Belfast Harbour Commissioners and the Port of Cork Company have formalised a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a strategic alliance to bolster the maritime economy across the island.

The 10-year agreement creates a collaborative framework between the island's two premier cruise ports. The partnership is designed to accelerate large-scale infrastructure development, drive digital transformation, and foster green innovation, specifically targeting the offshore wind sector and the tourism industry.

The cooperation focuses on four primary pillars:

• Offshore Wind Energy: Both ports will coordinate efforts to support the offshore wind supply chain. By developing necessary port infrastructure, Belfast and Cork aim to become essential hubs for major wind farm projects located in the Irish Sea.

• Cruise Tourism Expansion: Building on their existing work with Cruise Ireland, the ports will engage in joint marketing and facility upgrades. The goal is to improve the passenger experience and increase regional tourism spending.

• Innovation & Resilience: The partners will seek joint funding for significant capital projects. These include the development of digital hubs and clean shore power solutions to ensure long-term competitiveness.

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• Community & Skills: The MoU includes a commitment to align training and employment initiatives, particularly for young adults in under-served areas, ensuring the maritime sector provides broad social benefits.

The initiative has received high-level political backing. Liz Kimmins MLA, Infrastructure Minister, stated: "This partnership between Belfast and Cork is a significant step forward in our efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable economy. By working together, our ports can better navigate global challenges and seize the immense opportunities presented by the green energy transition."

She added: "I'm pleased that this collaboration will not only drive trade but will deliver positive impact for our people and wider society across the island by providing a vital boost to local communities through skills development and job creation."

Ireland's Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien TD, commented: "International connectivity is the lifeblood of our island economy. This MoU aligns perfectly with our national goal of achieving net-zero through the rapid deployment of offshore wind."

He continued: "By pooling resources and expertise, the Port of Cork and Belfast Harbour are ensuring that we remain competitive on the world stage while delivering meaningful environmental and economic benefits for citizens North and South."

Dr. Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, noted: "Belfast Harbour has long been a catalyst for regional prosperity. This agreement with the Port of Cork allows us to scale our ambitions, particularly in the cruise and offshore wind sectors."

She concluded: "We are committed to using our collective expertise to ensure our ports are world-leading, innovative and sustainable hubs that serve as an economic foundation for future generations."

Michael Walsh, Chairperson of the Port of Cork Company, said: "As an island nation, our ports are central to our economic future, and this collaboration is about more than just infrastructure. It's about innovation and shared resilience, and ensuring this island is in the best position to support and facilitate growing sectors like cruise and offshore renewable energy. This MoU is about creating a more connected and prosperous island for all."

The agreement was signed by officials from both organisations and is effective immediately.