. From here, you can see the entire harbour, ships unloading cargo, Cobh and Spike Island in the distance, and the port's operations in full swing. It's also a great place to visualise all of the exciting developments yet to come at the Port of Cork.

Source: ESPO