Stena Line has insisted safety is its “highest priority” after a worker raised concerns over the conditions of walkways at Holyhead port. Ferry services remain suspended at the port since early December after damage caused during Storm Darragh.
Two hard berthings by an Irish Ferries vessel saw a ‘dolphin’ platform and walkway at Terminal 3 collapse into the sea. It also saw the adjacent Terminal 5 closed until at least January 16 as safety checks are carried out.
This has raised questions over the infrastructure at Holyhead port and this week Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates announced a new multi stakeholder task force to help deliver a new strategy for the future of Holyhead Port.
Meanwhile North Wales Live has been contacted by a worker who voiced concerns over the condition of some of the walkways and dolphins at the port. They shared images of rusted walkways.
Stena – who own the port – said a detailed assessment was undertaken of the walkways earlier this year. They said two had already been replaced prior to the December incident and all the remaining walkways would be replaced by summer 2026. They insisted that the existing ones “meet and exceed safety requirements”.
The worker said: “The pictures are of walkways that connect the dolphins, and are used by us in the teams, multiple times through our shifts. It’s one of these that fell into the sea, along with the platform.”
He said that staff had raised concerns over the condition of the walkways at the port but these “have fallen on deaf ears in the past”. He believes the walkways should be condemned.
Workers shared a picture of a walkway at Holyhead port
He added: “They have replaced two walkways in the last couple of months. But, there are at least another eight that need replacing. But the company like to remind you, that the walkways cost £200,000 each, like they’re doing us a favour.”
A spokesperson for Stena Line said: “The safety of our personnel and all port users is always our highest priority. Earlier this year, we carried out a detailed assessment of the walkways, which are subject to wear and tear from the sea and weather they are exposed to, and we are currently completing pre-planned works to replace them.
A new walkway at Holyhead port
“Two of these walkways were fully replaced in October this year. The remaining walkways, which currently meet and exceed safety requirements, have been scheduled for replacement, with the project due to be completed by summer 2026. This ongoing work is unrelated to the current ferry berth closure.”