Terminal 5 at Holyhead Port, one of the UK’s busiest maritime gateways, was abruptly closed on Friday, December 5, 2025, after a ferry reportedly made contact with the berth during severe weather. The incident, which occurred in the midst of powerful winds and torrential rain battering the Welsh coast and Irish Sea, has reignited concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to increasingly extreme weather events. According to Stena Line Ports Ltd, the operator of the port, strong winds contributed to the berthing incident and the terminal was closed as a precautionary measure, with safety as the overriding priority.
The closure comes nearly a year to the day after Storm Darragh caused major damage to Holyhead’s Terminal 3, leading to weeks of disruption during one of the busiest travel periods. That episode forced the port to operate at reduced capacity for seven months, only fully reopening in July 2025. The economic toll of the 2024 closures was estimated at a staggering £500 million in lost trade, according to BBC News, underscoring the port’s vital role as a strategic link between Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Stena Line Ports Ltd confirmed that current high winds and sea conditions have made it impossible to conduct a full structural assessment of Terminal 5. Terminal 5 will remain closed until all structures have been thoroughly inspected and cleared for normal operations, a spokesperson said, adding, We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, however the health and safety of our colleagues and customers remains our first priority.
The closure of Terminal 5 has forced Stena Line and Irish Ferries, the two main operators at Holyhead, to temporarily share a single berth. While Stena ships typically use Terminal 5 and Irish Ferries operate from Terminal 3, both companies have had to adjust their schedules and logistics. This arrangement, while necessary, increases the likelihood of delays for both passengers and freight, particularly given Holyhead’s status as the second-busiest ferry port in the UK and the most popular sea route between the UK mainland and the Republic of Ireland.
Despite these challenges, port officials have assured the public that a full sailing schedule for ferry operators is being maintained. Operations are being rerouted and optimized across available terminals to minimize disruption. As reported by MixVale, this agile response has allowed thousands of passengers and critical freight to continue their journeys with only minor adjustments to boarding procedures and departure timings, demonstrating the port’s robust contingency planning.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Ynys Môn, described the news as worrying, especially in light of the recent history of weather-related disruptions at Holyhead. News of further disruption at Holyhead Port is worrying. Last year’s closure showed just how damaging the loss of berth capacity can be, and it was local residents, local businesses, hauliers, and passengers that suffered back then. The priority now must be to understand what exactly has happened and what the implications might be. I’ll be pursuing this matter with the Welsh Government and Stena Line as a matter of urgency, he stated, as quoted by Nation.Cymru.
The incident has triggered memories of the chaos wrought by Storm Darragh in December 2024, when two berths at Holyhead were damaged just hours before a rare red weather wind warning. The port was closed for five weeks, including over Christmas, as engineers worked to repair one of the damaged berths. The other berth took seven months to bring back online. According to BBC News, the economic impact was felt not only by the port but also by the broader regional economy, with local businesses, hauliers, and passengers bearing the brunt of the disruption.
In the wake of last year’s turmoil, the Senedd’s Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee launched an inquiry into the port’s resilience and the wider economic impact of prolonged closures. The latest incident at Terminal 5 is likely to add urgency to these efforts, as stakeholders seek to learn lessons and bolster Holyhead’s defenses against future storms.
Engineers and maintenance crews were deployed promptly after the worst of the recent storm passed, beginning initial assessments and clearance operations at Terminal 5. According to MixVale, the terminal sustained minor structural impacts and accumulated significant debris, making it unsafe for vessels and ground crews. The port’s emergency protocols were initiated to safeguard personnel and assets, reflecting a broader trend among maritime hubs worldwide to invest in climate resilience and adaptive operational strategies.
Maintaining crucial connectivity between Great Britain and Ireland remains a paramount concern for Holyhead Port. The port’s strategic importance as an economic artery meant that comprehensive contingency plans were swiftly activated to reallocate services and minimize inconvenience for travelers and businesses. The seamless collaboration between Holyhead Port authorities and ferry operators has been instrumental in navigating the challenges posed by the severe weather. Passengers have been advised to check for real-time updates through official port and ferry company channels, leveraging digital communication tools to manage expectations and allow travelers to adapt their plans as needed.
While some minor delays have been unavoidable due to rerouting and adjusted logistics, the overarching goal of maintaining service continuity has largely been achieved. Freight services, critical for industries on both sides of the Irish Sea, have continued with only minimal disruption, underscoring Holyhead’s resilience as a key factor in regional supply chain stability.
The incident at Holyhead Port is a stark reminder of the ongoing need for robust infrastructure and adaptive strategies in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather. Ports across the globe are investing in upgrades to withstand higher wind loads and storm surges, implementing advanced weather forecasting systems, and developing flexible berthing plans to maintain efficiency during partial closures. Regular drills and training for emergency response teams are now standard practice, ensuring swift and coordinated action in crisis scenarios.
Looking ahead, a detailed review of Terminal 5’s infrastructure will be undertaken, combining engineering assessments with operational feedback. This evaluation aims to identify any weaknesses exposed by the storm and to implement long-term improvements that enhance the terminal’s durability and operational safety. Investments in modernizing port facilities are ongoing, with a strong focus on sustainable and durable solutions capable of withstanding future climatic pressures.
Holyhead Port’s experience with the severe weather of 2025 will inform future development plans, ensuring the port remains a leading, resilient maritime gateway for decades to come. As the port continues to play a vital role in connecting nations and supporting regional economies, its swift adaptation in the face of adversity stands as a testament to the importance of preparedness, collaboration, and innovation in modern port management.
