News
2007 Press Release
Friday 19 January 2007
Keith Millar, Managing Director reports on another successful year for the Port of Larne.
News Release
Our Ref: PR/LHL/07-01 Date: 15th January 2007
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR AT PORT OF LARNE
The Port of Larne has enjoyed another successful year’s business, according to figures released by the port on its 2006 performance.
Ro-ro freight traffic through Larne has grown to almost 425,000 units, representing nearly 10,000 more HGV drivers than 2005.
Welcoming the news, Port of Larne’s Managing Director, Keith Millar, commented, “Once again the haulage industry has recognised the choice of routes and quality of service available at Larne. The full range of options are here – conventional ro-ro and passenger superferry, fast ferry and freight-focused ships. This, coupled with three possible destination ports and a round-the-clock operation, allows businesses to tailor their shipping requirements accordingly.”
“It is particularly encouraging that we have played our part in accommodating a record year for P&O Irish Sea on its Larne-Cairnryan service. 2006 saw this route carrying over a quarter of a million freight units for the first time.”
Total passenger numbers through the port showed a slight downturn in 2006, reflecting the overall trend in ferry passenger journeys. “It would be great to report a further increase in our passenger numbers,” says Mr Millar, “but it is well-documented that low cost airlines are having an effect on people’s travelling habits. The environmental effect of this is obviously high on government’s agenda, and it will be interesting to see where that goes in the future.”
Several cruise ships visited the port in 2006, with others already booked for 2007. Mr Millar says “Larne is an ideal port for cruise ships. We are located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The port is fully equipped to meet the requirements of these ships and is able to provide a full check-in and baggage handling service. Passengers are transferred to and from the ship in airport style buses”.
2006 also saw continued development at the Port of Larne Business Park. Construction of a new hotel right beside the port is due for completion later this year, as is a new 83-bed Nursing Home. McMurtry’s, a new builder’s merchants and timber importers unit, opens later this month and Barline, an existing haulage and logistics operation, has just moved into new, improved premises. Construction of AM Transport’s new Larne facility is scheduled to start soon.
“The interest in our Business Park has been phenomenal,” says Mr Millar. “Agreements, subject to contract, are in place for much of the land, with the remaining sites rapidly becoming very sought after.”
Mr Sergio McKenzie, Managing Director of McKenzies(NI)Ltd, who is developing a large area of the Business Park, has also been encouraged by the interest. “I have been approached by a wide range of businesses wanting to have sites developed for them in the Business Park. Particularly exciting at the moment is a food retail and leisure project which we hope to take to Planning Service in the very near future. Early signs are encouraging, with several of the big names in the food retail business showing real interest in setting up on this site in Larne.”
The continued success of the Port of Larne has been acknowledged by its Chairman, Helen Deeble, who commented that “Any successful ferry business depends on a first class service from its ports. The high calibre of the whole of the Port of Larne’s operation, and its highly committed staff, is acknowledged throughout the industry”.
Editor Notes
Port of Larne is owned and operated by Larne Harbour Ltd
Larne Harbour Ltd is a member of the P&O Group of companies, wholly owned by Dubai Ports World
Ro-Ro services from Larne include :
Larne-Cairnryan : 7 RoPax sailings per day, 1 fast ferry passenger sailing per day (seasonal) – operated by P&O Irish Sea
Larne- Troon : 1 RoRo freight sailing per day (year round), 2 fast ferry passenger sailings per day (seasonal) – operated by P&O Irish Sea
Larne-Fleetwood – 3 RoRo freight sailings per day (year round) – operated by Stena Line
In 2005, Port of Larne’s traffic throughput was :
884,462 Passengers
213,932 Tourist Vehicles
418,954 Ro-Ro Freight Units
In 2006, Port of Larne’s traffic throughput was :
865,535 Passengers
207,198 Tourist Vehicles
424,468 Ro-Ro Freight Units
Ends
Notes to Editors: For further information contact:
Richard Nelson (IAS Smarts) 9039 5500
