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A seasoned maritime professional with over 50 years of experience is urging the Irish Government to adopt a multi-port strategy for the deployment of offshore wind energy. Captain Michael McCarthy, who has served as a professional mariner, Captain at sea, and P&I Club Marine Insurance Surveyor, has extensive experience working in the Port of Cork and Bantry Bay. Since 2018, he has been consulting on the offshore renewable energy (ORE) industry for companies including Simply Blue Energy, DP Energy, SSE, Dublin Offshore, and ESB International.
Captain Michael McCarthy stresses that Ireland needs a multi-port solution to deploy 37GW of fixed, deep-water fixed, and floating wind energy over the next three decades. His intimate knowledge of Ireland’s port infrastructure, garnered during his tenure as a Master with Irish Shipping Limited and Captain on the research vessel “Lough Beltra,” underpins his call to action.
Despite the widespread recognition of ports such as Rosslare, Cork, and Shannon Foynes, Bantry Bay remains notably absent from strategic discussions. Bantry Bay, Ireland’s deepest designated “Port of Refuge” and a critical location supporting NORA’s Strategic Oil Reserves on Whiddy Island, has significant potential for offshore wind development. “One can’t help but wonder if this oversight is due to a lack of awareness or an underlying bias,” Captain McCarthy remarks.
The need for a multi-port strategy is underscored by recent planning challenges in Rosaveal and the withdrawal of DSG from the Cork Dockyard development. These setbacks have significant implications for Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions. According to Captain McCarthy, while Cork Harbour can serve as a base for fixed-bottom deployment and operations and maintenance (O&M) for the south coast, it lacks the depth for floating offshore wind (FOW). Rosslare faces similar limitations.
Belfast Port, a key facility, is restricted by a 9.5-meter depth in the Victoria Channel and undersea pipelines and power cables. Furthermore, the proposed FOW turbine height poses challenges due to the proximity of George Best City Airport runways. Planning for Moneypoint and Foynes Island in the Shannon Estuary could also be prolonged due to Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
Captain McCarthy asserts that Ireland needs at least four ports working in tandem to meet the 37GW target. Bantry Bay, with its significant depth and strategic importance, presents a viable solution. He emphasizes the need for government and stakeholders to read and understand the reports highlighting Bantry Bay’s potential.
Justin Moran of Wind Energy Ireland echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for Irish ports to support offshore wind farm construction to create jobs and deliver affordable wind energy. Currently, Belfast Harbour is the only port equipped to handle such projects. However, reliance on a single port is not sustainable. Government support is crucial for developing other ports like Rosslare, Cork Dockyard, Port of Cork, and Shannon-Foynes.
Failing to prepare additional ports could result in either prolonged waiting periods for Belfast Harbour’s availability or the outsourcing of Irish wind farm construction to foreign ports. This scenario would not only hinder Ireland’s climate action targets but also miss significant economic opportunities to create jobs and foster growth in local communities.
Captain McCarthy urges Ireland’s offshore wind energy projects, ports, and the marine industry to collaborate closely. Ensuring that the economic benefits of building and operating Irish offshore wind farms remain within the country is critical for boosting the economy and achieving renewable energy goals.