Port of Galway
{{short description|Port in Galway, Ireland}}
{{primary|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox port
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|name = Port of Galway
|image = Galway Fisher (IMO 9118161) -141512 (28102727287).jpg
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|image_caption = Galway Fisher at Port of Galway
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|pushpin_map = Ireland
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|native_name = {{lang|ga|Calafort na Gaillimhe}}
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|country = Ireland
|location = Galway
|coordinates = {{coord|53.27020|-9.05012|type:landmark_region:IE|display=ti|format=dms}}
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|operated = Galway Harbour Company
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|sizewater = {{convert|7.25|acre}}
|sizeland = {{convert|10|acre}}
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|leadershiptitle = CEO
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|cargotonnage = 500,259 (2022)
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|revenue = {{increase}} €5.2 million (2022){{Cite report |title=Director's Report and Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 |url=https://theportofgalway.ie/download/financial-accounts-2022/?wpdmdl=5937&refresh=661facb82bc351713351864 |website=theportofgalway.ie | publisher = Port of Galway }}
|profit = {{increase}} €1.4 million (2022)
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|website = {{official|https://theportofgalway.ie/}}
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The Port of Galway ({{langx|ga|Calafort na Gaillimhe}}) is a seaport situated in Galway, Ireland. Located on the west coast of Ireland, the port is operated by the Galway Harbour Company.
History
Galway's development as a trading port dates back to the 14th century. In 1380, King Richard II granted permission for merchants from the Iberian Peninsula and Galway to engage in direct trade, strengthening the city's commercial links with France, Flanders, and Italy.{{Cite web |title=The History of the Port of Galway {{!}} Port of Galway |url=https://theportofgalway.ie/history-of-the-port-of-galway-2/ |access-date=2025-01-19 |language=en-IE |website=theportofgalway.ie | publisher = Port of Galway }}
In 1832, the Harbour Commissioners constructed the Commercial Dock. Over the next century, the docks expanded, with additional land reclaimed from the sea to accommodate growing maritime activities.{{Cite web |title=Galway Harbour - A Brief History | website = galway-harbour.com |url=https://www.galway-harbour.com/galway-harbour-then-and-now |access-date=2025-01-19 |language=en-IE}}
As of the 21st century, the Galway Harbour Company has proposed plans to relocate and extend the existing port facilities. The proposed development aims to create improved infrastructure to support offshore wind energy projects.{{fv|reason=Where does the linked webpage state anything about "plans to relocate and extend the existing port facilities"? Or "offshore wind energy projects"?|date=February 2025}}
Operations
The port primarily handles bulk cargo such as fuel, timber, cement, and fishery products, with an annual throughput of approximately 500,000 tonnes of goods as of 2022. Its inner dock can accommodate vessels up to 6,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT) and provides berthing for up to six vessels simultaneously.
In addition to cargo operations, the port hosts seasonal passenger ferry services, including routes to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, which operate from March to September.{{Cite web |title=Ferry to Inishmore from Galway City |url=https://www.aranislandferries.com/galwaycity |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=www.aranislandferries.com}} The port also supports leisure activities such as sailing and marine tourism, with facilities for small vessels and recreational users.{{fact|date=February 2025}}
The port operates a coastal tide gate system to regulate water levels and ensure safe navigation within the harbour. Its facilities include warehouses, storage areas, and a customs checkpoint to streamline the handling of cargo and passenger services.{{fact|date=February 2025}}
Traffic
The port can accommodate vessels up to 6,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT), with its total quay length capable of berthing up to six vessels simultaneously in the inner dock, depending on the size of the vessels.{{Cite web |title=Port of Galway General Information |url=https://theportofgalway.ie/port-of-galway-general-information/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=theportofgalway.ie | publisher = Port of Galway |language=en-IE}}