TV3 airs fly-on-the-wall series about Cork’s Mega Port.

For further information:

Sharon McHugh
TV3 PRESS OFFICE
+3531 419 3430 / 087 922 4143
sharon.mchugh@tv3.ie
publicity@tv3.ie

Ciara Byrne
+353 1 419 3329 / 087 3199732
ciara.byrne@tv3.ie

TV3 GROUP RELEASE

IMMEDIATE: Friday 25th April, 2014.

 

 

TV3 airs fly-on-the-wall series about Cork’s Mega Port.

 

TV3 will air the brand new series Cork Mega Port which goes behind the scenes of one of Ireland’s greatest success stories, the Port of Cork.

 

With 10 million tonnes of shipping passing through the Port of Cork each year, we follow the many interesting stories and characters involved.

 

In episode one, the Nedlloyd Valentina, locally called the “banana boat”, enters the Port of Cork. We also meet boat designer Frank Kowalski and pilot Steve Palmer, who has the difficult job of maneuvering the Atlanticborg.

 

Interviews available on request.

 

Video link available on request.

 

‘Cork Mega Port’ airs Monday 28th April at 9pm on TV3.

 

TV3 will air a brand new fly-on-the-wall series, Cork Mega Port, which goes behind the scenes of one of Ireland’s greatest success stories, the Port of Cork. Airing Monday 28th April at 9pm on TV3, Cork Mega Port will give viewers an exciting insight into the everyday operations of the port and the people behind it. With a cast of colourful characters, who will become familiar faces on our screens, the programme will show how they deal with demanding cruise ship passengers, wayward yachtsmen, drug smugglers and millions of tonnes of foreign goods.

 

10 million tonnes of shipping pass through the Port of Cork each year, with giant cruise ships, roll-on roll-off ferries, massive container ships, the Irish Navy, and Ocean going yachts, all to be managed by the teams of pilots, security, stevedores and shipping agents. The Port of Cork is a 24/7 operation for 365 days of the year, and is vital to the country’s economy.

 

In episode 1, the Nedlloyd Valentina, locally called the “banana boat”, enters the Port of Cork.  She is one of many ships that are constantly crossing the Atlantic with bananas and fruit from South America, but before the ship can enter the harbour she must be boarded by a pilot, Nick Bourke who will bring her in to the Port of Ringaskiddy. The port’s tugs will also work to control her speed and entry. Tug captain Noel Fitzgerald explains some of the dangers of working with these ships. Once berthed, the ship is emptied of its four million bananas (one week’s worth of bananas for the Irish nation) and the Irish customs officers board the ship and open the numerous containers looking for illegal drugs.

 

We also meet Frank Kowalski who designs and builds pilot boats, which transport maritime pilots as they guide ships through dangerous or congested waters, such as harbours. The Port of Cork commissioned Frank’s first pilot launch. Before he hands over any boat, Frank tests it to the limit. We see what happens as Frank and his team test what would happen if a launch capsized at sea.

 

Finally, the Atlanticborg is brought in. As the largest type of ship that can be handled in Cork’s City Quays, it is no easy feat to maneuver the vessel. Pilot Steve Palmer will have to navigate the narrow channel up the River Lee, past Blackrock Castle and right into the heart of Cork City itself.

 

Steve will have to work out how much water is in the river and how wide it is before approaching. Speaking about the difficult job, Steve said:

 

“None of these captains like that maneuver you know. They don’t like the idea of putting a bow in the quay wall. You have to impress on them that these bows are not made of glass. The real problem is that we’ve had an amount of rain here. We had probably a hundred year event in terms of rainfall which is a concern.”

 

The Atlanticborg must be turned around on arrival and the spectacle of such a scene brings Cork City’s evening traffic to a standstill.

 

‘Cork Mega Port’ airs Monday 28th April at 9pm on TV3.  

 

Interviews and video link available on request.

 

 

ENDS

 

 

For further information
Ciara Byrne – Press Officer – 01 419 3329/087 319 9732

Jean O’Donovan – Press & Publicity Assistant – 01 419 3428

Sharon McHugh – Head of Press & Publicity – 087 922 4143

publicity@tv3.ie                        
www.tv3.ie

 

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