Several incidents occurred before Storm Darragh that led to the closure of Holyhead Port, according to recent revelations. The closure, which took place in December 2024, was a result of two separate incidents involving ships making contact with the port’s infrastructure. These incidents occurred prior to the red weather warning issued during Storm Darragh. Holyhead Port, the UK’s second busiest port, typically handles 1.8 million passengers, 400 cars, and 400,000 freight units annually. The port had to be completely shut down due to the damage sustained from the incidents.
During a session with the Senedd’s economy committee, Ian Davies, representing Stena Line Ports, explained that the berths at Holyhead Port are constructed using steel piles. Two of the main piles, known as T3 and T5, were involved in the incidents. These piles are connected by a mooring gang, facilitating movement between the two. Following a second incident, pile D2.2 collapsed late at night, leading to the port’s closure. Committee chair Andrew RT Davies raised questions about whether the storm or seamanship was to blame, to which Ian Davies highlighted an ongoing investigation to determine the cause.
The incidents at Holyhead Port were not isolated, as Ian Davies mentioned other incidents in 2023 and 2024, albeit without specific details. He noted that there are contact incidents occurring regularly, but the port is designed to withstand slow-speed contact. Although the incidents took place before the storm’s peak, which was during the red weather warning, they still had significant consequences. The committee was informed that the fallen pile, D2.2, had partially collapsed and fallen at an angle, requiring extensive repairs.
Repairs at Holyhead Port involve complex engineering processes, including repairing the damaged pile, D2.2, and reinstating the walkways. The port’s structure, comprising large steel piles driven into the seabed, presents challenges in accessing and conducting repairs. Despite the repair efforts, the timeline for completion extends to July 1. Meanwhile, StenaLine and Irish Ferries have been relocated to the T5 berth, maintaining the port’s capacity but with a revised timetable.
In the midst of ongoing repairs, questions linger regarding the sustainability and resilience of Holyhead Port’s infrastructure. The impact of these incidents on the port’s operations, as well as the broader implications for maritime safety and maintenance practices, remain topics of interest. As investigations continue into the root causes of the incidents, stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and port authorities, are expected to scrutinise existing protocols and procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The closure and subsequent repairs at Holyhead Port underscore the critical role of port infrastructure in facilitating maritime trade and passenger transport. The challenges faced in restoring operations highlight the intricate nature of port maintenance and the need for robust contingency plans in the face of unexpected disruptions. Moving forward, the focus will be on implementing sustainable solutions and reinforcing the resilience of key maritime assets to ensure safe and efficient port operations for the future.