Cairnryan to see surge in ferry traffic due to port closure
Major disruption is expected at the Dumfriesshire port.
Last updated 15 hours ago
Cairnryan Port will see ferry sailings have 'limited spaces' well into the New Year due to a port closure of a Welsh ferry port.
Ferry operator Stena Line announced on social media that the ferry berths at Holyhead Port will remain closed until 15th January at the earliest.
The closure is due to damage the port sustained during Storm Darragh.
All ferry services between Holyhead and Dublin are cancelled until this time.
In the announcement, they said: "We are currently in the process of contacting all affected passengers.
"We understand the disruption this causes and are working hard to offer alternative travel options.
"For passengers who were booked to travel on Holyhead – Dublin from 20th December onwards, you can transfer your booking free of charge and with no fare difference payable to alternative routes."
They have warned that limited space is available on the Fishguard to Rosslare and Cairnryan to Belfast routes.
And that limited space is available on their Birkenhead to Dublin (vehicles only) and Fishguard to Dublin routes.
But they have warned that the Birkenhead to Belfast route is fully booked at this time.
Concerns have been raised over lorry driver's ability to make deliveries on time as they're having to be redirected to other ports.
Martin Reid, Road Haulage Association Policy Director, said: “Last weekend, we requested a temporary relaxation of driver’s hours, which was granted by the Government.
"This helped alleviate some of the pressure, but issues remain.
"This is the busiest time of the year for our sector. With increased volumes of Christmas passenger traffic, too, we're actively working on behalf of the industry to navigate the current situation and limit the disruption."
Stena Line are urging customers to check their website before they travel or make arrangements and get in touch with any urgent queries.
They said: "Please note, we are experiencing extremely high call volumes and longer wait times than usual. Our team is working hard to assist everyone as quickly as possible.
"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding."