Cargo of a record-breaking scale was handled by Bellview Port over the weekend
The port received a load of 80-meter-long wide-turbine blades, the largest ever imported into Ireland, because of its large riverside area, capacity to handle very large cargo, and close proximity to the highway system.
The BBC Citrine 153m ship brought in 80-meter-long blades from Turkey, which are thought to be the longest blades ever imported into Ireland and the United Kingdom. After being unloaded, the wind turbine blades that broke all previous records are now being stored at the port.
They will then be transported by road to their destination at Cushaling Wind Farm, Co. Offaly.
CEO David Sinnott says, “Port of Waterford was chosen as it is the only port in Ireland capable of handling these long components, in addition, a second ship arrived with the tower section components for the same project”.
“Port of Waterford is strategically positioned to support the future offshore wind energy sector and has currently proposed a 250m quay extension to further support this work and future growth in the sector while also recently applying for a Marine Area consent (MAC) to the Marine Area Regulatory Authority (MARA)”.
Belview Port is the centre of operations for the Port of Waterford. The port is served directly by the N29 and the N25, which provide direct connections to the M9 motorway. The port is also served directly by a rail connection, which provides the port with exclusive access to the national rail network.