Trade Patterns and Mix of Vessels

This strategy recognises the critical importance of ports to our island and takes into account that trading patterns in ports in Ireland have been affected by Brexit, by climate change measures, by changes to fishing practices, and by other cyclical business impacts. It is anticipated that there will be further impacts within the period of this strategy resulting from the roll out of ORE projects, and within and beyond the strategy period by direct climate change impacts such as weather events and flood risk.

Changes in port activity and associated traffic patterns impact directly on the demand for Irish Lights services in relation to both General and Local AtoN. The Ports Capacity Study, published in June 2023, and the National Ports Policy Issues Paper provide a detailed analysis of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Ports, and ports of Regional

Significance. The capacity study also took into account ports in Northern Ireland. It is important that all port developments include an analysis of safe navigation and AtoN requirements and that updated hydrographic data is provided to the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

The requirements of the ORE sector will be a key driver for ports development. There are a small number of ports that have the combined water depth, landbank, and access that could support ORE construction requirements. However, there are many ports that could support the operation and maintenance requirements of ORE. It is anticipated that a cooperative approach between ports will emerge based on the demand and facilities available.

Growth in cruise traffic may require changes to AtoN provision as vessels are visiting more remote locations or when tendering to ports from anchorages.

The average age of the world fleet continues to increase, and as of early 2023, the average ship’s age was 22.2 years (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – UNCTAD). An aging fleet can bring challenges in relation to reliability, and to the introduction of new technology, as much of the fleet would not be suitable for retrofit, but still not of an age where it will be replaced. There are similar challenges in the fishing fleet. To ensure safe navigation Irish Lights must serve all mariners regardless of the size or type of vessel or the level of technology available.