Stena Line Holyhead Terminal Upgrade & Port Expansion
Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales, UK · 2022–Ongoing · £150m+ (Breakwater reinforcement)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchSignificant investment from the Welsh Government (£40m) to secure the future of Holyhead Port, recognizing its critical role in connecting Wales and Ireland. - Stena Line's acquisition of the Anglesey Aluminium site indicates long-term expansion plans and commitment to the port. - The port's vulnerability to severe weather events (e.g., Storm Darragh) highlighted the need for resilient infrastructure and prompt repairs.
Key engineering challenges
Refurbishing and reinforcing the Holyhead Breakwater, which has been gradually eroded by the Irish Sea, posing a risk of structural failure. - Reconfiguring the port layout to improve efficiency and turnaround times for vessels. - Repairing and restoring ferry berths after storm damage and ensuring resilience against future weather events. - Integrating new facilities and expanded operations within an existing, busy port environment.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Stena Line, Welsh Government (funding)
- Lead contractor
- —
- Lead designers
- RPS Group (for reconfiguration of Salt Island)
- Project type
- upgrade | refurbishment | new build
- Scale
- Reconfiguration of Salt Island; refurbishment of Terminal 3 ferry berth; reinforcement of the breakwater.
- Disciplines
- Marine; Civil; Structural; Geotechnical
- Standards & frameworks
- UK port regulations, marine construction standards, Welsh planning policies.
Sources: RPS Group: Reconfiguration of Salt Island, Holyhead Port (https://www.rpsgroup.com/projects/reconfiguration-of-salt-island-holyhead-port/) - Welsh Government: Welsh Government to invest £40m to refurbish Breakwater and secure future of Holyhead Port (https://www.gov.wales/welsh-government-invest-40m-refurbish-breakwater-and-secure-future-holyhead-port) - BBC News: Stena buys Anglesey Aluminium site for Holyhead port expansion plan (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-62958817) - LinkedIn: Stena Line Ports launches £150m Holyhead breakwater upgrade (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/civil-edge_tenders-open-for-150m-holyhead-breakwater-activity-7310231895538085890-yMQ8) - BBC News: Holyhead port damaged before Storm Darragh peaked (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg162k5d04o)