US honour for Belfast Harbour chief Adair

The outgoing CEO who retires this year, is to receive the Ireland-US Council’s Cúchulainn Award celebrating boosting connections between Northern Ireland and America

The award will be presented at the 55th Annual Dinner in New York in November.

For more than a decade, Roy Adair has managed the development of Belfast Harbour, delivering a dozen consecutive years of growth.

During this time, the business has diversified through investment in both port and real estate activities.

Since he became CEO in 2005, Belfast Harbour has invested almost £250 million in capital projects, including the single biggest capital investment ever made; the £50 million wind turbine renewable energy terminal.

“During his period in charge of the business in Belfast, Roy Adair has overseen continued growth in port trade activities and the expansion of the real estate side of the business,” said Council president Brian W Stack.

“Roy Adair has been a staunch supporter of the Council for many years, serving on our Board of Directors. In addition, Roy has also served in several non-executive roles locally, nationally and internationally including Chairman of Business in the Community.

Mr Adair said: “The Ireland-US Council has always played a pivotal role in the development of trans-Atlantic trade links and relationships, something which will become even more valuable in the post-Brexit era.

“It has been my privilege to represent Northern Ireland and Belfast Harbour at Council events, and while I am personally delighted to receive this award, I am very conscious that it is a reflection of the vision and acumen of the Harbour’s Board and employees.”