Peel Ports Group is investing £10m in Heysham Port to boost freight capacity and make it easier for hauliers to identify trailers as they arrive at the site.
The port operator said the investment will future proof operations and better support customers at the port, which is a key trade link between the UK mainland, the Island of Ireland and the Isle of Man.
The project will include the port’s trailer park being reconfigured, as well as a new multi-lane smart gate operating system, and a new terminal operating system for the facility.
The extra space created by reconfiguring the site’s trailer park will accommodate future growth, including Stena Line’s deployment of two new-build NewMax ferries at the port, which will boost freight capacity by 40% compared to previous vessels, and the works will also lead to operational time savings for customers.
Announcing the investment, Peel Ports said the introduction of a new gate operating system will lead to a better experience for hauliers by improving reliability, reducing congestion, as well as creating additional space at the facility.
It added that the new terminal operating system will make it easier for arriving hauliers to identify trailers at the site, improving safety at the port in the process. The works are due to begin in the coming weeks.
Phil Hall, Peel Ports Group Mersey Port director, said: “This investment is hugely positive news for Heysham Port and the local community. We believe this work will future-proof our operations here for decades to come, as well as create growth opportunities for the facility in the process.
“We’ve already received great feedback from our customers about these plans, and it’s clear this infrastructure investment will really benefit our operations here in the years ahead.”
Paul Grant, Stena Line regional trade director, added: “We welcome the investment from Peel Ports into the operations and additional space at Heysham Port. We have seen sustained growth in the unaccompanied freight market on this route, and we expect this trend to continue as we add further capacity.
“With the first of our new hybrid ships due to begin on the route later this year, the improved efficiency and extra space at the terminal will help facilitate the additional traffic and ensure a reliable service for our customers.”
