Today, it is the second largest port in the Republic of Ireland, with in the region of 190,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) passing through each year. But, as the closest deepwater port to Lands End, its strategic location could become even more of a factor into the future, as carbon and environmental taxes will place extra pressures on land-reliant logistics.

"We are not only the closest deep water port to Lands End, we are the closest to mainland Europe, " said Captain Michael McCarthy, commercial manager of the Port of Cork. "In the future, we will see many more trucks coming off the road and onto ships, and to this end, the Port of Cork is involved in European projects to create Motorways of the Seas."

In terms of freight, the Harbour operates 12 direct sailings between itself and Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Felixstowe. But, in addition to its links to the UK and Europe, Cork is an important port for much of Ireland, with a catchment which serves much of Munster, into Tipperary, and North as far as Donegal. Cork is also the only port in Ireland which can berth the new Panamax ships, and the water depth of the port means that it is uniquely able to handle some of the large cruise ships which would be unable to dock in Dublin.

Indeed, Cork has become something of a haven for cruises, with 40 vessels landing this year, and 44 booked for 2008, including the new giant "Independence of the Seas", weighing in at 160,000 tonnes and measuring 340 metres in length. Royal Caribbean's "Navigator of the Seas" has already visited, which, at 314 metres and 138,000 tonnes, is the largest cruise ship to have visited to date.

Outside of freight and cruises, Cork does service a limited passenger fleet, with weekly services to and from Roscoff ferrying 130,000 passengers each year. Its passenger capabilities were significantly affected with the suspension of the Cork/Swansea route, but the port authorities are in advanced discussions with at least two operators with a view to restarting this commercially viable service.

As well as being Ireland's second busiest port, Cork's viability is enhanced through a number of facilities unique to the harbour. For example, Whitegate is the only oil refinery in the country, while the harbour is actively involved in the biofuel market, and two companies have set up bio diesel plants in the harbour.

It is also active in the overall development of the city, particularly in relation to the docklands development project. Part of the process will include the restriction of vessels accessing the city, and a significant relocation of the commercial trade. An estimated 1.1m tonnes will need to be relocated to Ringaskiddy, so the Port will be seeking funding for equivalent quays outside of the city as part of docklands redevelopment to cater for the displaced city traffic.

Further developments will include another terminal for Ringaskiddy, which will handle 800,000 TEUs, and will cater for transatlantic vessels of more than 300m in length.

"The budget for these developments will be in the region of 160m to 170m, " said McCarthy. "We have engaged with A&L Goodbody to create a financial model for the development, and we will consult with international players regarding its development and operation."

This is in addition to the fact that, over the past 10 years, Cork has invested more than 70m in upgrading its facilities for both passengers and freight. It is the only port in Ireland to have "Eco-Port" designation, as well as the only with EPSEM accreditation . . . the port's equivalent of ISO 9000, 14000 and 18001.

"We have been voted as the second most beautiful harbour in the world, after Sydney, " said McCarthy. "So we need to ensure that we can maintain these standards while providing for economic growth."