Forecasted heavy winds and heavy sea state have resulted in several sailings being cancelled.
A P&O Ferry travelling from Larne in Northern Ireland to Cairnryan Ferry Terminal, Wigtownshire, in high winds in 2018.(Image: Andrew Millligan/PA Wire.)
Sailings between Cairnryan and Loch Ryan Ports and Northern Ireland have been cancelled due to heavy winds. Operation Overflow will be activated from 7pm this evening.
This comes after a number of sailings to and from Northern Ireland were cancelled due to forecasted high winds and heavy sea state. Those booked onto any of the affected sailings are advised not to travel to the areas where delays are expected and should instead seek alternative travel options elsewhere.
Freight drivers attending the area are advised to follow instructions from port operators and Police Scotland about accessing the Operation Overflow site while the cancellations are in place.
A statement from Stena Line read: “Please be advised Operation Overflow will be in process from 1900hrs this evening and Cairnryan port will closed for acceptance of freight vehicles. Unfortunately, as a result of this all bookings are suspended.
“This will remain in place until the clearance of the backlog of traffic currently waiting at the port and the overflow area at Castle Kennedy. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.”
A spokesperson for P&O Ferries earlier said: “Please see below sailing cancellation update. Due to severe weather we have now cancelled the 20:00hrs crossing from Larne and Cairnryan.
“Thursday 5th February: 12:00hrs, 16:00hrs, 20:00hrs – CANCELLED. 23:59hrs sailing is currently under review and remains subject to a further weather update later today.
“Normal allocations will be suspended and all space is subject to availability. Thank you for your patience and continued support.” P&O Ferries.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Operation Overflow will be activated from 7pm on Thursday, 5 February, 2026, after a number of sailings between Cairnryan and Loch Ryan Ports and Northern Ireland were cancelled. This is due to forecasted high winds and heavy sea state.
“Those booked onto any of the affected sailings are advised not to travel to the areas where delays are expected and should instead seek alternative travel options elsewhere. Please check with Stena Line and P&O Ferries as appropriate for updates on your sailings.
“Freight drivers attending the area are advised to follow instructions from port operators and Police Scotland about accessing the Operation Overflow site while the cancellations are in place.”
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