Belfast Harbour Sets Out £300m Five-Year Strategy

More than £300m has been pledged to transform Belfast Harbour, establishing it as an offshore wind hub amongst other developments over the next five years. 

The strategy - Advance Regional Prosperity 2025-2029 - outlines plans to invest £208m in significant port improvements as well as £105m in the ongoing regeneration and development of the Harbour Estate and waterfront. 

One of the most notable parts of the new strategy is the largest single capital project ever undertaken by Belfast Harbour. This £90m project will see the construction of a new deepwater quay that will be able to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels. The new deepwater quay will also be used to facilitate offshore wind turbine assembly and installation. 

Stage one of the deepwater quay project is expected to be completed by 2027-28. This first stage will enable Belfast Harbour to attract cruise liners. 

Stage two of the project can be characterised as the ‘offshore wind’ phase. Due for completion in 2030 - stage two will ensure that ‘the port can play a leading role in the assembly and installation of the next generation of floating offshore wind turbines’. 

Other major projects that are outlined in the strategy include: 

• The delivery of new, sustainably powered cranes. 
• The planning, design, and consent for a rebuild of Stormont Wharf - the port’s main deepwater berth. 
• The construction of new BREAAM Excellent sustainable warehouses.
• The deployment of autonomous vehicles across the port and estate. 

Commenting on the new five-year strategy, Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said: 

“Through this strategy Belfast Harbour will continue to contribute to the growth of the NI economy. By investing £313m, we will build our strengths as the region’s leading port and a vital economic hub, delivering for our customers and tenants.

We will continue our pioneering efforts to diversify and decarbonise, helping to reimagine and regenerate the city and bring additional prosperity to the region. Crucially, we will enhance our reputation as a leading port for cruise tourism and leverage our expertise as the only port on the island with offshore wind facilities.

As a trust port, Belfast reinvests every penny of post-tax profits back into the business and the community, ensuring long-term value for the region. Our investment to date has created jobs, strengthened supply chains, raised sustainability standards and attracted major foreign investors to the city. Our 2025-29 strategy aims to continue this transformation and advance prosperity for the region”.

Donaldson’s comments were echoed by Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour:

“Belfast Harbour’s goal is to drive regional prosperity by developing the port and estate, so that everyone benefits. This strategy will see us optimise our strengths, innovate for growth, and invest in new opportunities that meet the needs of our customers, tenants and communities. 

The addition of a new deepwater quay will not only add to the c.300,000 cruise visitors welcomed by Belfast Harbour each year, it also gives us the opportunity to expand our capacity in the assembly and installation of offshore wind. This strategy will put Belfast Harbour at the forefront of the clean energy transition.

Our strategy will also support the NI Executive and Belfast City Council to tackle key issues including the supply of housing, responding to climate change and helping grow a more sustainable and globally connected economy”.

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