There will be no cruise lines visiting Cork in the near future.

The Port of Cork has announced it has agreed a temporary suspension of operations with cruise lines as a result of the escalating global COVID-19 outbreak.

Cruise liners that were due to berth between now and April 20th have been cancelled. Cruise operations in the following months are now “under review” and subject to guidelines from HSE.

“We are obviously disappointed that this year’s cruise season has been impacted by COVID-19, but we fully respect the decision of the cruise companies to cancel these calls in the interests of public health.” said CEO of the Port of Cork, Brendan Keating.

“There will be a significant impact on the local community through loss of business, and we fully support Government initiatives to help those businesses trade through difficult times.”

Freight continuing as scheduled

Freight operations are continuing, and the Port expects to accommodate all scheduled vessels in the weeks ahead. These inbound vessels will carry a range of goods including standard containers, fertiliser, crude oil, and animal feed.

PORT OF CORK FREIGHT OPERATIONS CONTINUE AS
NORMAL – Authorities liaising closely with HSE during
COVID-19 pandemic https://t.co/IG3of4sOMZ pic.twitter.com/oAJaMAQRcG

— Port of Cork (@PortofCork) March 16, 2020

As a precaution, inbound ships are subject to strict new guidelines as outlined in a notice to mariners. Staff members and visitors at the Port are adopting best practice in terms of social distancing.