New US links with Foynes Port good for jobs, consumers, and costs

The move has been welcomed by Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, who said the MOU will be beneficial "particularly in the context of green energy, supply chain diversification, and maritime trade connectivity".

A NEW link between Limerick and our US trading partners, which will see cost savings through goods in through Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), has been finalised.

SFPC, Ireland’s second largest port operator, and the premier port of the Great Lakes, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (CCCPA), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen trade ties and opportunities between the two.

Built on the strong historical ties between the West of Ireland and Great Lakes region, the commitment will see the port authorities jointly explore activities that will give rise to shared business growth for both regions.

The move has been welcomed by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, who said the MOU will be beneficial “particularly in the context of green energy, supply chain diversification, and maritime trade connectivity”.

Advertisement

“A key target of this MOU will be to shorten timelines on transit solutions for industry trading between the US and Ireland and also the substantial carbon savings on shipping services over existing traditional transport routes.

“The US is Ireland’s largest trading partner and this commitment between the port authorities is a positive declaration of intent on both sides, which will be good for investment, jobs, and consumers in both regions.”

Located on the Shannon Estuary, one of Europe’s deepest natural harbours, SFPC is strategically positioned as a keyEuropean gateway for transatlantic trade.

Similarly, the Port of Cleveland provides direct access to the St Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, a $6trillion regional economy.