Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that a new Harbours Bill is being introduced to the Assembly after recently receiving Executive approval.

Northern Ireland is home to five commercial ports: Belfast, Larne, Londonderry, Warrenpoint, and Coleraine. Aside from Larne, which is under private ownership by P&O, these facilities operate as trust ports.

Serving as the primary gateways for imports and exports, trust ports are vital to the local economy. The upcoming Bill represents the initial stage in implementing modernisations stemming from a review of trust ports, which was conducted to address operational challenges and improve their commercial capabilities.

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Minister Kimmins stated: "I am pleased to confirm that the Executive considered the Harbours Bill at its meeting on 28 May and was content for its introduction into the Assembly.

"The Bill's aim is to modernise the legislative and governance framework for our Trust Ports, enabling them to operate more efficiently, strengthen their contribution to the regional economy and allow them the opportunity to operate at a competitive level with other ports across these islands."

The Harbours Bill is scheduled for introduction to the Assembly on 15 June.