Belfast Harbour has reported another year of strong financial performance and major investment, according to its 2025 Annual Report. Turnover increased by 10.2% to £97.1 million, while underlying profit before tax rose 21% year-on-year to £44.4 million.
The Trust Port invested £39.4 million during the year and had a further £77.1 million committed to future projects at year's end. Over the past decade, it has invested £426 million in infrastructure and estate development, funded entirely through its own operations. During 2025, Belfast Harbour launched its new five-year Advance Regional Prosperity strategy, committing to a self-funded £313 million investment programme. The strategy forms the first phase of the port's wider 2050 Masterplan, which outlines £1.3 billion of future investment.
Construction also began on the £90 million D3 deepwater quay, the largest capital project in the port's history. Belfast Harbour also signed a £100 million agreement to support offshore wind development in the UK and Irish waters.
Deepwater Drive — Work progresses on Belfast Harbour’s new £90 million D3 deepwater quay, the largest single capital project in the port’s history. Photo: Belfast Harbour
Trade remained resilient despite global economic uncertainty, with 24.3 million tonnes of cargo handled during the year, broadly matching 2024 volumes.
The cruise business also continued to grow. Belfast welcomed 147 cruise calls and more than 320,000 passengers and crew, contributing an estimated £25 million to the local economy. The port also celebrated its 1,500th cruise ship visit.
The report says Belfast Harbour has reduced its operational carbon emissions by 70% since 2015 and remains on course to achieve net zero operational emissions ahead of its 2030 target.
Community investment also continued, with £335,000 provided directly to local organisations alongside £250,000 in in-kind support.
Chair Dr Theresa Donaldson said Belfast Harbour had delivered another strong year through sustained trade, infrastructure investment and community projects. "As we look to the future, and the long-term plans laid out in our 2050 Masterplan, we will continue to invest in securing the future of trade on this island, as well as creating vibrant places to live and work and achieving our Net Zero targets," she said.
Chief Executive Joe O'Neill said the port had made significant progress on its new strategy while continuing to invest in trade, housing and waterfront development. "We've already made significant progress in our Advance Regional Prosperity strategy and have taken a long-term approach to development in our 2050 Masterplan," he said.
