Ireland – Bechtel will work with Shannon Foynes Port Company to figure out how to grow and expand the port, including how it can support the offshore wind industry and the production of alternative shipping fuels.
Shannon Foynes Port is located in Ireland’s deepest sheltered commercial harbor, with jurisdiction over all marine activities on a 500-kilometer square area spanning the Shannon Estuary from Kerry to Loop Head to Limerick City. With water depths of up to 32 meters and proximity to the world’s busiest shipping routes, the port is well positioned to grow as a cargo hub serving domestic, European, and global markets. The expansion, which will include a new 1-kilometer-long dock, will boost capacity to 20 million tonnes per year and will be supported by up to 1200 hectares of strategic development land.
Growing offshore wind
The port is also conveniently located near the Atlantic wind resource, which will be critical in helping Ireland meet its 20GW offshore wind target by 2050. The new Shannon Foynes facilities will include hydrogen and ammonia production facilities for long-term energy storage, as well as the possibility of exporting the renewable energy/fuels generated. Bechtel’s role will be to review and update the port’s masterplan, known as Vision 2041, in order to maximize these benefits and support the region’s growing offshore wind industry.
