Belfast approves expanded multipurpose cruise berth
Harbour Estate project will support cruise ships during the main season and cargo operations in winter.
Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee has unanimously approved Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ application for a new multipurpose berthing facility on reclaimed land at Airport Road West in the Harbour Estate.
The approved project includes relocating and expanding the main cruise terminal building, constructing an additional baggage building, and completing related works such as lighting, landscaping and supporting infrastructure.
Plans call for the facility to berth cruise ships generally between March and October. From November through February, it is intended to operate as a lay-by and support general cargo handling, including break-bulk, project and dry bulk cargo.
The application amended an earlier proposal. According to the committee record, no third-party representations were submitted and consultees raised no objections.
A report supporting the proposal said Belfast receives more than 300,000 cruise visitors annually, generating an estimated £26 million a year for the local economy. It also said the city now regularly handles more than 140 cruise calls per season, including large vessels carrying about 5,000 passengers and crew. Belfast’s turnaround calls increased from seven in 2025 to 13 scheduled calls this year, according to the report.