One of Britain’s busiest ports Holyhead Port is on course for reopening on January 16 after damage to critical berthing infrastructure inflicted by Storm Darragh.
Ken Skates MS, cabinet secretary for Transport and North Wales said in a written statement on December 14 that it has become apparent that the damage is more extensive than first thought and may take some time to repair.
Holyhead Port authority, operated by Stena Line Ports Ltd, has issued an update on the progress to reopen the storm-damaged facilities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday December 31, the port confirmed that the Terminal 5 is estimated to reopen and ferry services to resume on January 16. Currently, both ferry berths at Holyhead Port are closed.
However, the port clarified that this prediction is subject to reasonable weather conditions.
The statement added: “We understand that the closure of the ferry berths has had a significant impact on trade, passengers and port customers and are aware of the disruption this has caused.
“The safety of our passengers and colleagues remains our top priority. We will continue to prioritise rigorous assessments and repair work to ensure that the berths meet the highest safety standards before reopening.
“Customers with bookings to travel by ferry from or to Holyhead on or before 15th January should contact the appropriate ferry operator.”
Few days before Christmas, the Welsh Government has also said contingency plans are in place for the New Year period to deal with the closure of the port.
Officials in the Welsh Government are maintaining close contact with all relevant stakeholders, including in the Republic of Ireland and in the UK Government, to understand the full extent of the damage at the Port and when this vital trade link will re-open, Ken Skates said on December 14.
Skates acknowledged the significant impacts that the continued closure is having on logistics movements between Wales and the Republic of Ireland, especially given the high seasonal demand for timely deliveries of goods.
“I understand that the Port is focusing on restoring one of its berths with an amended timetable, as a means to get ferry capacity reinstated as quickly as possible,” he noted.
Stena Line responded to Holyhead Port ferry berth closure by offering alternative travel arrangements for customers during the busy festive period.
The Port of Holyhead provides berthing and handling facilities for a range of commercial operations.
Accordingly, a variety of vessels regularly call at the port, these include regular scheduled passenger and vehicle ferries, cruise vessels, tankers, bulk vessels, fishing vessels and military support vessels.
