Belfast Harbor, Northern Ireland, has announced its ambition to become one of the best regional ports in the world.
The 2019-2023 Strategic Plan together with an outlook through to 2035 were publicly launched at Belfast Harbor’s Annual Stakeholder Meeting today.
As part of the plan the Port has committed £254 million of investment to deliver new marine and estate infrastructure.
Detailed in Belfast Harbor’s ‘2035 Outlook’ the long-term proposals include schemes to deepen the Port’s shipping channel to accommodate larger vessels, to create new deep-water quays, the completion of the 2 million sq ft City Quays development, etc.
Speaking at the meeting, Belfast Harbor’s Chairman, David Dobbin , said: “ Over the next 5 years Belfast Harbor intend to invest £254 million in new Port and estate infrastructure and facilities. This major investment program is really only possible because of our Trust Port status which allows us to reinvest every penny of our net earnings back into the business .”
During 2019-2023 Belfast Harbor plans to invest £254 million upgrading its cranes and material handling equipment, installing new ramps to accommodate larger vessels and building new storage facilities.
Work will also begin on digital ‘Smart Port’ initiatives to provide greater automation and a new unified system to coordinate cargo and shipping communications.