Port of Cork Unveils Ambitious Five-Year Plan to Power Sustainable Growth

The newly launched corporate strategy entitled ‘Powering Future Growth. Leading, Connecting, Delivering’ runs until 2030 and focuses on four key pillars: People, Infrastructure, Business & Planet

The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) today announced its new Corporate Strategy 2026-2030, setting out a clear and ambitious roadmap to secure the Port’s future as a world class, people centred, sustainable gateway for Ireland’s trade and connectivity.

The five-year plan places people, partnerships and long-term national value at its core, reflecting the port’s role as a critical economic and community asset for Cork, Munster and the wider country. Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien T.D., was presented with the new strategy during his recent visit to the Port of Cork.

Darragh O’Brien T.D., Minister for Transport, said: “I welcome the Port of Cork’s Corporate Strategy as it is a strong example of a semi-state body aligning with national priorities. The Government’s transport and climate policies depend on ports like Cork continuing to modernise, expand capacity and support the shift to more sustainable forms of trade and energy. The Port plays a central role in Ireland’s economic resilience, regional development and international connectivity, and its commitment to decarbonisation, digitalisation and infrastructure delivery reflects directions set out in Government policy.”

The strategy is built around four pillars: Infrastructure, People, Business and Planet. These are supported by key enablers including technology, governance, culture, communication, policy and hinterland connectivity. Together, these pillars define how the Port will strengthen capacity, support its workforce, drive commercial competitiveness and lead on environmental stewardship.

● Infrastructure: This pillar focuses on developing the port’s land, infrastructure, superstructure and connectivity to support growth and unlock the potential of Cork Harbour. It includes delivering infrastructure in line with the Masterplan 2050, securing funding, optimising land use, maintaining assets and strengthening hinterland connectivity.
● People: This pillar is about creating a safe, engaging, diverse and inclusive workplace that develops talent and celebrates the port’s heritage. It includes strengthening leadership culture, supporting employee development, reinforcing organisational identity and building strategic partnerships across the wider Irish ecosystem.
● Business: This pillar aims to drive sustainable growth by maximising value, achieving operational excellence, attracting customers and embracing innovation. It includes retaining and winning customers, exploring new commercial opportunities and modernising operations to remain competitive.
● Planet: This pillar positions the port as a leader in environmental stewardship. It includes progressing decarbonisation, supporting the decarbonisation of shipping and logistics, protecting the harbour environment, engaging with communities and enabling Ireland’s transition to renewable energy.

Michael Walsh, Chairperson of the Port of Cork, said: “Strong governance is central to the delivery of this strategy. The Board has ensured that the plan is grounded in evidence, aligned with national policy, and supported by the structures needed for accountability and transparency.

‘’As custodians of a national asset, we have a responsibility to make decisions that are sustainable, responsible and in the long-term interest of the port, our colleagues, customers, and partners. This strategy provides a clear framework for that stewardship. The Board will continue to work closely with the Executive team to oversee progress, manage risk and ensure that the Port remains a trusted and future-ready gateway for Ireland.”

Ann Doherty, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Cork, said: “This strategy gives us a clear and practical plan for the next five years. It sets out the actions we need to take, the outcomes we expect to deliver, and unites us with renewed purpose around our shared values. The expertise, commitment and professionalism of the Port of Cork team shine through in this plan and together we are making sure our historic port is resilient and ready for the future.

“Our focus now is implementation, progressing the infrastructure that unlocks capacity, strengthening our operations, supporting our people and ensuring we are positioned strongly for the opportunities and challenges ahead. We are committed to ensuring the Port continues to serve our customers and our communities, partners and stakeholders with excellence.”

As a Tier 1 Port of National Significance and a Core Port on the EU TEN T network, the Port of Cork handles approximately 17 percent of Ireland’s overall tonnage and plays a central role in supporting economic growth, energy security and regional development. The strategy reinforces the Port’s commitment to safe operations, sustainable growth and strong community engagement.

For generations, the Port of Cork’s forward thinking approach to maritime logistics has been rooted in responsible long-term planning. The Port of Cork’s new Corporate Strategy 2026 to 2030, themed “Powering Sustainable Growth,” is centered on leading, connecting, and delivering. A core focus is strengthening global connectivity and boosting sustainable trade and economic activity in the region. Crucially, through the strategy, the port is also committed to playing a pivotal role in Ireland’s journey to Net Zero by developing the nation’s first port infrastructure designed to facilitate Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE), which will be operational imminently.

You can view the full strategy at: https://www.portofcork.ie/company-corporate-strategy-2026-2030/