This closure affects both freight and passenger services, disrupting ferry routes between Dublin and Holyhead with subsequent cancellations, impacting thousands of travelers and businesses during the busy Christmas travel period.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced they are closely monitoring the situation, with interim measures and contingency route plans to be implemented to mitigate potential disruptions in collaboration with Holyhead Port authorities. HMRC has confirmed that the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) systems should continue to operate without issue.

Concerns have been raised among hauliers about potential shortages as Holyhead is a key gateway for goods shipped between Britain and Ireland. Ferry operators are coordinating with nearby ports to offer alternative routes, while hauliers and logistics firms face challenges in ensuring a steady supply of goods to Ireland. The Irish Road Haulage Association has called for urgent government intervention to charter additional boats to alleviate the impact.

Updates on the progress of repair efforts and further announcements from port authorities are expected in the coming weeks. Travellers and businesses are advised to seek alternative routes and encouraged to monitor official channels for the latest information. Port authorities are working to manage the situation with additional sailings from other ports and exploring further contingency measures to minimise disruption.

As the situation will develop over the coming weeks, Woodland Group will continue to monitor the developments and will work to provide solutions to customers as the situation evolves.

For questions on your supply chain planning, please contact your local Woodland representative or contact us here.