New cruise terminal facility as part of £90m investment at Belfast Harbour
The £90m scheme will see the development of a new deep-water terminal to facilitate increased cruise tourism, and enable offshore wind energy.
Belfast is already the busiest cruise port on the island and second busiest in the UK. It's hoped the investment will futureproof it as a leading city for cruise tourism.
'A key objective of this signature investment by Belfast Harbour is to attract more turnaround cruise calls to Belfast," said Joe O'Neill, Chief Executive of the harbour.
"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.
'The 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.'
Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of Visit Belfast, said: 'Cruise tourism is essential for driving economic growth in Belfast and the surrounding region. The significant contribution it makes is highlighted in Visit Belfast's New Horizons Tourism Strategy and the Department for the Economy's new Tourism Action Plan.
'In collaboration with our strategic partner Belfast Harbour we are dedicated to positioning the city as a premier cruise destination while minimising the environmental impact.
"The development of the new deep-water quay will not only attract new cruise business but also greatly enhance the experience for visitors to our city, all while supporting Belfast's sustainability ambitions commitment to environmentally responsible practices.
"This investment marks a pivotal milestone in the realisation of this transformative project."
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