'Critical gateway': Harbour drives £3.4bn trade and supports 18,300 jobs across Northern Ireland

A new report on the economic impact of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority (WHA) highlights the Port’s growing strategic role as a regional, national and international gateway, now handling £3.4 billion worth of trade annually, which supports £1.1 billion of GVA in Northern Ireland’s economy.

Trade levels at Warrenpoint have doubled since 2000 with 3.4 million tonnes of goods moving through the Port annually, accounting for 12% of all Northern Ireland port trade.

This significant level of trade, and the wider supply chain it supports, helps sustain more than 18,300 jobs across Northern Ireland.

The report, conducted by Grant Thornton, also highlights the Port’s strong financial performance which saw a record turnover of £8.6 million in 2024, nearly three times higher than in 2000.

The scale of trade at Warrenpoint Port, which has diversified significantly and incorporates a range of goods, recyclables, and unitised freight, including a twice-daily Ro-Ro service to Heysham, is equivalent to nearly 2% of the entire Northern Ireland economy and over 27% of economic output in Newry, Mourne and Down.

Commenting on the report David Holmes, chief executive of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, said: "This report highlights the Port’s growing footprint, not only through increasing trade volumes, but the role it plays in sustaining thousands of jobs and driving economic growth across the island. Strategically positioned, Warrenpoint is a critical gateway for trade and a key enabler of long-term business growth, helping more companies develop, expand, and compete in global markets.

“As a Trust Port, profits are reinvested into the harbour, its infrastructure, and the community. Through continued long-term investment and strategic initiatives, we will ensure that the benefits of growth are shared locally and that the Port continues to drive economic prosperity.”

Commenting chair of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, Dr Gerard O’Hare CBE DL, added: "I welcome this report which demonstrates the vital role that Warrenpoint Harbour makes to Northern Ireland’s economy and the importance of planning for its long-term future. As Chair, I am committed to ensuring the Port continues to grow in a way that is responsible and sustainable, supporting local communities and businesses while strengthening Northern Ireland’s competitiveness in global trade.”

The Port recently signed a landmark 55-year operating agreement with CLdN, one of Europe’s leading short sea shipping and multimodal logistics operators providing strong two-way trade for manufacturers, distributors, and logistics operators across Ireland and Great Britain.