The Exporters Association Link up with Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) in Search for Short Sea Shipping Company of the Year 2010
The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has linked up with the IMDO in the search for the Short Sea Shipping Company of the Year 2010, a key category in the National Export Industry Awards.
The award scheme is for Short Sea Shipping companies who have successfully devised and supplied short sea shipping services to enable exporters reach markets in the UK and Europe was launched today by John Whelan, Chief Executive of the IEA. Organised by the IEA in conjunction with the IMDO, the competition recognises the outstanding achievements and innovative activity of Short Sea Shipping companies in supporting Irish export industry through efficient import processing as well as export processing services .The Awards search will culminate with a Gala Awards ceremony on November 25th when the Taoiseach will present the category winner, and the overall Exporter of the Year.
The Short Sea Shipping Company of the Year 2010, sponsored by IMDO recognises companies in the short sea shipping sector that have made significant progress in developing and supplying services to the export industry.
Speaking at the launch of the Short Sea Shipping Awards, Mr Glen Murphy Director of the IMDO stated:
‘After what has been a fairly traumatic period for the shipping industry , we are now seeing a return to growth in international trade in 2010 with our latest trade and traffic data indicating a 5% growth in exports on the key Shortsea routes for the first 6 months of this year. The IMDO believe it is important that shipping companies are given maximum exposure and assistance to expand, through programmes such as the IEA Short Sea Shipping Awards’’
John Whelan, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association stated at the launch:
‘’Exports will continue to be the main driver of the Irish economy in 2010, boosted by the return to robust global demand , with sales to the UK also supported by the strengthening of Sterling, and Euro zone economies growing strongly with the aid of government stimulus. However, efficient supply chain systems provided by the short sea shipping companies is essential to the competitive market growth of an island nation , and hence the importance of this award , which helps keep our focus on the key infrastructure that supports our international development’’