Belfast Harbour has picked Graham to build the initial phase of a £90m deepwater terminal for cruise ships and offshore wind energy infrastructure.
The dual-purpose quay will accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels while expanding capacity for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation. It forms part of Belfast Harbour’s Advance Regional Prosperity strategy, under which £208m is being invested in port improvements between 2025 and 2029.
Marine works are set to begin this week, and County Down-based Graham is due to complete stage one of the programme by spring 2028 in time for the cruise season.
A second stage, expected by 2030, will further strengthen the port’s infrastructure to support floating offshore windfarms.
The project will relocate most cruise ship berths to the new deepwater facility. The existing cruise hub will be restored as a dedicated base for offshore wind activity. Belfast Harbour is a self-financing Trust Port, reinvesting all post-tax profits into its development.
With 146 cruise vessels scheduled to visit this year, Belfast is already the island’s busiest cruise port and the second busiest in the UK. The terminal is intended to safeguard and grow cruise tourism’s economic contribution, estimated between £20m and £25m annually.
Dr Theresa Donaldson, chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said the project would help attract more turnaround cruise calls and create opportunities for the regional economy. She added that the facility would support Northern Ireland’s clean energy and net-zero ambitions by enabling floating wind turbine construction.
Paul Scott, Graham contracts director, said the company would focus on working closely with key stakeholders and the local community throughout the build.
Source: Belfast Harbour press release