NIMO and Belfast Harbour join Port Innovators Network

Northern Ireland Maritime and Offshore (NIMO), supported by Belfast Harbour, has joined the Port Innovators Network (PIN), a global association focused on accelerating innovation across the ports sector. PIN brings together members from industry, government and academia to support technology adoption and knowledge sharing across international port ecosystems.

According to the release, NIMO represents organizations working in autonomous systems, offshore renewables and port technologies, and supports collaboration between industry, government and research institutions. Belfast Harbour handles 70 per cent of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade and 25 per cent of seaborne trade for the island of Ireland.

“As a founding member of the Port Innovators Network, The PIER welcomes NIMO and Belfast Harbour to the ecosystem,” said David Thomas, executive director of The PIER. “We look forward to NIMO’s innovators and Belfast Harbour’s experience contributing to trialing new solutions across our growing global network.”

Kerry Muldoon, executive director of NIMO said their own ports and harbours across the region can learn a lot from PIN’s members, and are looking forward to collaborating with fellow innovation hubs.

“NIMO members bring strength in areas like autonomous systems, offshore renewables, and innovative port technologies,” he said. “What excites us most about joining PIN is the two-way benefit it creates.”

Mike Dawson, people and digital transformation director at Belfast Harbour said they have added tools that improve operations, including better connectivity, real‑time monitoring, automated environmental and fuel tracking, and digital systems that cut administrative work.

“Belfast Harbour is currently laying the foundation for the port’s digital future as part of our 2025–50 Masterplan,” he said. “The Port Innovators Network offers the opportunity for us to expand our connections around the world.”

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