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Irish hauliers warned to M45 closure in both directions
Irish hauliers who have to use the M45 in the Northampton and Warwickshire are being advised, that due to upgrading, the motorway will be closed in both directions this coming weekend.

Govt adopts FG proposal to ban drink driving at sea - O’Dowd
A proposal to ban ‘drink driving’ of boats has been adopted by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey, after Fine Gael Transport Spokesman Fergus O’Dowd presented new legislation on Thursday to the Oireachtas.

HGV drivers warned of roadwork disruption at Dover
HGV drivers making their way to the Port of Dover are being forewarned that disruptions and tailbacks are likely as roadworks commence on the installation of new road signs and the application of new road markings around the Port of Dover.

Port growth intrinsically linked to truck parking
The Road Haulage Association has come out firmly in favour of Government intervention in dealing with thorny issue of truck parking facilities.

New booking system at Felixstowe to aid hauliers
A new booking system introduced on 14 February by the Port of Felixstowe is expected to relieve congestion and help smooth the passage of embarking for hauliers.

Ferry service ‘sails’ through recession
The fledging Fastnet Line ferry service due to commence sailing on 1 March between Cork and Swansea has defied all expectations and turned recession doubts on its head with advance bookings of €500,000.

Blow to hauliers as Stena axe sailing
The announcement by Stena Line that it is set to shut down one of its daily freight carrying high speed services will come as a severe blow to the Irish transport sector.

Southern hauliers to avail of new European ferry service
Transport companies in the south of the country will have drive time and fuel costs reduced with the news of the introduction of a new ferry service from Cork to northern Spain and France.

Fire on ferry forces cancellation of sailings
The Irish Ferries ship, Oscar Wilde which sails between Rosslare and Cherbourg has had to cancel all further sailings between the two ports following a fire on the ferry.

New Cork harbour narrowed down to five sites
The Port of Cork who is currently looking to site their port facilities have come up with five sites where it would be possible to locate.

EU approve ‘motorway of the sea’ to alleviate road transport
European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, in charge of Transport has expressed satisfaction with the decision of the EC to grant finance to the Fres Most project which will provide a link between the French port of Nantes-Saint Nazaire with the Spanish port of Gijon which will be operated by GLD Atlantique.

Dublin port activity ‘encouraging’ despite drop in profits
Despite a drop in profits of around €4m (22%) on last year, Dublin Port Chief Executive Enda Connellan said that the current level of activity at the port was encouraging.

Privatisation of Dover Port could see better facilities
With the privitisation of the Port of Dover one step closer, the prospects of better ro-ro facilities for operators using the port will be widely welcomed.

FTA looking for upgraded ports
Chris Welsh, FTA general manager for campaigns told a transport select committee on Wednesday last that it needed to look and redress the problem surrounding the country’s ports.

Container shipping market ’remains beset with problems’
The recovery of the world’s container shipping industry could be hampered as analysts believe it to be ‘burdened with problems’.

Containers lost at sea
The 9,500 tonnes 141 metre coaster, BG Dublin lost seven of its containers in heavy seas as it made its way from Dublin to Cork on Tuesday.

Doubts over how ferry inspections to be carried out
The UK government’s hope of enforcing industry-wide codes of practice in regard to ferry securing rings has now seen two agencies distance themselves from inspections.

Cork Council backing Cork – Swansea ferry
Road hauliers in the south of the country are soon to see their journey times to England cut dramatically with the launching of the new Cork – Swansea ferry the MV Julia.

Buoyant export figures promising
The latest figures released by the CSO highlight the resilience of Irish exporting companies according to IBEC, the group that represents Irish business.

Southern hauliers to get ferry service
The long-awaited re-floating of ferry services from Cork to Swansea is now nearing completion with news that the MV Julia which is currently undergoing refurbishment to ensure that she complies with the highest standards is set to sail on March 1 next.

