BELFAST HARBOUR LAUNCHES CONSULTATION ON GROUNDBREAKING 2050 DRAFT MASTERPLAN THAT WILL SUPPORT NI’S ECONOMY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Belfast Harbour has launched a public consultation on transformational plans to expand and reshape the port and Harbour Estate over the next 25 years to help fuel the future growth of the economy.
The Belfast Harbour 2025-50 Draft Masterplan sets out a bold 25-year framework for the future of Belfast Harbour’s 2,000 acres of land and 1,000 acres of water, designed to enhance the port’s ability to drive trade, tourism, clean growth and innovation, while also shaping new places to work, visit, live and invest in.
It outlines a range of exciting proposals over three time ‘horizons’, including Belfast’s first land reclamation project for 25 years to build a new freight terminal, the first roll out of shore power for docked ships, wharf redevelopment for larger cargo vessels, regeneration to create residential neighbourhoods and a new clean energy hub.
Over the past 18 months, Belfast Harbour has carried out independent consultation with port users, estate tenants and statutory bodies, and now wants to hear from the general public during an eight-week public consultation, which will run from mid-November to mid-January. Details can be found at www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/masterplan
Four temporary drop-in exhibitions will be held at venues across Belfast, supported by a display at Belfast Harbour Offices for the duration of the consultation.
The new Draft Masterplan is informed by independent forecasts prepared by Haskoning, a global specialist in ports and logistics, which calculated future trade volumes could grow from 24 million tonnes today to between 32 million and 40 million tonnes by 2050, meaning the port may reach its operating limits and need additional capacity.
Separate forecasts prepared by Deloitte on property and land holdings also point to lasting and growing demand for housing and commercial space that reinforces the need for Belfast Harbour to be a key driver of city regeneration between now and 2050.
Ulster University research has shown Belfast Harbour handles goods and freight valued at £26.7bn each year, enabling more than 15% of Northern Ireland’s total economic output – around £8.8bn in GVA annually, through trade activity. The port handles 70% of NI’s seaborne trade and 25% of seaborne trade of the entire island of Ireland.
Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour, said: “Belfast Harbour benefits from having a large land area with prime deepwater access. This gives us room to grow. Our plan shows how we could use that advantage to become the leading port on the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor while deepening trade and transport links globally and with GB. With the help of this Draft Masterplan, we are on track to become one of the fastest-growing ports in the UK by 2050.
“The plan is both ambitious and practical. It reflects our track record of delivery but also raises our sights. It shows how Belfast Harbour can continue to grow as a competitive gateway to global markets and still be somewhere people are proud to live, work, study, or visit.
“We believe this is a moment to plan boldly and responsibly. To strengthen Belfast Harbour’s role as an economic engine. To invest in a cleaner, more inclusive, more connected place between the city and the sea. To create a legacy of opportunity for future generations.
“Our final Masterplan will not be a fixed blueprint. It will be a living document that responds to changing needs over the next 25 years. The Draft is written for everyone who has a stake in Belfast Harbour, now or in the years ahead and the consultation process is designed to make sure every voice can be heard.”
Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “This Draft Masterplan provides a coherent 25-year framework that reflects our near-term plans but also addresses essential longer-term needs. This includes creating new capacity, replacing older infrastructure and equipment, and using new technologies to improve efficiency
“Our ambition is based on a proven track record. An average of £27bn worth of goods moves through Belfast Harbour every year and over the past quarter century we have completed capital projects that have reshaped not only the port, but the city itself.
“Few ports in the UK or Ireland can match Belfast Harbour’s breadth of activity. This Draft Masterplan shows how we can grow and compete – both on this island and in relation to GB. Above all, it provides clarity. It gives partners, investors, and communities a clear picture of our direction of travel and sets out how Belfast Harbour will continue to be a keystone of the economy for future generations.”
As a Trust Port, Belfast Harbour reinvests all post-tax profits into the port and Harbour Estate. Currently its borrowing capacity is restricted by NI Trust Ports being classified as public corporations for accounting purposes, meaning if Belfast Harbour borrows from commercial lenders, this impacts the budget of the Department for Infrastructure.
Belfast Harbour’s Horizon 2 and 3 plans rely on the reclassification of this accounting status to bring NI ports into line with Scottish Trust ports and enable it to prudently borrow to fund bigger projects. The NI Executive is supportive of change and Belfast Harbour is hopeful for legislation from the Assembly to enable a solution.
The Draft Masterplan is structured around three time horizons that allow it to grow sustainably, responding to demand, technology, government policy, and the needs of the community.
Horizon 1 (2025–2029)
This period reflects Belfast Harbour’s current five-year strategy, Advance Regional Prosperity. With some projects already fully scoped and funded, including the development of a new £90m dual purpose deepwater terminal, this period will strengthen the port and add new capacity.
Horizon 2 (2030–2040)
Horizon 2 represents step-change investment. It will enhance infrastructure and maximise existing capacity, see the roll out of innovative technology and enable clean energy. It will also open more of the waterfront for regeneration and community benefit.
Proposed projects in Horizon 2 include:
- The redevelopment of Stormont Wharf, a vital quay that already supports a range of mixed cargo uses.
- Extending and deepening the Victoria Terminal 3 container terminal to handle the new “Irish Max” generation of vessels.
- Expanded logistics warehousing capacity at the Port.
- The roll-out of shore power across key berths so vessels can access clean energy while docked.
- Regeneration at Albert Quay and Clarendon Wharf to create new homes, workplaces and public realm spaces.
- The expansion of Belfast Harbour Marina to boost leisure and tourism growth.
Horizon 3 (2040–2050)
Horizon 3 is about long-term transformation to expand capacity. It will reshape Belfast Harbour with reclaimed land, new technology, new fuels and new places. This will create a port and estate that can better meet the needs of future generations.
Proposed projects in Horizon 3 include:
- A new terminal for freight transported by container or trailer at the end of the West Bank Road, which will involve reclaiming land north of Victoria Terminal 4 – Belfast Harbour’s first land reclamation project for 25 years.
- Extend existing waterside neighbourhoods into land no longer suitable for port use, with more homes, workplaces, and vibrant ground floors, supported by new streets and public spaces.
- Establish a Clean Energy Hub to provide for new fuels and encourage a reduction in hydrocarbon land use.
To have a say in how Belfast Harbour grows over the next 25 years, go to www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/masterplan
