Holyhead Port, which partially re-opened yesterday (16 January), a month after it was closed due to storm damage to its berthing infrastructure, saw delays to at least two ferries, promoting criticism from hauliers and a demand for a clear timeline on when the second berth will be re-opened.
The port experienced problems as it opened yesterday, with the 1.30am sailing from Holyhead to Dublin departing late, which port operator Stena Line said due to a technical issue with a shore ramp. A a 7.30am sailing from Dublin to Holyhead also suffered a delay of two hours due to “operational reasons”.
Ger Hyland, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, said: “There wasn’t a promising start in Holyhead as the ferry going into the port from Dublin in the early hours was delayed by hours due to an electrical fault at the port.
“The port should have been ready. The amount of freight waiting on the Welsh side was absolutely huge.
“If this berth goes down again, it will be a huge disaster for our sector, for passengers and more especially for Ireland’s exports and imports so hopefully this will improve.
“There is room for improvement still and we urgently need a timeline to know when the second berth will be reopened. This is still not forthcoming.”
The port, which is on the island of Anglesey in North Wales was closed after one of its ferry berths suffered damage during Storm Darragh last month, which brought winds of up to 78mph to Anglesey.
The closure resulted in major disruption to freight services to and from Ireland and saw contingency plans put in place, including additional services at ports such as Fishguard in Pembrokeshire.
Earlier this month the Welsh government announced the creation of a task force, which will include logistics bodies and transport operators, to help deliver a new strategy to secure the future of Holyhead Port.
The task force will be led by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates alongside the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans.
The group will work with the Irish Minister of State for Transport, James Lawless, the UK Government and other key players in the Welsh & Irish ports and ferry industry to ensure the port meets the future needs of both nations.