After a month-long closure due to severe storm damage, Holyhead Port, a vital link between Wales and Ireland, has partially reopened. The facility, located off the coast of Anglesey in North Wales, was forced to shut down following the destruction of one of its ferry berths during Storm Darragh on December 6 and 7.
winds reaching 78 mph wreaked havoc,causing part of the terminal structure to collapse. This prompted urgent discussions between the Welsh and Irish governments, leading to the implementation of contingency plans, including bolstering services at alternative ports like Fishguard in Pembrokeshire.
How did the closure affect travel and trade?
Thousands of travelers making their way across the Irish Sea during the Christmas season faced disruptions, having to reroute their journeys. The festive period’s deliveries were also hit, causing meaningful challenges for exporters. Ger Hyland,president of the Irish road Haulage Association,stated that his members were “down about 60%” on their usual capacity,highlighting the strain on logistics.
Holyhead, a bustling hub, handled 4.8 million tonnes of freight in 2023 and facilitated the travel of 1.6 million passengers between Wales and Ireland. Its closure underscored its critical role in regional connectivity.
What led to the terminal’s damage?
A spokesperson for the port revealed that two incidents on December 6 and 7 caused the collapse of Terminal 3 berth, rendering it unusable. Subsequent underwater inspections assessed the extent of the damage after Storm Darragh had passed. The Marine Accident Investigations Branch concluded that the gathered information “does not indicate any significant safety issues which would necessitate further investigation at this time.”
When will both terminals resume operations?
While one berth reopened on Thursday, repairs on the second are still underway. In the interim, Stena Line, the port’s operator, announced that ferry services will “operate on an adjusted timetable.” A Holyhead Port spokesperson confirmed plans to “facilitate a full schedule for both ferry operators from Terminal 5 on a temporary basis,” ensuring “no loss of capacity” with eight sailings daily. An update on Terminal 3’s timeline will be provided quickly.
What lies ahead for Holyhead Port?
Stena Line remains steadfast in its commitment to the “long-term resilience of Holyhead” and aims to secure a “lasting future for the port.” Ken Skates, the Welsh government’s minister for transport and North wales, recently announced the formation of a taskforce to devise a strategic roadmap for the port’s future. Addressing the Senedd, he emphasized the need to “re-evaluate what Holyhead needs from all of its stakeholders over the longer term to not just survive, but to thrive.”
