Stormont quay extension opens

PRINCESS CRUISES' SUPERLINER HELPS OPEN IRELAND'S LONGEST DEEP-WATER BERTH IN BELFAST HARBOUR

Belfast Harbour Commissioners has invested £10m to boost Northern Ireland's growing popularity as a cruise destination by creating the longest deep-water berth on the island. Stormont Wharf, which is over 1km long, was officially opened today with the help of Princess Cruises' superliner 'Crown Princess', which docked at the Port on Tuesday, June 30th with over 3,100 passengers as part of a 12-night British Isles cruise.

This year almost 40 vessels carrying over 60,000 passengers and crew will visit Belfast Harbour with many using the City as a starting point for trips to popular tourist spots such as the Giant's Causeway and Mount Stewart. It's estimated that cruise calls are worth c.£15m annually to the local economy.

The upgrade of Stormont Wharf, which involved building an additional 250m of quayside, will allow four deep-water vessels to berth simultaneously.

The new quay at Stormont Wharf was officially opened by the DRD Minister, Conor Murphy MP MLA. Welcoming the Minister was Len O'Hagan, Chairman of Belfast Harbour Commissioners:

"Stormont Wharf is another piece in the jigsaw of Belfast Harbour's ongoing investment plans. In the past two years we have completed or started new projects with a value of £60m and in the next 10-15 years our aim is to roll-out new quays, terminals and warehouses to ensure that Belfast Harbour offers its users and the wider economy the best facilities possible.

"The thousands of passengers from 25 different nationalities who will disembark from the Crown Princess today will provide a great boost for everyone from tour operators to restaurateurs to retailers and taxi drivers. The new wharf will help us promote Northern Ireland as a cruise destination and secure additional visits."

Pieter van der Schee, head of brand marketing, Princess Cruises, added:

"With over 12,000 miles of dramatic coastline steeped in history, outstanding beauty and culture, it's no surprise that cruising around Britain is becoming an increasingly popular choice. It's estimated that the UK cruise sector creates over 49,000 jobs nationwide.

"Princess Cruises is the third biggest cruise line in the world, with ships visiting all seven continents, and our rich heritage includes strong links with the UK and Ireland. Crown Princess is the most luxurious super liner to sail the British Isles and we are pleased that we can give so many international guests the opportunity to visit Northern Ireland's historic sites and beautiful scenery."