Port of Galway

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Port of Galway
Galway Fisher (IMO 9118161) -141512 (28102727287).jpg
Galway Fisher at Port of Galway
Port of Galway
Native name
Calafort na Gaillimhe
Location
Country Ireland
Location Galway
Coordinates 53°16′13″N9°03′00″W / 53.27020°N 9.05012°W / 53.27020; -9.05012
UN/LOCODE IEGWY [1]
Details
Operated by Galway Harbour Company
Type of harbour Coastal tide gate [2]
Size of harbour7.25 acres (2.93 ha) [2]
Land area10 acres (4.0 ha) [2]
No. of berths 8 [2]
CEO Conor O'Dowd [3]
Statistics
Annual cargo tonnage 500,259 (2022) [2]
Annual revenue Increase2.svg €5.2 million (2022) [4]
Net income Increase2.svg €1.4 million (2022) [4]
Website
Official website

The Port of Galway (Irish : Calafort na Gaillimhe) is a seaport situated in Galway, Ireland. Located on the west coast of Ireland, the port is operated by the Galway Harbour Company.

Contents

History

Galway's development as a trading port dates back to the 14th century. In 1380, King Richard II granted permission for merchants from the Iberian Peninsula and Galway to engage in direct trade, strengthening the city's commercial links with France, Flanders, and Italy. [5]

In 1832, the Harbour Commissioners constructed the Commercial Dock. Over the next century, the docks expanded, with additional land reclaimed from the sea to accommodate growing maritime activities. [6]

As of the 21st century, the Galway Harbour Company has proposed plans to relocate and extend the existing port facilities. The proposed development aims to create improved infrastructure to support offshore wind energy projects. [6] [ failed verification ]

Operations

The port primarily handles bulk cargo such as fuel, timber, cement, and fishery products, with an annual throughput of approximately 500,000 tonnes of goods as of 2022. Its inner dock can accommodate vessels up to 6,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT) and provides berthing for up to six vessels simultaneously. [2]

In addition to cargo operations, the port hosts seasonal passenger ferry services, including routes to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, which operate from March to September. [7] The port also supports leisure activities such as sailing and marine tourism, with facilities for small vessels and recreational users.[ citation needed ]

The port operates a coastal tide gate system to regulate water levels and ensure safe navigation within the harbour. [2] Its facilities include warehouses, storage areas, and a customs checkpoint to streamline the handling of cargo and passenger services.[ citation needed ]

Traffic

The port can accommodate vessels up to 6,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT), with its total quay length capable of berthing up to six vessels simultaneously in the inner dock, depending on the size of the vessels. [2]

References

  1. ↑ "UNLOCODE (IE) - IRELAND". service.unece.org. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Port of Galway General Information". theportofgalway.ie. Port of Galway. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  3. ↑ "Not just any port in a storm - Galway CEO sees opportunity to be part of the solution to housing and energy crises". Irish Independent. 2019-07-04. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  4. 1 2 Director's Report and Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2022. theportofgalway.ie (Report). Port of Galway.
  5. ↑ "The History of the Port of Galway | Port of Galway". theportofgalway.ie. Port of Galway. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  6. 1 2 "Galway Harbour - A Brief History". galway-harbour.com. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
  7. ↑ "Ferry to Inishmore from Galway City". www.aranislandferries.com. Retrieved 2025-01-19.
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