Congratulations to our Corporate Patron, Warrenpoint Port who has secured a landmark 55-year operating agreement with one of Europe’s busiest shipping operators, CLdN.
The deal with CLdN, which took effect on 1st January, represents a major vote of confidence in the port which is the second largest port in NI by tonnage and its strategic importance for Irish Sea trade.
The agreement enables CLdN to operate its high-frequency RoRo freight service between Warrenpoint and Heysham, handling approximately 125,000 freight units and trade cars annually.
CLdN traffic accounts for a significant portion of Warrenpoint Harbour’s annual tonnage, highlighting the strength of the partnership and the strategic importance of the route.
The service supports the movement of a wide range of manufactured goods, including machinery from the Mid Ulster quarrying sector, aerospace components such as Spirit AeroSystems’ tail fin assemblies, food products and other non-perishable items.
The strong two-way trade provides a resilient and reliable supply chain for manufacturers, distributors and logistics operators across Ireland and Great Britain, extending onwards to global markets.
LdN strengthened its Irish Sea capabilities in 2022 through the acquisition of Seatruck Ferries Ltd and currently employs approximately 50 staff at Warrenpoint Port.
The company’s unaccompanied short sea shipping business is supported by local haulage companies which play a vital role moving unaccompanied trailers between the port and the wider regional supply chains.
The long-term contract represents a significant investment in CLdN’s future operations at Warrenpoint and underlines the strategic importance of the Irish Sea corridor, with 95% of all consumer goods to the island arriving by sea.
The Chair of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, Dr Gerard O’Hare CBE DL, expressed his thanks to the executives in both organisations who had worked diligently for some months to bring this tremendous vote of confidence in Warrenpoint as a trading port of the future. He added that it will help to continue the port’s important economic impact both locally and to the Northern Ireland economy.
Warrenpoint Harbour Authority is Northern Ireland’s third-largest port and operates under Trust Port status, meaning any dividends are reinvested into the development of the port and its services.
David Holmes, CEO of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority said:
“The long-term partnership reflects the critical role Warrenpoint plays as a gateway for trade between Ireland, Great Britain and global markets.”
“The service is a key catalyst for local, regional and shared island commerce, strengthening connectivity, driving economic growth and supporting marine resilience outside of Dublin and Belfast.”
“The agreement provides both long-term certainty for the port, its customers and the wider logistics ecosystem, as well as an opportunity to reinvest dividends to support the long-term development of the port and the services it provides under its Trust Port status.”
Florent Maes, Chief Executive Officer of CLdN said:
“The renewed operating agreement provides long-term visibility for the company to further develop the route between Warrenpoint and Heysham. This provides additional flexibility to expand our operating footprint and services at the port.”
“The Warrenpoint-Heysham service is an essential one for trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and an integral part of our strategic focus on the Irish Sea trades.”
To find out more on Warrenpoint Port, please visit:
www.warrenpointport.com