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NI Assembly members briefed on Belfast’s green schemes

[ September 3, 2024   //   ]

Northern Ireland Assembly Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd and Economy Minister Conor Murphy visited Belfast Harbour on 2 September for a briefing on its plans to redevelop its offshore renewable energy and cruise facilities.

The Ministers heard from Chair Dr Theresa Donaldson and Chief Executive Joe O’Neill about Belfast Harbour’s vision to make Belfast a hub for future offshore wind development on the island of Ireland, through significant investment in new infrastructure.

Belfast Harbour’s Offshore Wind Terminal is currently the only facility of its type on the island for the transport and assembly of offshore wind turbines and between 2013 and 2018 delivered 66% of UK offshore wind capacity.

In recent years the facility has been used as a berth for the growing number of cruise ships visiting Belfast. Belfast Harbour’s plans would relocate this business relocated to a new berth and an integrated solution developed which will be capable of facilitating both cruise and offshore renewable energy activity, including assembly of foundations for floating offshore turbines and advanced manufacturing potential.

The ministers were also told about Belfast Harbour’s net zero ambitions and its progress in reducing carbon emissions from its operations. It reduced emissions by 18% in 2023 and now expects to reach net zero ahead of its 2030 target, making it the first net-zero port operator on these islands.  This comes after implementing initiatives such as the introduction of electric vehicles and switching to low carbon alternative fuels in its pilot boats and machinery.

L to R: Dr Theresa Donaldson; Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd; Economy Minister, Conor Murphy; Belfast Harbour Chief Executive, Joe O’Neill

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