Irish Mainport Holdings has completed another significant milestone in the Port of Cork Company Ltd.’s ambitious Ringaskiddy East expansion project. On Monday, September 30th, the company’s stevedoring teams executed the discharge of the third of four planned project cargo vessels at the Ringaskiddy Deep Water Berth. This operation is part of the port’s ongoing efforts to add 200 meters of additional berth space, benefiting from naturally deep water—a move expected to substantially increase the port’s handling capabilities.
The latest shipment was particularly notable due to the sheer size and weight of the cargo involved. The vessel carried 28 tubular steel piles ranging from 17 to 32 meters in length, each weighing between 10 and 29 metric tonnes. It’s not every day you see cargo of this magnitude being offloaded, but the team’s experience and precision were on full display. These piles are a critical component of the port’s expansion, contributing to the infrastructure that will ultimately enhance the facility’s handling capacity for years to come.
The operation was a collaborative effort, demonstrating the seamless coordination required for such complex logistics. Irish Mainport Holdings relied heavily on the expertise of Ronayne Shipping’s experienced stevedores and vessel agents, ensuring the safe and efficient discharge of this heavyweight cargo. The Port of Cork’s crane operators, known for their skill in handling challenging loads, played a pivotal role in the vessel discharge process, ensuring every piece was moved without a hitch.
Transporting these colossal piles from the vessel to the storage yard required a well-coordinated effort. Sean O’Donovan Haulage took charge of this phase, ensuring the massive steel structures were moved safely and securely over the short but critical distance. This type of heavy-lift operation isn’t something just any transport company can handle—it demands precise planning, timing, and equipment.
East Cork Crane Hire Ltd. was also on-site with their impressive 150-tonne mobile yard crane, along with a team of professional operators. Their specialized lifting equipment was essential in maneuvering these substantial piles into position. The lifting shoes supplied by PMS Cardiff and additional support from Argosea Limerick further ensured that every aspect of the unloading process met the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
