UN/LOCODE: IEFOV📍 Ireland
Port of Foynes (UN/LOCODE IEFOV)
❖ Coordinates: 52.6105°N, -9.1051°E
❖ Time Zone: Europe/Dublin
❖ UN/LOCODE: IEFOV
## About the Port
Foynes Port (UN/LOCODE: **IEFOV**) sits on the south‑west shore of the River Shannon estuary in County Limerick, Ireland (52.6105253 N, ‑9.1051123 W). Operating under the **Europe/Dublin** time zone, it is the westernmost deep‑water gateway for the Republic of Ireland and one of the few Irish ports with direct Atlantic access. Managed by the **Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC)**, the facility serves as a multi‑modal hub for bulk, containerised, and project cargo, linking the hinterland of the Midlands and the greater west of Ireland to global shipping lanes.
Key characteristics that distinguish Foynes include:
| Attribute | Details |
|-----------|---------|
| **Port Type** | Deep‑water, mixed cargo |
| **Draft (max)** | 12 m (39 ft) at high tide |
| **Berthing Length** | 2,500 m of quay |
| **Customs** | Integrated with Irish Revenue & EU customs |
| **Connectivity** | Road (N69, N18), rail (Cork‑Dublin line), and inland waterway links |
| **Operational Hours** | 24 h/7 d, with scheduled tidal windows for larger vessels |
Because of its strategic position at the mouth of the Shannon, the port enjoys a natural protective basin, reducing the need for extensive breakwater infrastructure and enabling efficient handling of vessels up to 60,000 dwt. The location also supports the **Shannon Estuary Free Zone**, providing fiscal incentives for value‑added processing and transshipment activities.
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## History
### Early Maritime Activity (19th Century)
Foynes’ maritime origins trace back to the early 1800s when the Shannon estuary functioned as a natural anchorage for small sailing craft and later for steam‑driven packet ships. The construction of the **Shannon Navigation Act** (1850) and subsequent dredging projects established a navigable channel, encouraging the settlement of a modest customs outpost at Foynes.
### Development of Port Facilities (20th Century)
The **Shannon Harbour Authority** was created in 1923, and by the 1930s a modest quay and grain silos were operational. World War II underscored the port’s strategic relevance, prompting the installation of anti‑submarine nets and auxiliary fuel depots. Post‑war economic expansion saw the commissioning of the **Foynes Quay Extension** (1965), which increased berth length by 1,200 m and introduced the first mechanised cargo handling gear.
### Modernisation Era (1990–Present)
In 1995, the **Shannon Foynes Port Company** was formed under the Irish Ports Act, consolidating management of the port and its satellite facilities. A series of capital projects, including the **Deep‑Water Terminal** (2001) and the **Container Handling Facility** (2015), transformed Foynes into a competitive Atlantic gateway. Recent investments have focused on shore‑power infrastructure, automated terminal operating systems (TOS), and sustainability programmes aligned with the EU Green Deal.
---
## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths and Waterways
- **Deep‑Water Berth (Berth 1)** – 480 m, 12 m draught, equipped for Panamax and post‑Panamax vessels.
- **General Cargo Berths (Berths 2‑5)** – 150–250 m each, supporting bulk carriers, ro‑ro vessels, and project cargo.
- **Container Terminal (Berth 6)** – 300 m with a **20‑acre container yard**, featuring 12 gantry cranes (30 t lift capacity) and an automated gate system.
The port’s **tide‑controlled navigation channel** is maintained at a minimum depth of 12 m and a width of 250 m, allowing safe passage for vessels exceeding 60 000 dwt. Regular hydrographic surveys, coordinated with the **Irish Coast Guard**, guarantee compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
### Cargo Handling Equipment
| Equipment | Capacity | Application |
|-----------|----------|-------------|
| **Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC)** | 30 t | General cargo, steel, timber |
| **Bulk Handling Conveyors** | 1,200 t/h | Grain, feed, fertiliser |
| **Roll‑on/Roll‑off Ramps** | 10 m lane width | Vehicles, containers |
| **Cold Storage** | 15,000 m³ | Perishables, fish, pharmaceuticals |
| **Warehousing** | 40,000 m² | Mixed‑goods, value‑added processing |
Advanced **Port Community System (PCS)** integration enables real‑time tracking of cargo movements, facilitating a seamless data exchange between shipping lines, customs, and inland logistics providers.
### Supporting Services
- **Pilotage & Tug Assistance** – Licensed Irish pilotage service, with four twin‑propeller tugs providing up‑to 30 t bollard pull.
