Belfast's shipbuilding industry was among the majority of claims, which at its peak employed more than 30,000 people, with the Titanic being its best-known vessel.
Between 2011 and 2021 The Department for the Economy paid more than £35m in asbestos disease compensation to 1,500 people.
Many claims were made against the former Belfast ship-building company Harland and Wolff, which used asbestos in the production of ocean going liners.
Alarmingly the number of asbestos deaths increased by almost 60% in Northern Ireland in 2020 compared to 2019.
The Health and Safety Executive said asbestos-related diseases could take years to develop and "current figures reflect the legacy of past working conditions".
While ship-building is linked to most claims, figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that £5.8m has also been paid out to 378 individuals since 2011.
The UK's asbestos legacy is shameful with no corner of the UK spared and sadly, we have the highest incidence in the world.
Liz Darlison, CEO of Mesothelioma UK
