Marshall Islands Registry Opens First Irish Office

[By International Registries]

International Registries, Inc. (IRI), administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Registry — the world's second largest open registry, carrying 227 million gross tons across a fleet of 6,819 vessels — has today opened its first office in Ireland, based in Cork.

The announcement was made at the Irish Maritime Commerce Forum in Dublin, attended by Minister of State Seán Canney with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports.

Cork joins a global network of 28 IRI offices including London, New York, Hong Kong, Hamburg, Singapore, Geneva, Tokyo, Dubai and Piraeus.

The decision reflects Ireland's growing profile as a serious maritime nation. The country is home to the National Maritime College of Ireland, has a developing maritime regulatory framework, and is actively positioning itself as an Atlantic maritime hub. The new office will be led by Conor Mowlds, a former Head of College at the NMCI and a well-known figure in Irish maritime circles.

Minister of State Seán Canney described the announcement as a landmark: "When the world's second largest ship registry chooses Cork, that is not a coincidence — that is a consequence. IRI's decision to plant its flag here is a landmark moment for Irish maritime commerce, and it is one that I believe will bring further international investment and recognition in its wake."