Tom MacSweeney: War shows ports are the lifeblood of world economy

Ireland is an island nation. Ireland’s ports are the nation’s gateway to the world — inwards and outwards.

Blockading ports, as evidenced in the US/Iran war, is an act of aggression against a nation. More than 90% of Irish exports and imports are carried by ships and transit through our ports to public availability.

A sea-going ship’s officer emailed me this: “Just think, if there were no seafarers, no ships and no ports to load or unload, there would be no machinery, electrical or electronic equipment, petrol, diesel or oil, for cars, trains, buses, planes and homes. No coffee, no tea, no bananas, no oranges, no fertiliser, steel and much, much more that the nation should but would not have.

“Its export business would be destroyed. The Government was rightly concerned about the blocking of the ports. Do all politicians, the public, the media, understand the importance of our ports and shipping?”

Over many years, in writing and broadcasting, I have made the point about what being an island nation means. Is that sufficiently understood?

I still don’t think so, though things have improved in appreciation of the importance of the seas around Ireland.

More than a million-and-a half seafarers work on 70,000 ships around the world to keep supply chains operating. Seafarers are, according to the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the “invisible workforce” that keeps world trade moving.

Central Statistics Office information published in March showed that the Port of Cork handled 9.34 million tonnes of goods in 2025. It is one of the downsides of moving Cork Port to Ringaskiddy that shipping is more “out of sight, out of mind” than it was when the city quays dominated shipping.

Changes in shipping meant that the channel upriver from the harbour to Cork city quays and Tivoli could no longer be used for increasingly bigger-sized vessels.

Dublin Port, by comparison, remains in the heart of the capital city. It was not blockaded during the recent fuel protects. It handles half of all Irish imports and operates a strong programme to connect it with the public.

There is an extensive ‘Cultural Events Programme’ of exhibitions, tours, talks, murals and walks to “enrich and enhance public engagement with maritime landscapes.” In that regard, Dublin is ahead of maritime Cork — unfortunately for us Leesiders!

Superyachts for Bantry?

The marketing approach of The Port of Cork Company representatives at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami, Florida, can be admired. It is the world cruise shipping industry’s largest gathering. They presented Bantry Bay as “an ideal arrival point for superyachts visiting Ireland for premium events” — such as the Ryder Cup in Adare Manor, Limerick, next year.

“Bantry Bay is a practical and scenic solution. Adare Manor is just a short, scenic transfer — 25 minutes by helicopter,” said David Browne, Port of Cork commercial manager.

“Ireland’s ‘Wild Atlantic Secret’ and a perfect superyacht anchorage for golf enthusiasts seeking maritime accommodation and premium offshore experiences. Drop anchor in the sanctuary of the bay, Go from your deck to the fairway in Adare, The 25-berth marina is close to the town centre and an airfield.

“A part of County Cork’s seafaring heritage, the harbour was once the scene of a Napoleonic naval drama and aristocratic regattas and today evokes the golden age of transatlantic voyages. With modern concierge, fuel services and 24/7 security, Bantry Bay is the longest of the long marine inlets in south-west Ireland.”

There are more than 5,000 superyachts around the world. Donald Trump spent $39m (€33m) on ‘Trump Princess.’ Conor McGregor is reported to own a Lamborghini 63-foot yacht, referred to as a “supercar of the sea,” costing between $3-4m (€2.5-3m). David Beckham owns a yacht worth more — $6m(€5.1m) — called Seven, named after his football jersey number.

Limited Inspection of Factory Ships

It was revealed at last week’s meeting of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) whose headquarters are in Clonakilty, that there is quite limited inspection of large ‘factory’ fishing vessels operating off Ireland. These are very big ships, the newest of which launched in Holland, is described as having the capacity to process four times as much as any Irish onshore factory.

Committee chairman Conor McGuinness said the State appeared “utterly blind to what is being caught” by such vessels in Irish waters.

SFPA officials confirmed there have been no at-sea inspections of these vessels so far this year. Four inspections were carried out last year.

Email: tommacsweeneymarine@gmail.com SEASCAPES Podcast: https://tommacsweeneymaritimepodcast.ie