Key Ireland-USA Maritime Trade Partnership Marks Milestone

The Port of Cork Company and Independent Container Line (ICL) partnership is celebrating five years of supporting direct US trade.

The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) and Independent Container Line (ICL) are celebrating five years of operating their vital transatlantic partnership, which offers the only direct shipping route connecting Ireland to the USA.

Over the past five years, 245 ICL vessels have travelled a total of 1.8 million nautical miles between Cork and the US East Coast – the equivalent of nearly 85 trips around the world.  A supersonic jet would have to fly 107 days to cover that distance. An estimated 72.8 million nautical miles have been saved by choosing the direct connection through the Port of Cork.

The ICL (Independent Container Line) vessel travels from Cork to the USA with a fixed weekly schedule, sailing every Saturday. The service offers a direct route to the US East Coast, arriving approximately 10 days later, with Chester, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, North Carolina as the first calls, offering a faster and more reliable transit time for Irish exporters.

On Friday, 18th of July, executives from both companies toured the Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy and attended a special anniversary reception at a quayside city venue. Speaking at the event, Ann Doherty, CEO of Port of Cork, expressed optimism about the economic vitality of the route.

Ann Doherty, CEO of PoCC, said, “This milestone represents more than just a successful shipping route – it’s a symbol of enduring partnership, trust, and mutual growth. In today’s evolving geopolitical climate, it’s more important than ever that we focus on strengthening our connections. Our collaboration with ICL, our valued customers, and our transatlantic partners reinforces Cork’s role as a strategic gateway for trade. We are committed to building resilience and prosperity through deeper relationships and enhanced infrastructure.”

Dean Robertson, President and European Director of ICL, said, “Our five-year journey with the Port of Cork has been defined by mutual trust, reliability, and shared ambition. This partnership continues to thrive because of the strong relationships we’ve built – not only with the port, but with the Irish exporters and importers who rely on this route every day. As we look ahead, we remain focused on nurturing these connections and supporting the long-term success of our customers.”