Based in Northern Ireland, Burke Shipping Services functions as a prominent provider of maritime logistics, port agency, and stevedoring solutions. Operating as a division of the Fane Valley Co-operative, the company has maintained a presence in the region for over half a century, solidifying its role in facilitating trade through the North West of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Its strategic base at the Lisahally Terminal allows it to serve as a critical gateway for importers and exporters, leveraging the deep-water capabilities of Lough Foyle to handle diverse vessel types and cargo volumes.
The company’s core operations revolve around a comprehensive suite of port services designed to support the entire vessel lifecycle while in harbour. As a dedicated ships agent, the firm manages the complex logistical and administrative requirements for incoming ships, ensuring compliance with port regulations and coordinating essential onsite services. This agency work is integrated with robust stevedoring capabilities, where the company employs specialized equipment and skilled labour to load and discharge cargo efficiently. The organization handles a wide spectrum of vessel classes, ranging from dry bulk carriers and oil tankers to heavy-lift project vessels and visiting cruise liners.
Cargo diversity is a defining characteristic of its operational portfolio. Reflecting its cooperative ownership, the company has developed significant expertise in handling agricultural commodities, including grains, feeds, and fertilizers. Beyond agriculture, its logistical teams regularly manage industrial materials such as coal, timber, glass, and minerals. The firm also provides support for project cargoes, dealing with oversized or complex freight that requires precise handling and planning. To support these physical operations, the company maintains substantial warehousing facilities and offers customs clearance services, ensuring that goods move smoothly from the quayside to their final inland destinations.
In addition to its commercial logistics roles, the organization serves specific regulatory functions within the port environment. It acts as the sole collector of Trinity House Light Dues for the Port of Londonderry, a statutory responsibility that underscores its formal standing within the local maritime infrastructure. Through its combination of agency representation, cargo handling, and logistical support, Burke Shipping Services remains a vital cog in the regional maritime economy, connecting Northern Ireland’s industries with global shipping routes.
