Storm-hit Holyhead Port closes terminal after 'berth incident'

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Holyhead Port, one of the busiest ports in the UK, has temporarily shut down one of its terminals following a “berthing incident” caused by severe weather. The event occurred on Friday at Terminal 5, and Stena Line Port, which manages the facility, announced that the closure is necessary to ensure safety. Despite this, the port continues to operate its ferry services according to the regular sailing schedule.

This closure comes less than a year after the port endured significant disruption due to Storm Darragh in December 2024. At that time, two berths were damaged just before a rare red weather wind warning impacted Wales. The damage forced the port to close for five weeks during the busy Christmas period as repairs were carried out. Partial service resumed in January on a reduced timetable, while the second berth took until July to be fully restored following months of repair work. The prolonged disruption during this period was estimated to have resulted in an economic loss of around £500 million in trade.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn, expressed concern over the recent closure, calling it a “worrying” development given the previous year’s challenges and its effects on local communities. He emphasized the need to fully understand the cause and consequences of the incident. Holyhead Port remains a critical transport link, with over 1.5 million people passing through annually, making it the busiest ferry route between the UK mainland and the Republic of Ireland.

Stena Line has noted that current weather conditions hamper a comprehensive assessment of the damage, but reassured the public that the port is continuing to operate according to the full sailing schedule. The temporary terminal closure reflects ongoing precautionary measures aimed at maintaining safety during adverse weather conditions while minimizing disruption to operations

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