Belfast Harbour announced a GBP 90 million investment to enhance its cruise ship facilities and support the growing wind energy industry. The initiative forms part of a larger GBP 300 million development project over the next 5 years, positioning the port as a key player in both sectors.
The Port aims to attract major cruise companies to use Belfast as a homeport/turnaround port (where cruises both begin and end) rather than serving as a call port/single-day stopover.
To support this ambition, the port plans to relocate its cruise terminal to an undeveloped site on Airport Road West. The upgraded facility will include a terminal with airport-like amenities to cater to turnarounds/roundtrip voyages. Belfast Harbour CEO Joe O’Neill explained that enhanced infrastructure is essential to accommodate the needs of passengers embarking and disembarking for extended cruise itineraries.
Tourism Northern Ireland’s CEO, John McGrillen, highlighted the significant economic benefits of cruise tourism, which currently contributes ~GBP 25 million annually to Northern Ireland’s economy. McGrillen suggested that transforming Belfast into a homeport could potentially double or triple this contribution over the next 2 to 3 decades. He also noted the broader regional impact, as cruise passengers often visit smaller attractions and coastal destinations, boosting local businesses across Northern Ireland.
The new cruise terminal, which already has planning approval, is expected to be operational by late 2027 or early 2028. The relocation will also free up valuable space at the port’s existing facilities, enabling an expansion of its marshaling area for wind turbines. O’Neill noted the growing opportunities in the offshore wind sector, citing plans for ~30 wind farm projects along the Irish coast over the next decade. Belfast Harbour aims to enhance its capacity to support these developments, further strengthening its position in renewable energy.
Currently, the port’s investments are funded through retained earnings, but the harbor is seeking a legal reclassification to enable borrowing for larger projects. As a public corporation, its borrowing is constrained by its classification, which ties any debt to Stormont’s capital budget. Belfast Harbour is advocating for a shift to private corporation status, similar to changes implemented in Scotland. This would require legal amendments, including reducing the role of Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister in appointing the harbor board. The Department of Infrastructure has launched a consultation on the proposed changes, which would pave the way for greater financial flexibility in pursuing large-scale projects.