Port of Cork creates Brexit customs stronghold

After examination of historical data and several simulation studies, the Port of Cork concluded that if the UK leaves the EU single market and customs union without an agreement it is likely that more intensive checks and declarations will be required. Such an outcome is likely to substantially increase processing times at the border, the port said. Brendan Keating, chief executive of the Port of Cork, commented: “The Port of Cork, including the new Cork Container Terminal, has made extensive preparations to ensure that importers’ and exporters’ operations from the Port run smoothly when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. “Larger customs facilities will ensure that we can continue to ensure prompt vessel turnarounds and efficient supply chains without extended interruption from any additional administrative formalities.” As well as the Port of Cork’s investment in additional customs facilities, it has recently invested €80m on a new container terminal that will help secure Cork as an international gateway for trade. The Cork Container Terminal will become operational in 2020. In 2018, the Port of Cork handled traffic of 10.66m tonnes, including total container traffic of 228,762 TEUs.