Press Release
13 July 2007

Breakthrough in export link to USA -
First North Atlantic Shipping Service from Dubin

The Irish Exporters Association’s Chief Executive, John Whelan, strongly welcomed the new North Atlantic shipping service announced earlier in the week by Fyffes Atlantic Shipping operating out of Dublin.

According to John Whelan, Irish exports to the US have been on a steady growth path for the past 10 years, with volumes reaching in excess of 18,000 forty foot containers in the past year.

However, as there has been no direct shipping service available out of Ireland, exporters have had to tranship through the UK or European ports, which in recent years has added 7 days onto transit times to the US.

 “The new service will give a time definite service on a weekly basis out of Dublin to Hailifax” he said.

He also stated “This will be welcomed by many exporters who have suffered disruption to their supply of goods to the US when containers have to change ship in European ports before proceeding on to their final destination.”

Mr Whelan went on to state, “Fyffes and EWL shipping line has put a substantial investment into this service with 7 ships ensuring a scheduled weekly service out of Dublin to Halifax. We hope other shipping lines will follow their lead and establish other routes from Irish ports to the USA.”

The weekly service is being made available by Fyffes Atlantic Shipping in association with international shipping company, EWL (Europe West Indies Lines).

The service will transport bananas and pineapples from South America to Dublin Port. Fyffes Atlantic Shipping will also carry Irish export cargo direct to the USA, Canada, the Caribbean and South America without the need for transhipment.

According to Gerry Cunningham, Managing Director, Fyffes Atlantic Shipping, Irish exporters have been seeking a direct shipping link with North and South America for many years and there is substantial growth potential for this service.

Fyffes Atlantic Shipping estimates that Ireland exports the equivalent of over 18,000 40-foot containers to North America per annum. “North America is Ireland’s largest export market outside the European Union, while South America is of growing importance to Irish companies, particularly those in the food and drinks sector. This service means that Irish exporters will now be able to transport goods to these markets in a highly efficient and cost-effective manner using a world-class shipping service,” commented Cunningham.

The service will sail every week from Dublin Port and is capable of carrying 250 temperature controlled containers to ensure that goods transported meet the requirements of the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Ends

For further information contact: John Whelan

Telephone: 01 661 2182 – Fax 01 661 2315

Email: jfwhelan@irishexporters.ie

13/07/07