Work commences on cruise and offshore wind facility in Belfast

The project will see the £90M (US$119M) construction of a dual-purpose deepwater quay which will be able to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels. It will also expand the port’s capacity for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation. 

Stage 1 of the project, to build a new deepwater berth, is a key deliverable of Belfast Harbour’s Advance Regional Prosperity 2025-2029 strategy. Stage 2 will see the terminal further reinforced to handle the next generation of offshore wind turbines. This stage will also enable the provision of shore power facilities, so that vessels can run on clean energy while docked.

Civil engineering contractor Graham Construction has been announced as the main contractor for the initial phase of the build. 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 leading role in the assembly and installation of the next generation of floating offshore wind turbines. 

The project will create a new home for cruise tourism in the port and, from 2028, the majority of cruise vessels arriving into Belfast Harbour will dock at the new deepwater berth. 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. 

In a statement, the port said the plan from 2030 is to utilise the facility to support offshore wind development as well as cruise ships.