Day: 26 January 2016
New cruise terminal for Belfast – planned for 2017 opening.
Planned cruise facility location changed as spend doubles. BBC News have reported that Belfast is to get a new cruise terminal, but not at the originally planned location in the Titanic Quarter.  The new location at D3 had been the subject of rumour and speculation over recent months.  D3 is located away from the city centre, next to the RSPB “Belfast WOW” wildlife reserve and close to Holywood Exchange.  The location is currently empty having previously been used for storage and most recently as a park and ride facility for events such as last years Tall Ships and the Giro D’ Italia. A planning application for the new development is about to be submitted, with the harbour reportedly hopeful of a decision within a few months.  With a construction time estimated at 8 months the new facility could be ready for the 2017 cruise season.  2016 is set to be another record ... Read more
Stena Horizon return to service delayed.
Stena Horizon‘s refit period at Belfast’s Harland and Wolff Heavy Industries appears to have been extended by at least 2 days.  Originally the 186m long vessel (which is a near sister of Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey) had been expected to leave Belfast on Wednesday morning. However, according to the current scheduled departure showing on Belfast Harbour’s website she is now due to leave on Friday morning instead. Stena Horizon of course is due to release Stena Superfast X from the Dublin to Holyhead route so she can come north to in turn release Stena Superfast VIII and Stena Superfast VII from the Belfast to Cairnryan service for their own refits at H&W.  As a result of the delay in completing Stena Horizon‘s refit, NIFS expect that the refit of Stena Superfast VIII may also be slightly delayed. Title image:  Stena Horizon in dry-dock at Belfast, January 2016. Copyright © Scott ... Read more