Belfast Harbour has unveiled plans for a £1.3 billion investment programme to expand port capacity and regenerate parts of the harbour estate over the next 25 years. The masterplan includes proposals for more than 3,500 new homes, expanded freight facilities, marina redevelopment and a new maritime skills academy.
Harbour chiefs said the investment is needed to meet projected growth in trade through the port, which currently handles 24 million tonnes of cargo annually. Forecasts suggest this could rise to 50 million tonnes by 2050. Chief executive Joe O’Neill said the harbour aims to create “the most modern port capacity of any port” on the island of Ireland by mid-century. “We’re envisaging we’ll spend £1.3bn to provide port capacity for that trade growth,” he said.
The plans include reclaiming land from Belfast Lough to extend an existing freight terminal for the first time in 25 years. A £90 million cruise port upgrade is already underway and is also expected to support offshore wind industry activity.
Residential development forms a major part of the proposals. Around 1,900 homes are planned across Sailortown and Titanic Quarter, alongside further development at City Quays and Clarendon Wharf. The marina beside the Odyssey complex is also earmarked for expansion, increasing capacity from around 65 vessels to as many as 175.
Urban Shift — New residential housing and commercial development form part of Belfast Harbour’s long-term regeneration plans across Titanic Quarter and Sailortown. Photo: BBC
O’Neill said the wider vision includes “a vibrant harbour estate with upwards of another 3,500 homes here, a new community connected into the city centre in a very safe and sustainable manner”.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcomed the proposals, saying the investment could “significantly increase Belfast Harbour’s contribution to our economy and regional connectivity”.
Research by Ulster University and Grant Thornton suggests the wider investment programme could help boost annual economic output to £12 billion and support almost 5,500 construction jobs. The first phase of the project, valued at £313 million, is already funded. However, further expansion plans may depend on legislative changes at Stormont to allow Belfast Harbour greater borrowing powers.
Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said delays to the legislation could affect delivery timelines. “With it, we can go further and prepare for the scale of growth that both the economy and our customers require,” she said.
