Ports and Public Transport Division is responsible for the discharge of statutory and other duties in respect of seaports and harbours in Northern Ireland. The Division contributes to the development of policy in the ports and harbours sector at national level and ensures that the regulatory framework in which the local commercial ports and harbours operate is kept under review. Responsibility for shipping services, navigation and marine safety matters remain reserved functions for the Department for Transport (London)and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

The Division also exercises a stewardship role over the trust ports to ensure that in undertaking their fiduciary duties, they adhere to good practice and probity in accordance with statutory public accountability measures.

There are five commercial ports in Northern Ireland (Belfast , Larne , Londonderry , Warrenpoint and Coleraine). With the exception of Larne (which is privately owned by P&O) they are all public trust ports. There are two other non-commercial Trust Ports, Donaghadee (a recreational harbour) and Carlingford (a navigational authority, maintaining buoys and lights in the lough).

The Division is also responsible for the provision of the Rathlin/Ballycastle Ferry Service. The ferry service is currently operated by Caledonian Mac Brayne Ltd. and information about times, fares etc may be obtained from the companys website - www.calmac.co.uk.

A range of discounted fares (26KB) are available on the service.