Container and passenger port receives £10m boost

A £10m investment will "future-proof" a key port which links Lancashire, the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man, its operator has said.

Peel Ports Group, the UK's second largest port operator, claimed its "substantial investment" would boost Heysham's operations and resilience.

The work is also intended to create additional capacity at the Lancashire facility.

Peel said the work would begin in coming weeks.

The operator said the investment would benefit all operators at Heysham Port, "with Isle of Man Steam Packet, CLDN and Stena Line all set to gain from improved efficiency, increased capacity and enhanced terminal operations".

It said extra space created by reconfiguring the site's trailer park would accommodate future growth, including Stena Line's deployment of two new-build "NewMax" ferries at the port, which will boost freight capacity by 40% compared to previous vessels.

Peel said the new gate operating system would result in a "better experience for hauliers by improving reliability, reducing congestion, [and] creating additional space".

The new terminal operating system is designed to make it easier for arriving hauliers to identify trailers at the site.

The group's Mersey ports director Phil Hall said the investment was "hugely positive news for Heysham Port and the local community".

He added: "We believe this work will future-proof our operations here for decades to come."

Stena Line's regional trade director Paul Grant said: "With the first of our new hybrid ships due to begin on the route later this year, the improved efficiency and extra space at the terminal will help facilitate the additional traffic and ensure a reliable service for our customers."

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's managing director Brian Thomson added: "This investment is a significant step forward for the port, enhancing efficiency and capacity for all users."

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