UK's Belfast Harbour to implement port improvements under five-year plan

Belfast Harbour in the UK has unveiled a new strategy setting out an program to invest more than £300 million (US$370 million) in capital projects across the port and Harbour Estate over the next five years.

The strategy – Advance Regional Prosperity 2025-2029 – outlines Belfast Harbour’s plans to invest £208 million (US$260 million) in significant port improvements and £105 million (US$130 million) in the ongoing regeneration and development of the Harbour Estate and waterfront. As a Trust Port, Belfast Harbour is self-financing and invests all post-tax profits in developing the port and estate to benefit the city and region.

The strategy includes the largest single capital project ever undertaken by Belfast Harbour, a proposed £90 million (US$110 million) investment in a new deepwater quay that will be able to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels and also expand the port’s capacity and capabilities for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation.

Stage one of the deepwater quay build, which will initially support cruise tourism, is scheduled to be delivered between 2027 and 2028. Through the project, Belfast Harbour aims to boost cruise tourism to the region, currently worth an estimated £20 million (US$25 million) to £25 million (US$31 million) to the local economy annually.

Stage two of the deepwater quay build, due by 2030, will further strengthen the infrastructure, so that the port can support the assembly and installation of the next generation of floating offshore wind turbines.

Other significant port projects 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 warehouses; and the deployment of autonomous vehicles across the port and estate.