Port of Cork presents strong 2025 figures as major investments continue
Cillian Ferry
The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) has published its Annual Report for 2025, reporting increases in major sectors as it continues to invest in the infrastructure required to support Ireland’s trade, connectivity and energy transition.
The port recorded higher cargo volumes, increased turnover and profitability in relation to the previous year. Total consolidated traffic throughput rose to 10.2 million tonnes in 2025, up from 8.9 million tonnes the previous year. Container traffic increased by 5% to 292,669 TEU, while liquid bulk volumes reached 5 million tonnes, driven by activity at Whitegate Oil Refinery. Dry bulk traffic remained steady at 1.6 million tonnes.
The port also recorded a strong cruise season, with 103 cruise liners visiting Cork Harbour and Bantry Bay. Around 172,000 passengers arrived in the region, supporting tourism, retail and hospitality businesses. The Port of Cork said the cruise sector generated an estimated €17 million for the local economy.
Group turnover increased by approximately 6% from €52.1 million in 2024 to €55.2 million, representing a year‑on‑year rise of €3.1 million. Profit before tax increased by approximately 47%, from 5.8 million in 2024 to €8.5 million.
A major focus for 2025 was the continued delivery of CORE1, a new multi‑purpose deepwater berth at Ringaskiddy. This €100 million investment will make the Port of Cork the first port in the Republic to provide dedicated quayside infrastructure for the offshore renewable energy sector. The project is being supported by EU Connecting Europe Facility (CINEA) funding, a commercial investment fund from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and direct investment from the PoCC. Construction is progressing well and the facility is scheduled for completion in Q4 2026.
The port also marked five years of direct transatlantic trade with Independent Container Line in 2025, strengthening Cork’s role as a gateway for US-Ireland trade. Its North American connectivity was further expanded in 2026 through a new CA-CGM service providing access to additional US East Coast destinations, including New York.
Port of Cork CEO Ann Doherty said the 2025 results demonstrated the organisation’s resilience despite the complexity of global trade conditions. She also commented on CORE1, saying that its development is central to Ireland’s future. “Ireland is entering a new phase in its energy transition and the Port of Cork will have a key role in enabling offshore renewable energy projects in the Irish and Celtic Seas,” she said.
Michael Walsh, Chairperson of the Port of Cork Company said: “Looking to the future, our Corporate Strategy 2026-2030 provides a clear framework for strengthening capacity, supporting our workforce and advancing sustainable growth. In parallel, our Port Masterplan 2050 sets out the long-term transition required to consolidate operations in the lower harbour and prepare the port for Ireland’s future trade and energy needs. Together, they set out how we will increase capacity, enhance competitiveness, support the energy transition and ensure the Port of Cork remains a world-class gateway servicing the national economy for generations to come.”