BELFAST

• GBBEL
• Latitude: 54.6187
• Longitude: -5.89771
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: Belfast BT1 3AL UK

Marine Port Description and Specifications: Belfast, UK

General Overview: Belfast Harbour is a major maritime port located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It serves as a crucial hub for maritime commerce, handling a wide variety of vessels, including bulk carriers, container ships, ferries, and cruise liners. The port is instrumental in supporting Northern Ireland’s economy, offering services for freight, logistics, and passenger travel.

Geographical Position:

• Coordinates: 54°36' N latitude, 5°54' W longitude
• Location: Belfast Lough, on the east coast of Northern Ireland
• Accessibility: The port is well-connected via road and rail networks, providing efficient transport options to and from the hinterland.

Port Facilities and Infrastructure:

1. Terminals:

   • Container Terminal: State-of-the-art container handling facilities with sizable storage areas.
   • Ro-Ro Terminal: Dedicated Roll-on/Roll-off terminal for vehicle and passenger ferries.
   • Bulk Terminals: Facilities for handling dry and liquid bulk cargo, including petroleum, grain, and other bulk commodities.
   • Cruise Terminal: Equipped to accommodate large cruise vessels with modern passenger amenities.

2. Berths and Quays:

   • Total Berths: Approximately 30 berths spread across different terminals.
   • Quay Length: Varied lengths catering to different types of vessels and cargo requirements.

3. Water Depths:

   • Approach Channel Depth: Varies, but generally around 8 to 9 meters to allow safe passage of large vessels.
   • Alongside Berths Depth: Up to 10 meters at certain berths, though this can vary depending on the specific terminal.

4. Cargo Handling Equipment:

   • Cranes: Multiple cranes including container gantry cranes, bulk handling cranes, and mobile harbor cranes.
   • Other Equipment: Forklifts, reach stackers, and conveyor systems for efficient cargo transfer.

5. Warehousing and Storage:

   • Covered Storage: Extensive warehousing facilities for various types of cargo.
   • Open Storage: Large open yard areas available for container and bulk storage.

6. Support Services:

   • Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage service available to ensure safe navigation.
   • Towage: Tug services provided to assist vessel maneuvering within the port.
   • Bunkering: Fuel and provisioning services available for visiting vessels.
   • Ship Repair: On-site facilities and nearby dry docks for ship repair and maintenance.

Trade and Economic Impact: Belfast Harbour plays an essential role in regional trade, connecting Northern Ireland with national and international markets. It facilitates import and export activities, supporting industries such as retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.

Passenger Services:

• The port operates frequent ferry services to and from destinations such as Scotland and England, providing a key travel link for passengers and vehicles.

Environmental and Safety Initiatives: Belfast Harbour is committed to maintaining high environmental standards and safety procedures. Initiatives include:

• Environmental Management Systems: Compliance with regulations to minimize environmental impact.
• Safety Protocols: Stringent safety measures to ensure the wellbeing of workers, passengers, and visitors.

Development and Expansion: Continuous investment in infrastructure development and modernization ensures that Belfast Harbour remains a competitive and efficient maritime port, ready to meet future demands and challenges.

For up-to-date information and specific inquiries, visiting the official Belfast Harbour website or contacting the port authority directly is recommended.