The Port of Cork announced that it has doubled the size of its customs facilities, in preparation for the likelihood that the UK will depart the European Union (EU) with a no-deal Brexit, on October 31st, 2019.
The Port concluded that if the UK leaves the EU single market and customs union without an agreement it is possible that more intensive checks and declarations will be needed. Such an outcome could significantly increase processing times at the border.
As Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork, informed, 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 UK 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 regarding 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.
In addition, according to Capt. Paul O’Regan, Chief Operations Officer of the Port of Cork, the Port has reviewed the impact of various forms of Brexit on its activities, and it is working locally and nationally with Customs and with the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine to ensure that it is Brexit ready.
What is more, the Port has also 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 start operations in 2020.
