Belfast Harbour has unveiled a 25-year masterplan outlining £1.3 billion of investment aimed at expanding port capacity, strengthening logistics infrastructure and supporting economic growth across Northern Ireland.
The Belfast Harbour 2025–2050 Masterplan: Horizons of Opportunity sets out proposals to prepare the port for significant future growth in trade volumes. Forecasts by port planning specialists Haskoning suggest annual throughput could rise from around 24 million tonnes today to more than 30 million tonnes by 2050, with higher-growth scenarios potentially reaching between 40 and 50 million tonnes.
According to independent analysis by Ulster University and Grant Thornton, the planned investments could contribute an additional £12 billion annually in Gross Value Added from trade activity and support nearly 5,500 construction jobs.
Planned projects include completion of the £90m D3 deepwater cruise terminal, a new freight terminal at West Bank Road, redevelopment of Stormont Wharf, and expansion of container berths to accommodate next-generation vessels. The harbour also plans to develop a logistics park, clean energy hub and maritime skills academy.
Belfast Harbour said the strategy is designed to ensure sufficient capacity as pressure increases on ports along the Irish east coast. Chief executive Joe O’Neill described the harbour as a critical gateway for goods entering Northern Ireland and said the investment programme would help position Belfast as the principal maritime gateway along the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor.