Port of Cork Company makes history with prestigious award in recognition of its contribution to Irish-American trade

The Port of Cork Company has been awarded the 2022 Ambassador’s Award by the Irish American Business Chamber & Network which was celebrated at prestigious events held simultaneously and attended by dignitaries on both sides of the Atlantic, on Friday, March 4th.

The Ambassador’s Award is an honour presented to the company (either in the US or Ireland) that plays a pivotal role to strengthen the economic and educational ties between the United States and Ireland.

For the first time in its history, it has been awarded to three entities – the Port of Cork Company (PoCC), ICL and Penn Terminals for their collaboration to launch and maintain the Cork to Chester shipping route.

The route to the East Coast, which was launched in May 2020 is the only direct route from Ireland connecting to the US and serves Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

It provides Irish exporters with unprecedented opportunities, particularly for smaller indigenous companies, to develop business in the US.

In 2021, approx. 20,000 teu (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo was carried across the Atlantic from Cork with Irish exports such as medicine, lab tech, agri supplies, steel, nutrients, and infant formula. The weekly sailing has proven so successful that it is now serviced with bigger ships to cater for the demand.

Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer of Port of Cork Company who accepted the award which was presented by Dan Mulhall, Irish Ambassador to the US in Philadelphia, stated:

“We are very proud to receive this award in recognition of the positive impact our Cork to the US sailing has had to enable enhanced export trade opportunities for Irish companies, large and small, with America. This is particularly in the context that prior to the start of this shipping service, the last time liners regularly travelled between Cork and America was to enable migration.

We hope that the opening of our new Cork Container Terminal in the coming months, following an €86 million investment, will allow for further expansion of services and increased cargo volumes to the US.”

Lisa Maloney, President of the Irish American Business Chamber & Network stated: “The Port of Cork Company and its fellow partners were the clear front runners for this award which is symbolic of the long and historically significant relationship that exists between the US and Ireland, a relationship that precedes the American Revolution. I congratulate the Port of Cork and its fellow nominees ICL and Penn Terminals for the immense contribution their collaboration has made to strengthen the trade links between America and Ireland.”

Due to the unique nature of this year’s nomination, the award was presented to Port of Cork Company at a dual event held on Friday 4th March at a luncheon in Philadelphia with a live video link back to a dinner that took place simultaneously in Cork Chamber and was attended by Minister Michael McGrath among others.

Speaking about the award, Paula Cogan, President, Cork Chamber said: “In the context of Brexit and the ever-changing challenges to international trade, supply chain stability and movement of goods, the Port of Cork has excelled in building strong new trade links with the US. This timely recognition is an appropriate milestone as this relationship continues to build.”

The Port of Cork Company now joins the ranks of fellow winners and household names such as ICT, Wyeth, Siemens, ARAMARK, Shire Pharmaceuticals, SAP, Teleflex and Aer Lingus.