Background

The organisation plays a significant role in the regional economy, facilitating £26.7 billion in annual trade, supporting 16% of Northern Ireland’s total GVA and approximately 155,000 jobs.

Climate action is embedded within Belfast Harbour’s governance, strategy and long-term planning. Through its Strategy 2025-2029 and £1.3 billion Masterplan (2025-2050), the organisation has made net zero a core design requirement across its operations and developments. It aims to become the first net zero port operator on the island of Ireland and has demonstrated that environmental sustainability and economic growth can be achieved simultaneously, reducing operational emissions while growing its business.

What Belfast Harbour did

As part of its climate action programme, Belfast Harbour implemented a comprehensive strategy focused on decarbonisation, climate resilience and nature recovery. The organisation transitioned to 100% renewable electricity, replaced marine gas oil with HVO biofuels across its fleet and cranes, and progressed the electrification of its vehicle fleet. These actions formed part of a science-led pathway to significantly reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions while maintaining business growth.

Beyond reducing emissions, Belfast Harbour integrated climate resilience into infrastructure planning, ensuring risks such as sea level rise and extreme weather are considered in all major developments. It also invested heavily in biodiversity and nature-based solutions, dedicating 125 acres to habitat recovery, managing extensive tree planting programmes and partnering with Ulster Wildlife on a native oyster restoration project to improve water quality and support blue carbon capture.

The organisation extended its influence beyond its own operations by supporting the wider transition to a low-carbon economy. It engaged more than 700 tenants through a Net Zero Tenant Forum, developed infrastructure to support cleaner maritime operations, shared decarbonisation data openly, and embedded sustainability requirements into procurement and supply chain processes. This helped position Belfast Harbour as a leader in climate action within the maritime sector and across Northern Ireland.

Key impacts and results

• Reduced operational (scope 1 and 2) emissions by more than 70% since 2015, cutting emissions from approximately 4,100 tonnes to 1,188 tonnes while remaining on track to achieve a 93% reduction by 2027.
• Demonstrated that economic growth and decarbonisation can go hand-in-hand by doubling business turnover while reducing emissions by over 70%.
• Transitioned operations to 100% renewable electricity and adopted HVO biofuels across marine fleets and cranes, reducing carbon emissions and exposure to future fuel risks.
• Dedicated 125 acres to nature recovery, including protected coastal, river and reserve habitats that enhance biodiversity and climate resilience.
• Maintains 33,815 trees across its estate, sequestering an estimated 394 tonnes of carbon annually.
• Established a native oyster restoration programme with Ulster Wildlife, with each oyster capable of filtering up to 200 litres of water per day, supporting water quality improvement and ecosystem recovery.
• Achieved Platinum status in the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey for 17 consecutive years and retained CORE Platinum accreditation, providing independent recognition of its climate leadership and responsible business practices.

What the judges said:

“Belfast Harbour demonstrated exceptional leadership and a clear, long-term vision for climate action. Its joined-up approach with community groups creates meaningful impact, while ambitious goals are matched by a passionate team, committed to delivering positive outcomes for the region.”