The competition watchdog has opened an investigation into suspected breaches of competition law by the operator of Dublin Port.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said the investigation related to the “provision of port infrastructure and/or . . . towage services” by Dublin Port Company (DPC) at the largest shipping hub in the Republic.
“These services are crucial for the safe navigation and operation of vessels, and therefore for the efficiency of trade and transport in the region,” the watchdog said, adding that it would be providing further details as the investigation into DPC is ongoing.
A spokesman for DPC, the semi-State that operates the port, said it acknowledges the investigation “in relation to port towage services”. He said: “We are fully committed to assisting the CCPC throughout the investigation.
“As this is an ongoing matter, Dublin Port Company will not be making any further comment at this time. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service and compliance across all our operations.”
Vessels arriving and departing from Dublin Port are towed by tugboats to assist with mooring and manoeuvring through the busy channels around the freight and ferry hub.
Towage services in the port, which are subject to fees, are provided by both DPC and another operator, Purple Water Towing, which won a tender to provide supplementary services in 2020. The company operates the Giano work vessel, which is in operation alongside DPC’s Beaufort and Shackleton tugboats.
The Irish Times understands the current five year contract is due to run out soon and is proposed to be extended until 2025, pending an open market tender for supplementary towage services.
Purple Water Towing is not being investigated in relation to the suspected breaches of competition law.
The directors of Purple Water Towing, which was incorporated in 2019 and is registered at an address in Dublin 7, are listed as Ugo Savona and Sergio Pellegrini, both with addresses in Rome, Italy. The company’s shares are held in a Maltese-registered entity, according to Companies Registration Office filings.
Purple Water Towing has been approached for comment.
DPC generated towage turnover in excess of €3 million last year, according to its most recent annual report, up from some €2.8 million in 2022.
Some 35.6 million tonnes of goods moved through Dublin Port last year, down slightly on 2022, reflecting a mild downturn in global trade amid soaring inflation and geopolitical tensions.
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