Mid and East Antrim council has refused a request to help with handling Brexit Protocol checks at Belfast Port following the suspension of P&O ferries in Larne.
Belfast City Council officials asked if council staff at Larne Port could provide administrative assistance for dealing with an expected increase in traffic at the city harbour.
Senior officials in Mid and East Antrim sought the views of party group leaders but opposition was expressed by the DUP, TUV and Ulster Unionists, representing a majority on the council.