- **Ship‑to‑Shore Power** – Dedicated shore‑power connections for vessels up to 30 MW, reducing emissions while docked.
- **Customs & Security** – Accredited **Authorized Economic Operator (AEO)** zone, equipped with X‑ray scanners and non‑intrusive inspection devices.
- **Repair & Maintenance** – On‑site dry‑dock (70 m) and workshops handling hull cleaning, coating, and minor ship repair tasks.
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## Economic Importance
### Regional Impact
Foynes Port is a pivotal economic engine for the **Midwest Region** of Ireland. According to the Irish Department of Transport, the port contributes roughly **€1.2 billion** annually to the national GDP, supporting over **3,600 direct and indirect jobs**. The **Shannon Estuary Free Zone** attracts foreign direct investment (FDI), with notable clusters in agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy components.
### Trade Volume & Growth Trends
- **Annual cargo throughput (2023)**: 9.8 Mt (million tonnes) – a 5 % increase over 2022.
- **Container throughput (2023)**: 275,000 TEU – up 7 % YoY, driven by rising demand for Irish dairy and meat exports.
- **Project cargo**: 1.4 Mt, dominated by wind‑turbine components and heavy machinery.
The port’s **multimodal connectivity** underpins the logistics chain for the **West of Ireland** (Counties Galway, Mayo, Donegal) and the **Midlands** (Clare, Tipperary, Offaly). Proximity to the **M7/M8 motorways** and the **Iarnród Éireann** rail network shortens inland transport times to Dublin, Cork, and the UK, making Foynes an effective transshipment point for both **intra‑EU** and **non‑EU** trade.
### Sustainability & Future Outlook
Foynes is actively pursuing the **EU Port Climate Action Plan** targets, aiming for a **30 % reduction in CO₂ emissions** by 2030. Initiatives include electrification of quay cranes, adoption of **cold ironing**, and a partnership with **Renewable Energy Ireland** to trial hydrogen‑fuelled tugs. These measures not only improve environmental performance but also enhance the port’s attractiveness to ESG‑focused shippers and investors.
---
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Export Routes
| Destination | Primary Cargo | Frequency |
|------------|---------------|-----------|
| **United Kingdom (Southampton, Felixstowe)** | Dairy, meat, horticultural produce | 12 sailings/yr |
| **European Union (Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg)** | Agri‑commodities, chemicals, engineered steel | 18 sailings/yr |
| **North America (New York, Baltimore, Halifax)** | Processed food, pharmaceuticals, timber | 8 sailings/yr |
| **Middle East (Dubai, Jebel Ali)** | Fertiliser, petrochemical feedstock | 4 sailings/yr |
The **Shannon–Foynes Export Corridor** capitalises on deep‑draft access, allowing vessels to bypass the congested Dublin Port when heading directly to Atlantic routes. Seasonal variations see a surge in grain exports during the Irish harvest window (September–November).
### Primary Import Routes
| Origin | Primary Cargo | Frequency |
|--------|---------------|-----------|
| **North America** | Corn, soybeans, timber, machinery | 10 sailings/yr |
| **Asia (China, South Korea)** | Fertiliser, containerised consumer goods | 14 sailings/yr |
| **Baltic States** | Steel coils, automotive components | 6 sailings/yr |
| **West Africa** | LPG, refined petroleum products | 3 sailings/yr |
### Specialized Cargo
- **Wind‑energy components** – Blade sections and tower sections are shipped via the deep‑water berth for offshore wind farms in the Irish Sea.
- **Cold Chain Produce** – The port’s state‑of‑the‑art refrigeration facilities support year‑round export of fresh fish and dairy to EU markets.
- **Project Cargo** – Heavy lift cranes and modular structures for infrastructure projects are handled in the dedicated project yard, with on‑site assembly capabilities.
---
### Further Reading
- **Shannon Foynes Port Company – Official site** – Detailed statistics, development plans, and sustainability reports.
- **Irish Department of Transport – Port Statistics** – Comprehensive national data on cargo volumes, ship movements, and economic impact.
*This article reflects the latest publicly available data as of 2024 and is intended for professional reference within the maritime and logistics sectors.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
IEFOV
Country
Ireland
Province / Region
Limerick
Latitude
52.610525
Longitude
-9.105112
Timezone
Europe/Dublin
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Foynes?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Foynes is IEFOV.
Where is Port of Foynes located?
The Port of Foynes is located in Ireland, Limerick. Its coordinates are 52.6105°N, -9.1051°E.
What time zone is Port of Foynes in?
Port of Foynes operates in the Europe/Dublin time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.02 m
Wave Direction99°
Swell Height0 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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