Date: 09 December 2002
Just two months after opening its Irish operation in Dublin, Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), the world’s 2nd largest container shipping operator has announced that they will begin direct calls to Irish routes from Dublin and Belfast commencing mid-December.
The four new vessels will be among the largest container vessels to make direct calls to Irish ports. Commencing with its flagship vessel, the MSC Ireland, the other vessels in the service will include the MSC SUFFOLK, MSC FADO and MSC SINTRA. They will connect with the groups worldwide service hubs in Antwerp, Lisbon, Leixios, Cadiz and Valencia.
Mr. Glenn Murphy, Director of the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) welcomed the news of the expanded service: "This demonstrates MSC’s commitment to an assertive expansion of its base here. It will provide Irish industry with greater choice and flexibility in getting goods into the international market place. A major shipping group such as MSC committing themselves to Ireland, building on and expanding their share of the Irish market can only mean greater competitiveness. "
MSC is an international shipping giant serving 5 continents and calling at 174 ports with 81 direct and 55 combined weekly liner services. More information on MSC can be accessed through the IMDO’s international shipping directory at www.imdo.ie
ENDS. For further information, please contact:
Lisa Fitzpatrick,
Communications & Marketing Officer,
Marine Institute.
Tel. 091 730 428
Fax. 091 730 470
lisa.fitzpatrick@marine.ie
or
Rory McGuire,
Business Development Manager,
IMDO. Tel: ++353 (1) 4766500
Fax: ++353 (1) 4784988
rory.mcguire@imdo.ie