Aid to help drivers ease through customs
A combination of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) have announced the release of the TIR eLearning package which is aimed at helping hauliers process their documents with greater ease at custom checks and international trade operations.

Port tunnel unsafe claims rebutted by NRA
The NRA chief executive Fred Barry yesterday (Wednesday) told an Oireachtas committee that the Port Tunnel was not unsafe when it first opened.

Container with illegal cigarettes seized by customs
A haul of over 12 million smuggled cigarettes in two separate loads with an estimated street value of €4.8m has been seized by customs officers from Dublin Port.

Downturn in economy sees reduction in numbers using Port Tunnel
According to figures compiled by Dublin City Council the number of lorries using the Dublin Port tunnel has seen a reduction of over fifty per cent over the past two years.

Norfolkline sale unconcluded
Despite talks ongoing for the last few months, the sale of ro-ro operator Norfolkline has not been concluded according to the company’s owner.

UK customs find drugs in lorry
Over £440,000 of cocaine has been seized by UK customs following the search of a lorry entering the port of Ramsgate earlier in the week.

National ports policy released
The release of the UK government’s draft report for a ports strategy will be of interest to many Irish hauliers that travel across the English Channel on a regular basis.

Stena Line introduce new ferry
The Stena Navigator will begin her maiden voyage on its Irish Sea northern corridor between Stranraer and Belfast tomorrow (Friday).

Dover rate increases causes anger
Shipping companies operating in and out of Dover Port have blasted the decision of the Harbour Board to increase rates for next year.

Striking French dockers to cause havoc
Any Irish hauliers sailing into French ports today (Friday) should expect long delays as the country’s dockers’ union told its members to stage a 24-hr strike.

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  Features

Jenkins Shipping Transport celebrates first anniversary
A subsidiary of Jenkins Shipping, Jenkins Shipping Transport Ltd celebrated its first year in business in July 2009. Managing director Alan Dowd explains more.

Dublin Port Company and Topaz Energy sign deal to open Ireland's largest service station
EU7 million investment will bring a European motorway style station to Dublin with facilities including fuel, washing, restaurant and rest rooms.

Ellesmere Port Scania benefit from the full Premier Pits package
This project was a classic case of how a commercial vehicle repairer can benefit from the full Premier Pits package. Not only was it important to have superior prefabricated pits it was also vital for them to be installed correctly.

Expansion into Belfast for successful shipping company
AB Plant Shipping Limited, Norwich was founded in 1987 by Managing Director Mr. Andy Bottomley. In May 2006 AB Plant Shipping Limited expanded its operations with the opening of its new office in Belfast.

Identifying the role of RoRo in Europe's future transport network
The RoRo industry is going through challenging times as new trends, initiatives and policies force everyone in the industry to reflect upon the way they do business.

Honourary membership of the Irish International Freight Association
By unanimous vote of the Council at its December meeting, Mr. Michael Slevin and Mr Harry Hines were invited to be Honourary Members of the Association in recognition of their services to the IIFA over many years. Both have accepted the honour.

Siblings mark a mark in haulage
The Halligan name has been synonymous with the shipping industry for decades and with the enthusiasm of two brothers, they can continue to develop their reputation.

Crossing Strangford Lough in style
The Strangford Lough Ferry Service, running between Strangford and Portaferry in Co. Down provides an important sea bridge for commuters and HGV operators alike. John Loughran reports.

Ferry across the Shannon
The Killimer-Tarbert ferry was established in 1969 when a group of local businessmen saw an opening for a reliable ferry service across the Shannon Estuary.

Promises promises
When construction work started on the Dublin Port Tunnel it was hailed as the panacea for the capital’s transport ills with promises that it would remove 9,000 HGVs from the city every day. Nine months short of completion and £171 million over budget, a different proposition is emerging. John Loughran reports.

Vital link to France
The Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry route has re-opened thanks to the intervention of the OÕFlaherty brothers from Kilmore Quay, whose new company - Celtic Link Ferries Ltd. - officially commenced trading in February 2005.

