John Graham Construction has been named main contractor for the initial phase of the development of a new deepwater terminal at Belfast Harbour
The project will see the 拢90m construction of a dual-purpose deepwater quay that will be able to accommodate some of the world鈥檚 largest cruise ships and also expand the port鈥檚 capacity for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation.
Belfast is the UK鈥檚 second busiest cruise port, with 146 cruise ships scheduled to berth at Belfast Harbour this year, contributing an estimated 拢20m-拢25m a year to the regional economy.
The project will create a new home for cruise tourism in the port. From 2028, the majority of cruise vessels arriving into Belfast Harbour will dock at the new deepwater berth.聽 To maximise the opportunity for the regional economy the existing cruise hub will be returned to its original use as a full-time facility for offshore wind.
Stage one of the construction programme is expected to be delivered for the 2028 cruise season.
Stage two of the build, anticipated by 2030, will further strengthen the infrastructure, so that the port can play a role in the assembly and installation of the next generation of floating offshore wind turbines.
As a trust port, Belfast Harbour is self-financing and invests all post-tax profits in developing the port and estate to benefit the city and region. It is planning to spend 拢208m in port improvements over the next five years and 拢105m on the ongoing regeneration and development of the Harbour Estate and waterfront.
Belfast Harbour chief executive Joe O鈥橬eill said: 鈥淎 key objective of this signature investment by Belfast Harbour is to attract more turnaround cruise calls to Belfast. This means that as one set of passengers disembarks, another set embarks on the same day. This will have a multiplier effect on visitor numbers, increasing associated bed nights while growing the positive economic impact for the region.
鈥淭he plan from 2030 is to utilise the facility to support offshore wind development as well as cruise. As offshore wind technology evolves, ports will play an increasingly central role and Belfast Harbour is uniquely placed, through this investment, through our existing facility, our expertise, local supply chain and location to be a key enabler of the power stations of the future in the Irish, Celtic and North Seas.鈥�
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
