Storm Darragh brings disruption to Irish Sea ferry crossings
This article was published recently in Focus UK magazine on the basis of a joint discussion between CILT Cymru Wales and CILT Ireland regarding the importance of Irish sea ferry routes.
The Irish Sea has long been a critical corridor for commerce, travel, and cultural exchange between the UK and Ireland, reflecting a longstanding history of economic and cultural ties. Its waters have enabled the efficient movement of goods, ideas, and people, establishing a robust network that underpins the region’s economic and social structure. However, recent events have exposed vulnerabilities in this essential link. Extreme weather conditions and unforeseen maritime challenges have disrupted established operations, significantly impacting the logistical networks that support the area. This situation underscores the urgent need for a strategic reassessment and enhanced resilience measures to ensure the continuity and reliability of this vital channel. In this joint article by CILT Ireland and CILT Cymru Wales, the stark realities of these disruptions are laid bare, emphasising the urgent need for innovative, resilient approaches to safeguard the future of cross-channel operations. The article highlights how the Irish Sea, once a steady passage for the free flow of commerce and culture, now faces unprecedented challenges that threaten its historical role. Extreme weather events, such as the Storm Darragh, serve as a powerful reminder that even the most established routes are susceptible to the unpredictable forces of nature.
The arrival of Storm Darragh on December 6th and 7th 2024 significantly disrupted Holyhead Port, underscoring the vulnerability of critical maritime infrastructure to extreme weather events. Due to a berthing incident, one of the support structures (dolphins) collapsed, along with a walkway connected to it. Both berths at Holyhead were affected, and the incident led to the closure of the port until all remaining structures could be inspected and debris recovered. With berthing rendered unsafe, vessels were delayed or diverted, triggering a cascade of logistical challenges. Lorries queued for hours, drivers faced extended delays, and the previous seamless flow of goods across the Irish Sea was brought to a halt. Passengers heading between the UK and Ireland for Christmas also had their travel plans disrupted.
In response, ferry operators used the vessels on alternative routes, with additional capacity between Holyhead and Liverpool and new temporary routes from Dublin to the South Wales ports. Additional capacity was also brought in for a Heysham to Dublin service. For Irish hauliers, the storm’s repercussions were particularly pronounced. Delays in transit led to escalating costs as companies absorbed additional expenses for fuel, driver wages, and, in some cases, alternative transport arrangements. Many firms reliant on Holyhead for time-sensitive deliveries found their operations severely disrupted, with consequences reverberating across supply chains.
On January 16th 2025, one berth reopened and this has allowed restoration of a full service, albeit with a coordinated timetable given the limited capacity at Holyhead. Engineering teams continue to work on the second to restore operations and reduce the risk of further delays – estimates are that this work will be completed in March.
The incident highlighted the critical role Holyhead Port plays in facilitating trade and travel between Britain and Ireland and underscored the broader risks posed by disruptions at such key logistical hubs. The challenges experienced by Irish hauliers during recent disruptions have underscored the urgent need for more resilient systems and collaborative planning. Key recommendations include creating contingency frameworks to address sudden infrastructure failures, exploring financial relief options for impacted stakeholders, and investigating alternative ports to ensure operational continuity during crises.
At the same time, Holyhead Port has an opportunity to redefine its role in the region’s economy. The coordinated timetable provides scope for developing passenger services as ferries depart at regular 3 hour intervals, while the recently awarded freeport status for the Ynys Mon region around the port will its contribution to the regional economy. In an era of shifting trade patterns and increasing climate risks, Holyhead’s ability to adapt and innovate will be key to ensuring its status as a vital maritime gateway.
In response to the disruption, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS, announced a taskforce led by the Welsh Government to look at this in more detail. This group will draw on expertise from both sides of the Irish Sea, and consider not only how to make the port more resilient but how to enhance the regional economy locally and across North Wales. CILT Cymru Wales and CILT Ireland welcome the establishment of this group, and look forward to opportunities to engage with its work. By looking beyond restoring normal operations, Holyhead can instead transform into a more robust, adaptable, and sustainable hub, while bringing resilience to Anglo-Irish traffic flows.
Andrew Potter and Michael Whittaker, CILT Cymru Wales Policy Group
Eoin Plant O’Toole, Tom Ferris and Chiagoziem Ozoani, CILT Ireland Policy Group