Port of Cork Delivers Strong 2025 Performance While Accelerating Major Infrastructure and Energy Investments
Port of Cork Delivers Strong 2025 Performance While Accelerating Major Infrastructure and Energy Investments
The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) has published its Annual Report for 2025, reporting increased cargo throughput, turnover and profitability as it continues to invest in the infrastructure required to support Ireland’s trade, connectivity and energy transition.
Total consolidated traffic throughput reached 10.2 million tonnes, an increase on 2024 (8.9m). Container trade grew by 5% to 292,669 TEU. Liquid bulk traffic rose to 5 million tonnes, driven by activity at Whitegate Oil Refinery. Dry bulk volumes remained steady at 1.6 million tonnes.
Home to Ireland’s only dedicated cruise terminal in Cobh, the PoCC recorded a strong cruise season in 2025, welcoming 103 cruise liners to Cork Harbour and Bantry Bay. Passenger volumes remained robust, with 172,000 arriving into the region and supporting local tourism, retail and hospitality activity. The Port of Cork is the largest cruise season in the Republic of Ireland generating an estimated €17 million for the local economy. The 2025 season further reinforced Cork’s position as a leading cruise destination and a key gateway for international tourism.
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 of Cork marked five years of direct transatlantic trade with Independent Container Line (ICL) in 2025, reinforcing Cork’s position as a key gateway for US-Ireland trade. Building on this success, the Port further strengthened its North American connectivity in 2026 through a new CA-CGM service providing access to additional US East Coast destinations, including New York.
Ann Doherty, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Cork Company, said: “2025 was a year defined by resilience and disciplined operational delivery. Global trade conditions remained highly complex and challenging, shaped by shifting tariff policies and increased competitiveness across international markets. Despite this backdrop, our teams delivered exceptional service for customers while managing higher volumes and maintaining world‑class operational standards. The Port of Cork continues to play a vital role in supporting industry, trade and communities across the region, and this year’s results demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our organisation.”
“The development of CORE1, the Republic of Ireland’s first dedicated quay for the offshore renewable energy sector, is central to our 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, supporting both economic growth and national energy security.”
Doherty continued: “As we look to the future, it is increasingly clear that Ports are critical national infrastructure, underpinning Ireland’s trade, connectivity and energy ambitions. Securing and safeguarding additional port-related land and hinterland capacity will be essential to meeting future demand. We are committed to working with Government and regional stakeholders to ensure the Port of Cork can continue to expand sustainably and deliver for the national economy.”
“I want to acknowledge the dedication of our staff, the support of our Board and the trust of our customers throughout 2025. Together we are building a port that is ready to power future growth.”
Michael Walsh, Chairperson of the Port of Cork Company, said: “The Port of Cork delivered a strong financial and operational performance in 2025 while continuing to invest in the future. The Board remains focussed on disciplined governance, prudent financial management and the delivery of long-term value from investments that will strengthen Ireland’s transport and energy infrastructure.”
“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.”
Earlier this year, the Port published its Corporate Strategy 2026-2030 – ‘Powering Future Growth’. The five-year plan sets out a clear direction for the organisation, built around four pillars: Infrastructure, People, Business and Planet. The strategy outlines how the Port will continue to invest in modern facilities, support its workforce, grow commercial activity and advance sustainability across operations.
