The Port of Cork today (Tuesday) announced that it has doubled the size of its customs facilities in preparation for the likelihood that the UK will depart the European Union with a no-deal Brexit on 31st October, 2019.
After close examination of historical data and several simulation studies, the Port concluded that if the UK leaves the EU single market and customs union without an agreement it is likely that more intensive checks and declarations will be required. Such an outcome is likely to substantially increase processing times at the border.
Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork, commented: “The Port of Cork, including the new Cork Container Terminal, has made extensive preparations to ensure that importers’ and exporters’ operations from the Port run smoothly when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.
“Larger customs facilities will ensure that we can continue to ensure prompt vessel turnarounds and efficient supply chains without extended interruption from any additional administrative formalities.”
The Port of Cork is the second largest port in the Republic of Ireland in terms of turnover, and handles all vessel types including lift-on lift-off, bulk liquid, bulk solid, breakbulk, roll-on roll-off, and cruise. In 2018, the Port of Cork handled traffic of 10.66 million tonnes, including total container traffic of 228,762 TEU.
Capt Paul O’Regan, Chief Operations Officer of the Port of Cork, added: “The Port of Cork has regularly reviewed the impact of various forms of Brexit on our activities, and we are working locally and nationally with Customs and with the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine to ensure that we are Brexit ready.”
In addition to the Port of Cork’s investment in additional customs facilities, it has also recently invested €80m on a new container terminal that will help secure Cork as an international gateway for trade well into the future. The Cork Container Terminal will become operational in 2020.
