New Bulk Storage Facility For Belfast Harbour

Belfast harbour now has a new bulk storage facility that provides a safe haven for goods being transported to and from the port.

The Belfast harbour is Northern Ireland’s principal maritime gateway and logistics hub. Around 70 per cent of Northern Ireland’s (and 20 per cent of the entire of Ireland’s) trade is handled at the harbour each year.

The facility was bespoke-designed, manufactured and constructed by Rubb Buildings Ltd, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of engineered structures. The structure was constructed in less than three months, and will be used for the storage of steel and other materials. It adds to the existing three steel-framed, fabric-clad storage facilities at the site. They are relocatable, so can be moved around at will depending on traders’ requirements and the needs of the busy port. They provide large, clearspan internal spaces, illuminated by natural light through translucent roofing.

Rubb and Belfast harbour contractor McMillan Construction worked together to install the newest storage facility. Measuring 32.5m wide x 76.5m long, it features 6.75m high sidewalls, with outside tapered column legs to ensure all internal walls have a straight vertical face – maximising internal space. The facility sits on a 1m high concrete wall and has an internal apex height of 13.5m. It therefore provides 25,340m³ of clear storage space.

The roller shutter door measures 6m x 6m, and is installed on the sidewall of the building, to allow personnel to access the building via three pedestrian doors. The necessity of maintenance has also been reduced, due to the hot dip galvanized steel frame and high tenacity PVC covering membrane. It can also withstand difficult environmental and corrosive conditions without being damaged, which is essential in a marine environment.