Peter Burke T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment was at Dublin Port on Wednesday to mark the delivery of new cold chain infrastructure. The Port has signed an eight-year licence agreement with Doyle Shipping Group (DSG) to operate new reefer gantries positioned on four purpose-built steel frames at the DSG container terminal on Alexandra Quay East, also known as the ‘common user area.’
Reefer gantries are elevated steel structures in container terminals that supply electrical power to stacked refrigerated containers (‘reefers’). The new installations at Dublin Port, constructed by Wills Bros, will provide 140 built-in power outlets and allow containers to be plugged in, maintaining temperature control. This is critical for temperature sensitive cargo such as food imports and exports. Units can be safely stacked up to five high, saving space and improving terminal efficiency. A new substation is being constructed alongside the facility to power the expanded capacity.
Doyle Shipping Group operates one of three competing LoLo (Lift On Lift Off) terminals in Dublin Port. In 2025, Dublin Port recorded its busiest LoLo year, with 9% growth on 2024 volumes.
This investment in LoLo reefer infrastructure enhances refrigerated container handling at Dublin Port, supporting growing customer demand. It strengthens the Port’s ability to protect temperature-controlled goods – such as dairy products, meat, fish, fruit, beverages or pharma – helping ensure perishable cargo remains cold, or heated, while in Port.
Peter Burke T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said: “Many of Ireland’s key exports depend on reliable cold chain logistics, particularly the Irish dairy export sector, which reached a record €7.3 billion in 2025, a 14% increase on prior years. The EU remains our largest market, accounting for 38% of dairy exports, with the UK consistently our top single country destination. Much of this trade passes through Dublin Port, with multiple daily services directly linking Ireland, the EU and the UK. I welcome the delivery of projects such as this, which help safeguard quality, support exporters and keep trade moving.”
Cormac Kennedy, Head of Commercial and Programme Management Office, Dublin Port Company, said: “We are delighted to work with Wills Bros, Doyle Shipping Group and our Port team to complete this project. It is one of a number of key projects under way to enhance the customer experience at Dublin Port. We currently have 12 projects on site, with a further 23 across feasibility and design stages projects in train, ranging from Ireland’s largest maritime construction project at Berths 52/53 to operational upgrades such as the recent improvements to electronic signposting across the Port and these reefer facilities.
“Growth in LoLo volumes in recent years has put pressure on land use, so investment of this type helps us stay ahead of demand and support our customers’ growth plans. In recent years, we have invested an average of €60 million annually in capital projects, with €120 million spent in 2025, and ramping up to an average of €175 million in the years ahead.
“As a self-financing organisation, we need to work closely with customers to ensure the capacity is in place to support their growth and that of the wider economy.”
Glen O’Connor CEO at Doyle Shipping Group said: “Reefer gantries supply safe, continuous electrical power to refrigerated containers during dwell time in port. These new structures are engineered for high density stacking (up to five high), reducing land use per unit. Direct EU services into Dublin have increased significantly post Brexit, shifting traffic patterns and raising demand for temperature controlled capacity.
“We are pleased to offer these additional spaces to customers importing or exporting temperature sensitive goods. They also strengthen operational resilience by keeping reefers on temperature during adverse weather or sailing disruptions, helping avoid waste and protecting product quality.”
Caption:
Peter Burke T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (3rd from left) was at Dublin Port on Wedneday to mark the delivery of new refrigerated container infrastructure, where he met: Pat Brennan, Director at Doyle Shipping Group; Cormac Kennedy, Head of Commercial and Programme Management at Dublin Port, Dublin Port CEO Barry O’Connell; Dublin Port Harbourmaster Captain Michael McKenna and Glen O’Connor, CEO of Doyle Shipping Group. Robbie Reynolds Photography.