Drogheda Port Company Bremore deepwater port
The Drogheda Port Company proposes to develop an integrated 24-hour, state of the art, deepwater port and logistics centre away from the existing congested hub of Dublin city at Bremore in North County Dublin

Ferry across the Foyle
The Lough Foyle Ferry Company celebrated two years in business in June. Managing director Jim McClenaghan welcomed John Loughran aboard this trucker friendly operation.

Compo claims on the cards
The Government could be hit with a multi-million euro compensation claim from Irish hauliers if it proceeds with its plan to introduce a maximum height restriction of 4.65 metres for trucks and trailers on the country’s roads. John Loughran reports

Rosslare Europort in focus
Iarnrod Eireann recently initiated a £6.2 million upgrade at Rosslare Europort. Newly appointed general manager Michael Murphy previewed the upgrade with John Loughran.

Ship Ahoy
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world's second largest container shipping company, has been operating out of Ireland for the past two years. Sam Simington, Managing Director of MSC Ireland gave Irish Trucker an overview of Irish operations.

Dublin Port Tunnel update
The National Roads Authority (NRA) has conceded that a strict traffic management system will be put in place at Dublin Port Tunnel, when it finally opens for business, because the ventilation system being installed won't be able to cope with the emissions caused by bumper-to-bumper traffic. John Loughran reports.

Door to door
Masonite Ireland, part of the worldwide Masonite International group, produces door facings, for supply throughout Europe from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. Distribution manager Gerry Philips and purchasing manager Brendan Dee spoke about distribution with John Loughran.

Eucon to strengthen presence in Spanish market
Irish Continental Group’s lift-on, lift-off subsidiary Eucon has reaffirmed its commitment to the Spanish market with the announcement that the company has appointed a new handling agent to represent its future interests in that country.

Irish Ferries publishes 2004 France ferry guide
Forget about Christmas, Irish Ferries is looking forward to Summer 2004 with the publication of its France Ferry Guide in which a host of discounts are available for those in a position to plan ahead.

Big enough to cope, small enough to care
AC Forwarding with offices in Rotterdam and Dublin is a specialist freight forwarder with a penchant for lift-on lift-off reefer distribution between Ireland and the Benelux countries. Director and general manager of the Dublin operation Michael Connolly gave Irish Trucker an overview of the company's operations.

Vessel sharing agreement to benefit customers
Eucon Shipping & Transport and Eurofeeders, subsidiaries of Irish Continental Group (ICG) and BG Freight Line, a subsidiary of the Mersey Docks & Harbour Company, have agreed to enter into a vessel sharing agreement (VSA) from the beginning of this month.

Tunnel height restriction could be increased - Brennan
There may still be room to increase the proposed height restriction at the Dublin Port Tunnel, according to Transport Minister Seamus Brennan.

P&O celebrate 30 years on Larne-Cairnryan
P&O Irish Sea celebrated 30 years of service on it’s Larne-Cairnryan route on July 10 the date the Ionic Ferry first set sail from Cairnryan bound for Larne.

Harbour gets India agency
Harbour International Freight Ltd has been recently appointed exclusive agent in Ireland for LCL Agencies (India) Pvt Ltd, India.

Customs officials seize counterfeit goods at Cork Port
Customs and Excise officials seized a quantity of counterfeit Prada footwear and clothing, which originated in the Far East when they searched a vessel at Cork Port yesterday (June 24).

Tunnel height decision will haunt Brennan
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has finally quashed hauliers’ hopes of having the height restriction at Dublin Port Tunnel raised to 4.9 metres following discussions with the National Roads Authority and Dublin City Council. We predict it is a decision
that will come back to haunt him.

Port Tunnel update
A war of words has developed between Dublin City Council and the Transport Umbrella Group, based at Dublin Port over the final operating height of the Dublin Port Tunnel. John Loughran reports on the latest exchanges.

