The shipping platform

Location: Galway is situated on the River Corrib in a sheltered position at the innermost eastern end of Galway Bay, on the W coast of Ireland. General overview: The total length of the quay is 1,044m allowing approx nine vessels to berth in the inner dock at any one time. Imports: Petroleum products, bitumen, dry bulk chemicals, fish, coal lignite and manufactured steel. Exports: Scrap metal and a small amount of aggregate for the Aran Islands. Traffic figures: Approx 1,000,000t of cargo and 380 vessels handled annually. Load line zone: North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31. Max size: Draught 6.7m. Largest vessel handled: "Clipper Courage", 8,880DWT, dry cargo, draught 7.4m. The size of the largest vessel, which can be accommodated is governed by three factors: 1. The length of the turning area, 146.3m. 2. Depth of water, 8.5m (springs) and 7.3m (neaps). 3. Width of the entrance, 20m. These measurements permit the docking of ships of up to 10,000t with the assistance of tugs and 6,000t without tugs. Although the harbour is tidal, a high water level is maintained by the use of dock gates.