In 1853 John Burke, a Galway man working in Belfast, established John Burke & Company Limited as a Ships Agency in Belfast Port, providing cartage for customers. It was the same year that Robert Hickson established a ship building firm in the port that would evolve years later to become Harland & Wolff.
160 years later, like Harland & Wolff, the Burke Shipping Group remains synonymous with shipping in Belfast. The company – now part of the Doyle Group – specialises in delivering integrated shipping solutions in logistics, warehousing and stevedoring services to many Blue Chip companies operating in Northern Ireland today . The Group is the market leader throughout Ireland with offices in all major ports including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Foynes and Fenit.
Sean McCready, Managing Director of Burke Shipping Group in Belfast advised:
“It is a privilege to work for a company that is part of the rich history of Belfast Harbour. Our ethos has always been to provide our customers with a bespoke service and do whatever it takes to support their needs. This approach has enabled the Belfast operation to deliver growth and employment opportunities as we gear our operation to meet the logistics demands of freight traffic in Belfast Harbour and beyond.”
Conor Doyle, Chairman of the Doyle Group commented:
“We are very proud to be part of the rich history of Belfast Port over the last 160 years. John Burke Ltd. has deep roots in the Port of Belfast. With our young and dynamic team we are excited about the future of the company and its potential for growth. We believe strongly in the dynamism of Northern Ireland and the central role of Belfast Harbour in the economy of the region.”
Joe O’Neill, Commercial Director of Belfast Harbour commented:
“To celebrate 160 years of business in Belfast Harbour is a remarkable feat. The Burke Shipping Group is one of the many businesses within the Port community that combine to make Belfast Harbour the principal trade gateway to Northern Ireland for freight commerce. We wish Sean, his team and Burke Shipping Group every future success and we look forward to sharing their 175th Anniversary in 2028.”
The Burke Shipping Group celebrated their 160th anniversary by hosting a customer family day on board the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship. Guests were welcomed on-board by the c21 theatre group and enjoyed lunch while being briefed on the history of the company and its role in the growth and heritage of Belfast Harbour.
