Ireland plans direct shipping route to America
Trade between the island of Ireland and the North American market could be significantly improved by a direct shipping link a report from the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has claimed.
Launched in Belfast, the report highlights the extent of trade and the current problems facing exporters.
Despite a total trade Ireland-wide of 35 billion to North America in 2005, the North Atlantic Trade and Transport Study described the lack of a direct shipping route as very surprising.
"Being on Europe's outer periphery and closer to North America, we should have the edge over the rest of Europe," said Bombardier Chairman Sir George Quigley.
"But we are not able to capitalise on our geographical advantage because there are no direct lift-on lift-off or roll-on, roll off shipping services from the island to North America. Everything has to be transhipped through a port in Great Britain or on the continent."
North America accounts for 19 per cent of exports and 13 per cent of imports for the Republic.
In Northern Ireland, the figures are 20 and 14 per cent respectively.
Key factors emanating from the report include the fact that ships plying the north Atlantic are generally too large to fit into Irish ports.
It also found that ship owners and operators were not particularly interested in the Irish market.
Joe Lynch, president of the Irish Exporters Association, speaking at the launch, stressed the need for further investment in port infrastructure
"This is not spending for spending's sake. It is vital if we are to secure the gains made, equip our ports to face the challenges ahead, underpin our future competitiveness, and ensure the continuity of our manufacturing export sector."
The Port of Belfast which part-sponsored the study, said it was delighted that the report had identified a major shipping line which may be interested in providing a direct, non-containerised service from Belfast to North America.
"Such a development would be excellent news for local manufacturers and it's an opportunity which the port will be pursuing enthusiastically," Chief Executive Roy Adair said.
"As part of our five-year £140m investment programme, the port is examining options to extend quays and the possibility of deepening channels to cater for growing ship sizes.
"Belfast already handles direct bulk cargo sailings from North America and is keen to facilitate additional routes if there is suitable demand."
Launched in Belfast, the report highlights the extent of trade and the current problems facing exporters.
Despite a total trade Ireland-wide of 35 billion to North America in 2005, the North Atlantic Trade and Transport Study described the lack of a direct shipping route as very surprising.
"Being on Europe's outer periphery and closer to North America, we should have the edge over the rest of Europe," said Bombardier Chairman Sir George Quigley.
"But we are not able to capitalise on our geographical advantage because there are no direct lift-on lift-off or roll-on, roll off shipping services from the island to North America. Everything has to be transhipped through a port in Great Britain or on the continent."
North America accounts for 19 per cent of exports and 13 per cent of imports for the Republic.
In Northern Ireland, the figures are 20 and 14 per cent respectively.
Key factors emanating from the report include the fact that ships plying the north Atlantic are generally too large to fit into Irish ports.
It also found that ship owners and operators were not particularly interested in the Irish market.
Joe Lynch, president of the Irish Exporters Association, speaking at the launch, stressed the need for further investment in port infrastructure
"This is not spending for spending's sake. It is vital if we are to secure the gains made, equip our ports to face the challenges ahead, underpin our future competitiveness, and ensure the continuity of our manufacturing export sector."
The Port of Belfast which part-sponsored the study, said it was delighted that the report had identified a major shipping line which may be interested in providing a direct, non-containerised service from Belfast to North America.
"Such a development would be excellent news for local manufacturers and it's an opportunity which the port will be pursuing enthusiastically," Chief Executive Roy Adair said.
"As part of our five-year £140m investment programme, the port is examining options to extend quays and the possibility of deepening channels to cater for growing ship sizes.
"Belfast already handles direct bulk cargo sailings from North America and is keen to facilitate additional routes if there is suitable demand."
