The Port of Larne has walked away from the Transport and Logistics Awards 2004 with the prestigious title “Irish Port of the Year.”
Beating off stiff competition from a short-list which included Belfast and Dublin Ports, the port secured the impressive accolade at an awards ceremony in the Ramada Hotel.
A delighted Mr Alastair Gardiner, Managing Director, Port of Larne commented: "The Port of Larne is one of the major ro-ro ports in the UK and Ireland. Winning Irish Port of the Year is confirmation of this. The key to our success is our commitment to customer service. We are totally focused on our customers needs and adopt a flexible approach to business. We work closely with all our customers to ensure that their requirements are met. This philosophy is the cornerstone of our success."
Customers at the Port of Larne include two top shipping companies, P&O Irish Sea and Stenaline as well as Wincanton Distribution, P&O Ferrymasters, Fry Transport, Marsh Freight and Barline Transport.
The judging panel highlighted recent developments at the Port of Larne which has seen the return of Stena to operate the Larne-Fleetwood route, the development of the Larne-Troon fast ferry service and the arrival of the first ever cruise ship to Larne.
Mr Gardiner continues: "The Port of Larne has seen major developments over the past twelve months. Stenaline returned to Larne in April and has reported that the Larne-Fleetwood route has contributed positively to a 44% increase on its Irish Sea business while P&O Irish Sea’s Larne-Troon fast ferry service has recorded a year-to-date increase of 21% on the number of passengers and 7.1% on the number of vehicles using this route. We entered the cruise market for the first time ever with the arrival of mv Funchal in May and with further cruise vessels booked, we have taken a positive step in developing this market in the future."
Over 800,000 passengers, 450,000 commercial vehicles and 200,000 tourist vehicles will use the port in 2004 with P&O Irish Sea and Stenaline operating up 32 scheduled movements daily to Cairnryan, Troon and Fleetwood.
"The Port of Larne is an exceptionally busy port," adds Mr Gardiner, "and our success is a credit to all our staff who show total dedication and commitment. I would like to pay tribute to everyone and thank them for the part they have played in ensuring that the Port of Larne is the Irish Port of the Year 2004."
Ends
Pictured: Mr Alastair Gardiner, Managing Director, Port of Larne collects the award for Irish Port of the Year 2004. Also pictured is Mr Philip Shepherd, Managing Director, Norse Merchant Ferries who sponsored the award.
Notes to Editors: For further information contact Sharon Toner, 028 2887 2182