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Belfast Harbour Celebrations to Mark 175 Years of Belfast Harbour Commissioners

6th May 2022
Belfast Harbour celebrates 175 years of Belfast Harbour Commissioners... which transformed through innovation & working with their partners & local communities Belfast Harbour celebrates 175 years of Belfast Harbour Commissioners... which transformed through innovation & working with their partners & local communities Credit: Belfast Harbour-twitter

Belfast Harbour has announced its launch programme of celebratory events to mark the landmark 175th anniversary year of Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

Local communities and visitors alike are invited to share in a summer-long calendar of events that will mark the innovations of the past and celebrate the ongoing transformative impact of Belfast Harbour on the City’s landscape.

Taking place along Belfast’s iconic waterfront and Maritime Mile in the coming months, communities can share in a host of activities that will showcase the significant economic and social contribution of Belfast Harbour to the region over many generations.

From its foundation in 1847, Belfast Harbour Commissioners has been at the forefront of innovation, establishing Belfast as a world leading maritime Port.

In recent decades, Belfast Harbour has continued to transform its Harbour Estate, creating an iconic waterfront district for all communities to enjoy, and developing a key economic hub for the region.

As a Trust Port, Belfast Harbour is celebrating 175 years of investing in both the Port and in its stakeholder communities. As a socially responsible Port, Belfast Harbour is committed to developing sustainably across all aspects of its diverse trading portfolio and to delivering clear social and economic impact.

Belfast Harbour’s current programme of £254 million of strategic investments in its Port and wider estate continues to build on the legacies of past generations, by developing a modern and resilient Port and estate, that generates jobs and stimulates social and economic growth. 

The delivery of Belfast Harbour’s ambitious ‘Port for Everyone’ vision, and its significant programme of community investments also ensures that Belfast Harbour continues to provide a gateway to opportunity for current and future generations. 

Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive at Belfast Harbour said: “For decades Belfast Harbour Commissioners has been known for its civic leadership and contribution to the growth and development of the city of Belfast and the whole region.

“We are proud of our heritage and draw inspiration from the work started 175 years ago, as we continue to innovate and deliver for the people of this region and play our part in the ongoing evolution and transformation of Belfast”.

Working in close partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, the milestones that mark Belfast Harbour’s 175-year journey so far, will be celebrated in the coming months in a range of activities along Belfast’s Maritime Mile. 

An outdoor photographic gallery is already open for free public access on Belfast’s iconic waterfront, marking the start of the 175th anniversary celebrations. Delivered in partnership with Belfast Photo Festival, the City Quays Gallery, will showcase the work of world class photographic artists until September 2022.

For more information and updates about activities happening at Belfast Harbour in 2022, follow Belfast Harbour on social media or visit the website

Published in Belfast Lough
Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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