Belfast Harbor Sets Sights on Leadership in Cruise Tourism and Offshore Wind Industry

Belfast Harbor is embarking on a bold five-year growth plan to position itself as the premier port for cruise tourism and a key player in the burgeoning offshore wind industry in the United Kingdom. With a commitment to investing in critical infrastructure, Belfast aims to bolster its contribution to Northern Ireland’s economy.

As part of a new regional development strategy, Belfast Harbor has earmarked a substantial $386 million for capital projects. A significant portion of this investment, totaling $257 million, will be allocated towards enhancing port infrastructure to attract new traffic and opportunities.

Focus on Cruise Tourism and Offshore Wind

Two primary sectors that Belfast is targeting for growth are cruise tourism and offshore wind. To support these ambitions, the harbor is launching its most substantial investment project to date—a $110 million deepwater quay. This quay will not only accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels but also bolster the port’s capacity for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation.

The initial phase of the quay project, which is self-financed by Belfast Harbor, is set to commence this year and conclude by 2028. This phase will primarily focus on expanding infrastructure to support the growth of cruise tourism. Belfast Harbor currently stands as the busiest cruise transit port in the UK and Ireland, welcoming 150 cruise ships and over 300,000 visitors annually, injecting an estimated $30 million into the local economy. By attracting larger vessels and more visitors, the harbor aims to amplify the economic benefits of cruise tourism in the region.

The subsequent phase of the quay project, slated for completion in 2030 and dependent on third-party financing, will position the port as a pivotal player in the assembly and installation of floating offshore wind turbines. With 30 offshore wind farms planned within a 200-kilometer radius of Belfast Harbor, boasting a projected capacity exceeding 30 GW, the port is poised to lead in supporting the offshore wind industry.

Leading the Clean Energy Transition

As the first UK port with a purpose-built offshore wind terminal and the sole terminal of its kind in Ireland, Belfast Harbor has already established itself as a vital supporter of the offshore wind sector. Notably, 66 percent of the UK’s offshore wind capacity installed between 2013 and 2018 was facilitated through Belfast Harbor.

Joe O’Neill, CEO of Belfast Harbor, remarked, “The addition of a new deepwater quay will not only enhance the experience for the 300,000 cruise visitors welcomed annually but also position us to expand our role in offshore wind assembly and installation. This strategic move will place Belfast Harbor at the forefront of the clean energy transition.”

Driving Economic Growth

In addition to the significant investment in port infrastructure, Belfast Harbor plans to allocate $145 million towards port development and maintenance, with an additional $130 million earmarked for the regeneration and development of the Harbour Estate and waterfront. Currently, the harbor handles 70 percent of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade and 25 percent of the seaborne trade for the entire island of Ireland, underscoring its crucial role in the region’s economic landscape.

With its ambitious growth strategy and focus on key sectors like cruise tourism and offshore wind, Belfast Harbor is poised to solidify its position as a leading port in the UK, contributing to both economic prosperity and sustainable energy development.

Top image: William Murphy / CC BY SA 2.0