Shannon Foynes, the country’s second-largest port, is expanding to enhance its position as an international logistics hub.
The two-year project will add 117 meters of jetty length, supporting the offshore renewable development and easing congestion at Dublin Port. This investment reinforces the Shannon Estuary’s strategic role in Ireland’s supply chain for the energy transition.
To equip this new infrastructure, ShibataFenderTeam supplied seven sets of Double CSS Cell Fenders 1000 with closed-box steel panels (7,600-by-2,000 mm) and 70-mm thick UHMWPE pads. Additionally, 11 steel ladders, 11 safety chains and 181 meters of steel toe rail were provided to ensure safe access and operations at the port.
The project scope also included seven Horn Bollards, each with a 100-ton capacity.
To withstand the Port’s tidal variations, large fender panels were required, prompting the SFT engineering team to design a Double Cell Fender solution that maximizes energy absorption and stability. A custom flange fixed the lower fender to the combi wall. For added durability, the UHMW-PE pads were secured with capnuts, providing additional shear resistance.
Steel ladders and safety chains grant safe access for personnel, while the 181-meter steel toe rail reduces the risk of falls and protects both people and vehicles. Following best practices for secure marine infrastructure, these features highlight the port’s focus on safety and operational efficiency.
The Shannon Foynes expansion project is a major milestone in the Vision 2041 plan, reinforcing the estuary’s position as a global center for floating offshore wind and strategic freight logistics.
