Record Year for Warrenpoint Port with Trade of £3.4bn

A new report on the economic impact of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority has revealed that in 2024 the Port handled £3.4 billion of trade, generating £6.0 million in direct economic value and directly supporting 94 jobs across Northern Ireland through its operations.

The report, commissioned by the port and conducted by Grant Thornton, shows that trade levels at Warrenpoint have doubled since 2000, with 3.4 million tonnes of goods moving through the Port in 2024. That figure accounts for 12% of all Northern Ireland port trade.

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

The Port recorded a turnover of £8.6 million in 2024, described as a record figure and almost three times higher than in 2000. Trade at Warrenpoint has diversified considerably and now includes a range of goods, recyclables and unitised freight, as well as a twice-daily Ro-Ro service to Heysham.

Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Chief Executive David Holmes said the findings reflected the Port's growing importance as a trade gateway. "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."

Mr Holmes added, "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."

Chair of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority Dr Gerard O'Hare CBE DL also welcomed the report's findings. "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 has recently signed a 55-year operating agreement with CLdN, one of Europe's leading short sea shipping and multimodal logistics operators, providing two-way trade links for manufacturers, distributors and logistics operators across Ireland and Great Britain.