Belfast Harbour’s GB£90m port expansion

The development includes a new dual-purpose deepwater terminal, enabling Belfast to expand its role in marine renewables through offshore wind support and strengthen its status as a leading UK cruise destination.

“Having announced our ambitious new ’Advance Regional Prosperity’ strategy only a few months ago, it is exciting to be partnering with GRAHAM to commence work on the single biggest investment project in Belfast Harbour’s history,” said Dr Theresa Donaldson, chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

Huge investment

Belfast’s project is scheduled in two phases, with the first completed in time for the 2028 cruise season. The terminal will become the new home for most visiting cruise vessels, with the former cruise facility being repurposed for offshore wind operations. 

Joe O’Neill, CEO of Belfast Harbour, pointed out the dual benefits to the project – attracting turnaround cruise calls and supporting the construction of floating offshore windfarms by 2030.

This aligns with Northern Ireland’s net zero goals and the port’s Advance Regional Prosperity 2025–2029 strategy, which outlines over GB£300m in infrastructure investment.

“The plan from 2030 is to utilise the facility to support offshore wind development as well as cruise,” he said.

“As offshore wind technology evolves, ports will play an increasingly central role and Belfast Harbour is uniquely placed, through this investment, through our existing facility, our expertise, local supply chain and location to be a key enabler of the power stations of the future in the Irish, Celtic and North Seas.”

Cruise tourism already contributes up to GB£25m annually to the regional economy. With 146 cruise calls planned in 2025, the investment positions Belfast to further capitalise on these expanding markets.