A new tonnage record was set in Drogheda Port with the arrival of the MV ‘Arklow Bridge’ on Tuesday 24th January. The vessel carrying 7,175 tonnes of Maize was the largest ever single cargo handled in the Port. The Maize was loaded in the port of Gdynia in Poland for Comex McKinnon, a leading player in the importation and trading of feedstuffs for the animal feed sector in Ireland.

The cargo was handled by the ports newest stevedoring company Fast Terminals which is a new joint venture between Drogheda Port Company and Fast Shipping of Antwerp. The new company became operational in September last year and increases the number of stevedoring operations in the port to four.

The port continues to invest in the development of the agri sector business to develop the transport of feedstuffs for the animal feed sector in Ireland. The animal feed sector is a vital link in Ireland’s €7.8bn agri-food sector and is proving resilient to the current economic downturn. The growth of this indigenous sector will be vital in Irelands overall economic recovery and well being.

The port recently received planning permission for the development of a further 5,400 square metre bulk storage facility at its deepwater quays at Tom Roes Point.

Mr Paul Fleming, Drogheda Port Chief Executive said “Drogheda Port continues to provide a strategic import\export location for our customers with a service which is more flexible and cost competitive than other larger ports. This is helping us to win new contracts and grow our business in addition to providing a platform to Irelands importers and exporters to reach their markets more cost competitively.”

Mr Simon Mulvany, Director of Fast Terminals said “Fast Terminals has identified the competitive opportunities that Drogheda Port can offer our company. Despite the current economic downturn we intend to invest in the port and develop our facilities to cater for further growth in the future.”

Further Information:

Joan Wiseman

Corporate Administrator

Drogheda Port Company

email: joanwiseman@droghedaport.ie