Belfast Harbour has unveiled a £1.3 billion investment strategy aimed at securing the future of Irish Sea trade and expanding the port's role as a key economic gateway for Northern Ireland over the next 25 years.

The long-term blueprint, titled Belfast Harbour 2025–2050 Masterplan: Horizons of Opportunity, outlines a major programme of infrastructure development designed to increase port capacity, strengthen supply chains and support growing trade demand across the island of Ireland.

According to independent analysis by Ulster University and Grant Thornton, the investment programme is expected to support almost 5,500 construction jobs and underpin an estimated £12 billion in annual Gross Value Added (GVA) generated through trade handled by the port.

The Masterplan comes amid forecasts that port capacity along Ireland's east coast will become increasingly constrained over the next two decades. Belfast Harbour said its extensive estate — spanning around 2,000 acres of land and 1,000 acres of water — positions it to meet future demand as other ports face limitations on expansion.

Forecasts prepared by maritime planning specialists Haskoning suggest trade volumes through Belfast Harbour could rise from approximately 24 million tonnes annually to more than 30 million tonnes by 2050 under steady growth conditions, and potentially between 40 million and 50 million tonnes under higher-growth scenarios.

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Major projects outlined in the strategy include the completion of the £90 million D3 deepwater cruise terminal, a new freight terminal at West Bank Road through the harbour’s first land reclamation project in 25 years, redevelopment of Stormont Wharf, an extension to the container terminal to accommodate next-generation vessels, and the introduction of shore power facilities for docked ships.

The plans also include a new logistics park, a clean energy hub and a maritime skills academy aimed at supporting employment and training within the sector.

Belfast Harbour said the investment programme would reinforce its position as the principal maritime gateway on the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor, strengthening trade links with Great Britain and supporting wider economic growth ambitions.

In addition to port infrastructure, the Masterplan identifies regeneration opportunities across the Harbour Estate, including housing and real estate projects that could attract between £500 million and £750 million in additional investment through commercial partnerships.

Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said: "Belfast Harbour has served the regional economy for nearly two centuries as a Trust Port - adapting, investing and growing as trade has evolved and the city around us has changed. The port is not simply a feature of Northern Ireland’s economy - it is a cornerstone of it.

"This Masterplan sets out a clear, long-term vision for how Belfast Harbour will continue to deliver growth with purpose over the next 25 years. It is the result of two years of extensive engagement, and I want to thank the customers, tenants, government partners, and members of the public who helped shape it. Their input has ensured this plan is evidence-based, ambitious, and realistic, reflecting our responsibility to the economy, society, and the communities we serve."

Joe O'Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: "Belfast Harbour is a working port first and foremost. Much of what people and businesses across Northern Ireland depend on passes through here every day, from food and fuel to construction materials and consumer goods. Ensuring that trade continues to flow efficiently is our core purpose.

"As capacity tightens at key ports on the Irish east coast, we are putting the scale of our estate to work providing the planned capacity the island needs, supporting customers today and preparing Belfast Harbour to be the principal maritime gateway on the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor."