Holyhead’s Terminal 5 has been closed as a precautionary measure following a berthing incident
(Image: Dafydd Edwards)
A terminal has been shut at a Welsh port following what appears to be a collision with a ferry during “severe weather conditions”. The incident occurred on Friday, December 5 with Terminal 5 in Holyhead now closed as a “precautionary measure” pending a full assessment.
This comes almost precisely one year after the port was forced to suspend sailings for weeks following damage to Terminal 3 during Storm Darragh. Terminal 5 typically serves Stena vessels whilst Irish Ferries operate from Terminal 3.
The ferry companies are currently sharing a single berth on a temporary basis. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here
A representative for Stena Line Ports Ltd explained: “Due to severe weather conditions on Friday, 05 December, a berthing incident occurred at Terminal 5.”
“Current weather conditions prevent a full assessment of the berth structure, therefore as a precautionary measure, we have temporarily closed Terminal 5 to ensure safety.
“The terminal will remain closed until all structures have been thoroughly inspected and cleared for normal operations.
“This assessment will take place when the weather conditions will improve. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, however the health and safety of our colleagues and customers remains our first priority.”
They continued: “Holyhead Port continues to facilitate the full sailing schedule for ferry operators.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, the Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn, expressed his concern, stating: “News of further disruption at Holyhead Port is worrying. Last year’s closure showed just how damaging the loss of berth capacity can be, and it was local residents, local businesses, hauliers, and passengers that suffered back then.
“The priority now must be to understand what exactly has happened and what the implications might be. I’ll be pursuing this matter with the Welsh Government and Stena Line as a matter of urgency.”