Berth 53 at Dublin Port is a landmark infrastructure project delivering critical capacity, resilience, and sustainability at Ireland’s largest and most strategically important port. Driven by rising trade demand and the need to future-proof national supply chains, the project responds to the dual challenge of enabling port growth while operating within the constraints of a UNESCO-designated biosphere and Natura 2000 site.
The primary objective was to develop a new high-capacity RoRo berth and associated infrastructure that enhances operational efficiency and network resilience, while embedding sustainability at the core of its design and construction. This has been achieved through a 270-metre berth with a double-tier linkspan, increasing throughput and reducing disruption risk, alongside infrastructure designed for future decarbonisation, including full Onshore Power Supply (OPS) readiness.
The project demonstrates strong alignment with IAPH evaluation criteria. In terms of originality and innovation, Berth 53 features a pioneering open piled jetty design that maintains natural tidal flows and protects the Tolka Estuary SPA, alongside Ireland’s first Auto Mooring System, improving safety and reducing berthing times. Vision and leadership are reflected in Dublin Port Company’s delivery of a €162 million nationally critical asset within strict environmental constraints, supported by EU TEN-T funding.
As an infrastructure project, its achievements are clear and measurable: increased port capacity, enhanced resilience through additional linkspan capability, reduced vessel turnaround times, and improved safety performance. Environmental performance is embedded through reduced in-port vessel movements, OPS readiness, and extensive ecological safeguards, contributing to SDGs 9, 11, 13 and 14.
The project also scores strongly on stakeholder engagement, with extensive collaboration across regulators, port users, local communities, and European partners. Berth 53 stands as a replicable model of how modern port infrastructure can successfully integrate engineering excellence, operational performance, and sustainability to support long-term economic and environmental goals.