Is Your Port Facing Another Closure Due to Storm Damage?

The port of Holyhead, a vital link between north Wales and Dublin, will operate at limited capacity for two months due to maintenance work following storm damage. The recent closure and ongoing repairs will affect ferry services and freight operations, but measures are in place to minimise disruption.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

Overview of the Situation at Holyhead Port

Storm Darragh, which struck in December 2024, caused significant damage to two berths at Holyhead Port, leading to a prolonged closure that disrupted travel and freight services during the busy Christmas period. Following a temporary reopening in January, the port faced another closure, and now, as maintenance work is set to commence, it will operate with limited capacity.

Key Takeaways

• Holyhead Port will undergo maintenance work affecting ferry services for two months.
• Two berths were damaged during Storm Darragh, causing significant disruptions.
• Both Stena and Irish Ferries will share Terminal 5 during this period.
• The economic impact of Holyhead Port is significant, estimated at over £100 million annually.
• Local jobs are at stake, with around 1,000 positions dependent on the port's operations.

Impact of Storm Darragh

The damage inflicted by Storm Darragh was extensive, leading to a total closure of the port for five weeks. This closure not only affected thousands of travellers but also delayed parcel deliveries during the peak holiday season. Holyhead, which is the UK's second busiest roll-on roll-off port, sees approximately two million passengers and 1,200 lorries and trailers making crossings daily.

Reopening Phases

Holyhead partially reopened in January with Terminal 5, allowing for some traffic to resume. Terminal 3 followed suit in July. However, the latest schedule indicates that both terminals will now close again for maintenance, with full operations not expected to resume until November.

The Maintenance Work Ahead

The maintenance work at Holyhead has been strategically scheduled to occur after the summer season, as stated by Holyhead Port Authority. This timing aims to effectively manage the high volume of traffic experienced during the summer months. The authorities have planned this phase of work to minimise the risk of adverse weather conditions, as the work must be carried out from the sea and is weather-dependent.

Shared Operations at Terminal 5

During the maintenance period, both Stena and Irish Ferries will share Terminal 5 for their operations. Although this arrangement will not reduce the number of ferry services, it will result in an amended timetable. Passengers and freight operators are advised to check their respective ferry operator websites for updated schedule details.

Economic Significance of Holyhead Port

Holyhead Port plays a crucial role in the north Welsh economy, with experts estimating its economic contribution to exceed £100 million annually. The port supports around 1,000 local jobs, making it an essential hub for employment and trade in the region.

The Role of Freight and Passenger Services

The port's operations facilitate both passenger and freight services across the Irish Sea, significantly impacting local businesses and the wider supply chain. With the ongoing maintenance, concerns have been raised regarding potential delays, particularly for unaccompanied freight, which may experience reduced loading and discharge times during the shared operations at Terminal 5.

Looking Forward

As the maintenance works progress, Holyhead Port Authority is committed to keeping disruptions to a minimum. The authority has emphasised the importance of maintaining a full timetable during the shared terminal operations. It remains crucial for passengers and freight operators to remain informed about potential changes to schedules and service availability.

What Happens Next?

With the repairs expected to be completed by November, there is cautious optimism that Holyhead Port will return to normal operations shortly thereafter. However, stakeholders must remain vigilant and adaptable to any further weather-related disruptions or scheduling changes.

FAQs

Why was Holyhead Port closed?

Holyhead Port was closed due to significant storm damage caused by Storm Darragh, which impacted two of its berths and disrupted services for several weeks.

When will normal operations resume at Holyhead Port?

Normal operations at Holyhead Port are expected to resume in November 2023, following a two-month maintenance period currently underway.

How will the maintenance work affect ferry services?

The maintenance work will lead to shared operations at Terminal 5 between Stena and Irish Ferries, resulting in an amended timetable but no reduction in the number of services offered.

What is the economic impact of Holyhead Port?

The economic impact of Holyhead Port is estimated to be over £100 million annually, with around 1,000 local jobs dependent on its operations and services.

What should passengers do if their ferry service is affected?

Passengers should check their ferry operator's website for the latest timetable updates and any changes resulting from the maintenance work at Holyhead Port.

As Holyhead Port navigates these maintenance challenges, the focus will remain on ensuring efficient operations while safeguarding local economic interests. The resilience of this vital transport hub will be crucial for the region’s connectivity and commerce. #HolyheadPort #StormDarragh #FerryServices