National Maritime Ball to mark Ireland’s rich heritage and economic roots to the sea.

John Wood, CEO of Harland & Wolff Shipyard together with Minister Jack Chambers and Val Cummins, CEO of Simply Blue will be keynote speakers at The National Maritime Ball in the Shelbourne Hotel 19th May. Limited tickets are still available here. 

The event is being hosted by the President of the Irish Chamber of Shipping, Giuseppe D’Oliveri in collaboration with the Marine Ireland Industry Network and the Atlantic Youth Trust charity. Funds raised on the evening will help support the important work of the Atlantic Youth Trust charity, whose mission is to connect youth with the ocean and adventure.

In his keynote address, CEO of Harland & Wolfe Shipyard, John Wood will discuss the innovative and technical advancements in shipbuilding throughout the UK and Ireland. With his fascinating maritime background and story, John is rejuvenating the industry in Belfast, where Harland & Wolf are bringing back shipbuilding, an industry that’s in the DNA of the area.

Also, due to speak on the evening is Ireland Director at Simply Blue Group and Chair of the Floating Offshore Wind Committee at Wind Energy Ireland, Dr Val Cummins. She will update the gathering on the fast-moving innovation and technological advancement in the offshore wind space here in Ireland and the learnings we can take from our neighbours across Europe.

Atlantic Youth Trust, Director of Development, Catherine Noone said: “This year’s Ball promises to be a unique gathering of the marine sector in this post-covid period in which it has become important for people to meet, reconnect, share ideas and network. The Atlantic Youth Trust exists to connect young people with the ocean and adventure, and events like this are crucial in achieving that goal.

“As an island nation we have a deep-rooted love of and interest in the sea. The maritime industry is of fundamental importance to our economy, and Ireland is a country of real opportunity when it comes to the blue economy. Many of our export markets including pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, medical devices, and computer services are intrinsically connected to the existing and emerging marine sectors which have long attracted many high-performing industries and multinational companies to Ireland. This year’s Ball aims to celebrate that success and promote the opportunities still to come.”

The event is a black-tie gala dinner with music until late and a toast on the evening with some delicious wines and bubbly from D’Amico’s vineyards in Italy which have been shipping for the special evening. A limited number of tickets are still available for the gala ball and are available from www.maritimeball.ie.