Northern Ireland Maritime and Offshore (NIMO), supported by Belfast Harbour, has become the newest member of the Port Innovators Network (PIN), a global association aimed at increasing adoption of innovation in the ports ecosystem.

NIMO brings together members from industry, government and academia to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions with economic and environmental benefits across Northern Ireland's maritime and offshore sectors.

Belfast Harbour is the principal maritime gateway in Northern Ireland, handling 70% of the region's seaborne trade and 25% of seaborne trade for the island of Ireland. The trust port supports £8.8bn in total gross value added to the regional economy.

Kerry Muldoon, executive director of NIMO, said members bring strengths in autonomous systems, offshore renewables, innovative port technologies and technology transfer from aerospace into the marine sector. She said joining PIN offers a two-way benefit: NIMO's small and medium-sized enterprises gain exposure beyond Northern Ireland, while other PIN members gain direct access to local capability and innovation. The network's matchmaking function helps connections happen quickly. Local ports and harbours can also learn from PIN members, who are tackling similar challenges.

Mike Dawson, people and digital transformation director at Belfast Harbour, said the port is laying the foundation for its digital future as part of its 2025-50 masterplan, which sets out long-term investment in port infrastructure. The objective is to create an integrated, data-driven operating model that improves safety, productivity and resilience. Belfast Harbour has already invested in enhanced connectivity and live monitoring, automated environmental and fuel monitoring, and digitalised documentation.

David Thomas, executive director of The PIER, a founding member of PIN, welcomed NIMO and Belfast Harbour. He noted connections formed through an Invest NI delegation "Atlantic Exchange" event hosted in Halifax in 2025. He said he looks forward to NIMO's innovators and Belfast Harbour's experience contributing to trialling new solutions across the global network.

NIMO and Belfast Harbour will attend the Valencia PIN plenary in October, which will focus on strategy, port resilience and a day at the Valencia Digital Summit's Port Entrepreneurship and International Congress.