It said the 2025-50 draft masterplan aims to improve its ability to drive trade, tourism, clean growth and innovation, while shaping “new places to work, visit, live and invest in”.
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/editorial/web/newsletter/qs/business.js
The masterplan includes Belfast’s first land reclamation project for 25 years to build a new freight terminal; shore power for docked ships; wharf redevelopment for larger cargo vessels, regeneration to create residential neighbourhoods and a new clean energy hub.
But it said large parts of its plans rely on its accounting status as a public corporation to be changed so that it can “prudently borrow to fund bigger projects”.
It said: “The NI Executive is supportive of change and Belfast Harbour is hopeful for legislation from the Assembly to enable a solution.”
Belfast Harbour said the masterplan was informed by forecasts that its trade volumes could grow from 24 million tonnes today to up to 40 million by 2050 – which would require additional capacity.
According to Ulster University research, the harbour handles goods and freight valued at £26.7bn each year.
Dr Theresa Donaldson, chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners
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 Great Britain.
“With the help of this draft masterplan, we are on track to become one of the fastest-growing ports in the UK by 2050.”
Belfast Harbour has started a public consultation into a draft masterplan for the next 25 years
News Catch Up – Tuesday 18 November
She said the plan was “both ambitious and practical”. “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.”
And she said it would be a “living document” which would respond to changing needs in the next 25 years, adding: “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.”
And eight week public consultation runs from now until 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.