Van Oord, in partnership with its subsidiary Wicks, has been awarded a contract by the GRAHAM Group to develop a new deepwater berth at Belfast Harbour. The multipurpose quay will accommodate vessels up to 350 metres in length, strengthening the port’s role as a key maritime hub in Northern Ireland.
The project is part of Belfast Harbour’s Advance Regional Prosperity 2025–2029 strategy, a major investment program aimed at supporting regional trade, tourism, and the energy transition.
Van Oord’s scope of work includes:
- Dredging and offshore disposal of approximately 370,000 m³ of seabed material
- Pre-drilling and installation of 550,000 metres of Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs), executed by subsidiary Wicks
- Reprofiling and protection of the existing rock armour revetment
According to the company, initial works are scheduled to begin later this month. Once completed, the deepwater berth is expected to significantly expand the harbour’s capacity, enabling larger vessels and enhancing the port’s ability to serve diverse cargo and energy projects.
Van Oord emphasized that the project highlights its commitment to supporting critical maritime infrastructure developments that facilitate long-term economic growth and sustainable operations.