Regional Development Minister Opens Ireland's Longest Deep-Water Berth

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy, today opened the £10million extension of the Stormont Wharf in the Port of Belfast.

Against the backdrop of the Crown Princess, a commercial super cruise liner, the Minister unveiled the commemorative plaque on what is now the longest deep-water berth in Ireland.

The Minister said: “Belfast is one of the island’s key maritime gateways and the new extension at Stormont Wharf will help ensure that it maintains and builds upon that position.

“It is also highly appropriate that this opening coincides with the visit of the Crown Princess commercial cruise liner, which docked in Belfast this morning with 3,100 passengers on board. Over the past 10 years Belfast Harbour Commissioners and the Cruise Belfast initiative have developed Belfast’s reputation into one of the most popular cruise destinations on these islands.

“Stormont Wharf will enable the Port to improve the welcome that visitors receive when they disembark.”

The extension to Stormont Wharf is a further example of the development and investment plans which the Belfast Harbour Commissioners are bringing forward at the Port.

Minister Murphy added: “Despite the current economic difficulties, I commend Belfast Harbour Commissioners for their vision in continuing to take the long-term capital investment decisions that will secure the port’s primary position as the leading logistics and distribution hub and trading gateway for the north of Ireland.”

Notes to Editors

1. Stormont Wharf is the largest bulk quay development undertaken by the Port of Belfast in 40 years. The £10million extension of its deep water facilities increases the length of the berth to over one kilometre, making it the longest deep-water facility in Ireland.

2. The facility will operate as the Port’s main cruise ship berth. Almost 40 vessels carrying over 60,000 passengers and crew will visit Belfast Harbour this year.

3. In addition to cruise ships, Stormont Wharf also caters for regular bulk trade ships calling from South Africa and South America.

4. Port of Belfast is a trust port, which is an autonomous statutory body largely independent of government, run for the benefit of all its stakeholders and any surpluses are required to be reinvested for the benefit of the port.

5. Media queries to DRD Press Office, Tel 028 90 540004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.