Posted on May 5, 2025
Graham Construction has been appointed the main contractor for the initial phase of a £90M deep-water terminal in Belfast, with work on the project due to start this week.
The new deep-water terminal at Belfast Harbour will be able to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels, while also expanding the port’s capacity for offshore wind turbine assembly and installation.
It will feature a new 340m long dual-purpose quay and deep-water berth.
Marine works are due to begin this week on the terminal, which is the largest single capital investment project ever undertaken by Belfast Harbour
Stage one of the construction programme is expected to be delivered by 2028. Stage two of the build, due to be completed by 2030, will further strengthen the infrastructure.
Belfast is already the busiest cruise port on the island of Ireland and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. This year, 146 cruise vessels are scheduled to berth at Belfast Harbour.
The investment in the terminal will futureproof Belfast’s position as a leading city for cruise tourism, project client Belfast Harbour has said.
It will also enable the growth of the already significant contribution of cruise tourism to the regional economy, estimated at between £20M-£25M per year.
Belfast Harbour is one of the UK’s many “trust ports” and is an independent statutory body. As a trust port, Belfast Harbour is self-financing and will invest all post-tax profits in developing the port and estate to benefit the city and region.
Graham contracts director Paul Scott said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Belfast Harbour to deliver this project, not only will it enhance Belfast’s position as leading cruise destination but will also play a crucial role in enabling the future of offshore wind energy in the region.
“As the works commence, we will focus on working closely with key stakeholders and the local community delivering social value and creating impact for years to come.”
Belfast Harbour chair Theresa Donaldson said: “Having announced our ambitious new Advance Regional Prosperity strategy only a few months ago, it is exciting to be partnering with Graham to commence work on the single biggest investment project in Belfast Harbour’s history.
“As a trust port, our primary responsibility is to maintain and develop the port for the good of everyone in the region, and this project delivers on that mission. It will help us to attract more turnaround cruise calls to Belfast, boosting the economic contribution of cruise tourism, while also providing a pathway to our longer-term ambitions of facilitating the construction of the next generation of floating offshore windfarms, ultimately helping Northern Ireland and its neighbours to reach their clean energy and net zero targets.”
