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Belfast Harbour: Cruises, Cranes and Cargo

Series 1

Episode 1

Duration: 28 minutes

First broadcast: on BBC One Northern IrelandLatest broadcast: on BBC One Northern Ireland

At Belfast Container Terminal, crane op Ryan unloads the vessel Helga, which brings hundreds of containers into the port each week. Also needing precision and focus is Craig in the control room, who keeps track of every container that comes off and each one that is then loaded on for exporting.

Belfast also welcomes its biggest ever cruise ship, the MSC Meraviglia. With space for nearly 6,500 people, the ship is a floating city. Helping to steer her into the harbour are pilots Dougie and Peter. Things are made easier with the help of Neil in the Vehicle Traffic Service (VTS) control centre, who navigates and communicates with every vessel that comes into the harbour. Meanwhile, shipping agent Gary puts a highly logistical operation in place for the Meraviglia – including trying to find two and a half tonnes of beef before its departure! Entertaining the passengers while the ship is docked is tour guide Billy Scott. He starts his day at Benny’s Cafe for a good old-fashioned Ulster fry, before leading a group of passengers on a tour of the city.

The episode also uncovers the story behind Harland & Wolff, recently under threat of closure. Robert and Karen, two of the shipyard’s workers, tell their stories. Along with their colleagues, the workers occupy the gates of the yard to protest the loss of their jobs. Show less

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