Major international shipping group establishes Irish operation

The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has welcomed the news that APL, a subsidiary of the major international ship owner and logistics group Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), will open a dedicated Irish office next month in Dublin. The new office will focus on the Irish Liner shipping and logistics market.

APL is a giant in the International shipping Industry; operating over 80 ultra-modern container vessels serving 6 continents. It provides worldwide transportation of containerised cargo to and from more than 100 world markets through a network combining extensive intermodal operations with state-of-the-art information technology.

"This is further good news for Irish companies involved in international trade with a major shipping group such as APL committing themselves to assertively build on and expand their share of the Irish market," commented Mr Glenn Murphy, IMDO Director.

During recent years APL's maritime fleet has grown significantly to reach the rank of the 6th largest carrier in the world, providing service to and from North, South, and West Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East,East and Sub-Saharan Africa, and Australia. The company is particularly strong in China where it operates more than 30 regional offices.

They join other major international shipping groups such as MSC and D'Amico who have also recently established stand-alone operations in Ireland.

Marine Minister Pat "The Cope" Gallagher TD, warmly welcomed the companies decision and its investment announcement.

ENDS