UK's Peel Ports Group is investing £10 million (US$13 million) in Heysham Port to further increase capacity and efficiencies at the site, which serves as a key trade link between the UK mainland, the Island of Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Peels Ports said it will make the investment to future-proof operations and resilience, as well as support customers in increasing volumes they can pass through the port.
The project will include the port’s trailer park being reconfigured, as well as a new multi lane smart gate operating system, and a new state-of-the-art terminal operating system for the facility.
The investment will benefit all operators at Heysham Port, with Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, CLDN and Stena Line all set to gain from improved efficiency, increased capacity and enhanced terminal operations.
The extra space created by reconfiguring the site’s trailer park will accommodate future growth, including Stena Line’s deployment of two newbuild ferries at the port, which will boost freight capacity by 40 per cent compared to previous vessels.
The introduction of a new gate operating system will lead to a better experience for hauliers by improving reliability, reducing congestion, as well as creating additional space at the facility.
The new terminal operating system will make it easier for arriving hauliers to identify trailers at the site, improving safety at the port in the process. The works are due to begin in the coming weeks.