Offshore Wind at Heart of Belfast Harbour’s New Upgrade Strategy

January 22, 2025, by Adnan Memija

Belfast Harbour has revealed plans to invest more than GBP 300 million (approximately EUR 354 million) in capital projects across the port and Harbour Estate over the next five years to support the offshore wind industry and cruise tourism.

The Advance Regional Prosperity 2025-2029 strategy outlines the port’s plans to invest GBP 208 million in port improvements and GBP 105 million in the ongoing regeneration and development of the Harbour Estate and waterfront.

The strategy includes the largest single capital project ever undertaken by Belfast Harbour, a proposed GBP 90 million investment in a new deepwater quay, according to the port.

The new quay is expected to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels and also expand the port’s capacity and capabilities for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation.

“The addition of a new deepwater quay will not only add to the c.300,000 cruise visitors welcomed by Belfast Harbour each year, it also gives us the opportunity to expand our capacity in the assembly and installation of offshore wind. This strategy will put Belfast Harbour at the forefront of the clean energy transition,” said Joe O’Neil, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour.

Stage one of the deepwater quay build, which will initially support cruise tourism, is expected to be delivered by 2027-2028. The second stage, due by 2030, is said to strengthen the infrastructure so that the port can play a leading role in the assembly and installation of the next generation of floating offshore wind turbines.

According to Belfast Harbour, the new quay will position the port and local supply chain as central to the deployment of high-capacity wind farms, helping meet the demand for clean energy as Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and Ireland strive to reach net zero targets.

“We will continue our pioneering efforts to diversify and decarbonise, helping to reimagine and regenerate the city and bring additional prosperity to the region. Crucially, we will enhance our reputation as a leading port for cruise tourism and leverage our expertise as the only port on the island with offshore wind facilities,” said Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners.