WHITEGATE

• Latitude: 51.8323
•
• Longitude: -8.25821
•
• UK Coast & Atlantic
•
• Port in Ireland

Address: Whitegate County Cork Ireland

Port of Whitegate, Ireland - Description and Specifications

Location:

• The Port of Whitegate is located on the southern coast of Ireland.
• Situated in Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world.
• Coordinates: Approx. 51.8310° N latitude and 8.2625° W longitude.

Overview:

Whitegate is primarily known for its oil refinery and associated terminal facilities. The port plays a critical role in the import and export of petroleum products in Ireland.

Facilities:

1. Oil Refinery:

   • Operated by Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery Limited.
   • The refinery processes a variety of crude oils and produces petroleum products for both domestic and international markets.

2. Berthing Facilities:

   • The port has several deep-water berths specifically designed to accommodate oil tankers.
   • Depth at berths can accommodate large vessels, including those in excess of 100,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage).

3. Cargo Handling:

   • Specializes in liquid bulk handling, primarily petroleum and chemical products.
   • Modern infrastructure for efficient transfer of products between storage tanks and vessels.

4. Storage:

   • Extensive tank storage capacity for crude oil and refined products.
   • Equipped with advanced safety and environmental protection systems.

Navigation and Access:

• Approach: Vessels access Whitegate via the main shipping channel of Cork Harbour, which is well-marked and maintained.
• Pilotage: Pilotage is compulsory for navigating in and out of the port area.
• Tugs: Tug services are available to assist in docking and undocking operations.

Safety and Environmental Management:

• Strict adherence to international safety and environmental standards.
• Equipped with oil spill response plans and firefighting capabilities.
• Constant monitoring for environmental compliance to minimize impact on the harbor and surrounding areas.

Operational Aspects:

• Operating Hours: The port operates 24/7, ensuring around-the-clock loading and unloading of vessels.
• Customs: On-site customs and immigration facilities streamline the import/export processes.

Connectivity:

• Road: Well-connected to the national road network for efficient transportation of goods from the port to the hinterland.
• Rail: Proximity to rail services that facilitate the movement of goods.

Economic Impact:

• Provides significant employment and economic benefits to the region.
• Critical infrastructure for Ireland’s energy security and supply chain.

Future Developments:

• Plans for upgrades and expansions to enhance capacity and efficiency.
• Ongoing efforts to improve environmental sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.

The Port of Whitegate is a vital cog in Ireland's energy infrastructure, playing an essential role in handling and distributing petroleum products across the country and beyond.