Oceans as Roadways

The maritime transport industry generates a considerable volume of shipping transport activity and accounts for 99% of all Irish imports and exports. According to the Maritime Institute of Ireland, €158 billion worth of merchandise goods were transported by the Irish supply chain in 2006. The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) estimates that the sector employs over 8,300 people and had a combined estimate turnover of €1.69 billion in 2006. The IMDO was established in 1999 to oversee the Irish shipping industry and is dedicated to the industry’s development and promotion. Since then, regulation and conditions have been implemented to create a functioning and successful shipping industry which has seen Ireland holding its own in the international arena; it has been ranked within the top fifteen businesses of Ship Finance and Maritime Commerce. The future of this industry looks bright with international commerce increasing in value by $15 billion in 2010.