A new terminal will be able to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels.
Residents in east Belfast have been advised to expect ‘varying degrees of noise’ from next week as part of a £90million project for improved cruise ship facilities.
Graham construction is the main contractor for Belfast Harbour’s development which will improve the port’s facilities for cruise ships and the wind energy industry.
Work on the first phase, which involves a new dual-purpose quay and deep water berth, got underway in the spring. Targeted for completion in 2027, the new terminal will be able to accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels.
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Co Down-based Graham is due to complete stage one of the programme by spring 2028 in time for the cruise season. A second stage, expected by 2030, will further strengthen the port’s infrastructure to support floating offshore windfarms.
The project will relocate most cruise ship berths to the new deepwater facility. The existing cruise hub will be restored as a dedicated base for offshore wind activity.
With 146 cruise vessels scheduled to visit this year, Belfast is already the island’s busiest cruise port and the second busiest in the UK. The terminal is intended to safeguard and grow cruise tourism’s economic contribution, estimated between £20m and £25m annually.
As part of the ongoing works, Graham has written to local resident informing them that it will be conducting trial land- based piling works on the D3 site during week commencing, November 10 2025.
In a letter to local residents, seen by Belfast Live, the firm said: “It is important that as our neighbours you are advised that this phase of construction will involve engineering works which will cause varying degrees of noise.
“We are a registered considerate constructor and as such we are taking all possible steps to help minimise noise levels. We will be cushioning the piling hammers with what are called ‘acoustic shrouds’ to reduce the sound produced on impact and using a drilling method which reduces energy and therefore noise.
“We will be monitoring the noise levels throughout and this data will be used to inform the main piling works which are due to commence in February 2026 and run for approximately six months.
“Our normal working hours are Monday to Saturday from 7:30am to 7pm. However, we will strive to complete the works in the shortest time-frame possible.
“We would like to apologise in advance for any disturbance the works may cause to you, as our neighbours and thank you in advance for your understanding and patience as we deliver this important development which will create a positive impact on the Northern Ireland economy.”
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