Book early and book often!
P&O Irish Sea is advising passengers to book their holiday early to avoid disappointment on its Dublin to France route.

Save up to Euro830 with Stena Line Landbridge fares via Britain to Europe
Stena Line, is offering a fantastic deal to holidaymakers taking their car to Europe in 2003. Stena Line has announced details of its landbridge fares via Britain to Europe, which could mean a saving of up to Euro830 on other leading ferry companies crossing directly to Europe from Ireland.

Tunnel Vision
Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has drawn the wrath of the road haulage industry following an announcement that he is considering imposing a height restriction of 4.65 metres on all heavy goods vehicles. He is in for one hell of a battle, writes John Loughran.

Minch Malt continues to deliver the goods
Times they are a-changin’ - no more so than in the malting business. However, as part of the Greencore Group, Minch Malt has the wherewithal to stay the pace.

Greater Dublin freight survey will predict future demands
The Irish Road Haulage Association has agreed to participate in a regional freight study for the greater Dublin area which is being conducted by a team of leading consultants on behalf of the Dublin Transport Office.

£36m investment on way to Larne
A brand new £36m ship has become the most recent addition to the P&O Irish Sea fleet and will soon be arriving in Larne to operate on the Larne-Cairnryan route.

A container operator with few peers
ECS European Containers N.V. was founded in 1988 in the European Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium. A container operator with few peers, its specialises in international door to door transport between Ireland, the UK and continental Europe. John Loughran takes a look at its Irish operations.

On the right line
One of the world's largest ferry operators, Stena Line is an international transport and travel service company par excellence. Frank Nieuwenhuys, the company's Regional Freight Manager for the UK and Ireland, speaks to Irish Trucker about how the company is preparing to consolidate its eminent position in the market place.

Servicing a niche market
EFL International Distribution Ltd., based in Santry, Dublin was established 1984 by Eddie Mullin. He told John Loughran Òsmall can be beautifulÓ in the competitive world of European groupage and part-load distribution.

Happy Birthday HSS Explorer
Stena Line's HSS Explorer celebrated five years in operation on the Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead route recently.

Simon says ...
Fast Shipping (Ireland) Ltd. in Drogheda has expanded to embrace and specialise in all kinds of freight distribution. Along with its sister company, Fast Terminals Ltd. they provide the best all-round service available.

Ulysses begins working life on Irish sea
Ulysses, the world’s largest car ferry began its working life on the Irish Sea between Holyhead and Dublin at the beginning of the month.

Across the waves
In 1996 Gerard Hughes and brothers Gerard and Jarlath Magee joined forces to establish H.M.T. Shipping Ltd.. From its headquarters in Warrenpoint, Co. Down the shipping company has gone from strength to strength in the intervening period.

Ulysses arrives to begin service on the Dublin - Holyhead route
Irish Ferries new EUR100 million cruise ferry Ulysses, the world’s largest car ferry arrived in Dublin on Sunday 4th March.

New Rotterdam - Drogheda container service
Geest Ireland Ltd and Norfolkline Containers have launched a new, weekly container service between Rotterdam and the Irish port of Drogheda, 30 miles (45km) north of Dublin.

Gulf Stream Ferries
A family-run business headed by Gildas Le Douarin, Gulf Stream Ferries came into being just four months ago but the reputation it has garnered in the interim suggests that it is in for the long haul.

Plain sailing
In French transport parlance, Brittany-based Gulf Stream Ferries is located in Department 29. But in real-life terms, the young, vibrant company is in a class of its own.

Bold new livery for Seatruck vessle Riverdance
Seatruck Ferries vessle the mv Riverdance emerged from Cammell Lairds shipyard this week after her scheduled re-fit confidently displaying the company’s striking new livery.

Stena Line introduces new ship for Dublin-Holyhead service
Stena Line has announced the introduction of a new Ropax (freight and passenger) ship to replace the Stena Challenger on its Dun Laoghaire - Holyhead service, boosting both freight and passenger capacity on the route.

 

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