- Stena Line and ABP are making a £200+ million investment in a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham.
- The terminal is part of a 50-year agreement between the two companies.
- The new RoRo terminal will expand operations for Stena Line.
Swedish ferry operator Stena Line and the UK’s largest port operator, Associated British Ports (ABP), are proceeding with a £200+ million joint investment in a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham. The UK Government’s Development Consent Order (DCO) approval enables construction to begin, reports News Cision.
DCO Approval Marks Key Project Milestone
Following the DCO approval, the project was featured at the UK Government’s International Investment Summit. It marks a major step forward for the development of the new RoRo ferry terminal.
In 2022, Stena Line and ABP signed a 50-year agreement, with Stena Line set to operate the terminal. This long-term commitment aims to boost the unaccompanied freight market in the North-East of England, which has seen steady growth.
Stena Line’s Strategic Focus on Immingham
Stena Line, one of the largest ferry operators globally, runs 20 routes and operates 40 vessels in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Immingham, located in Lincolnshire, has become a strategic hub for the company. It has only two daily services from the Humber region to The Netherlands.
“This is a long-term commitment for us and will be integral to expanding our freight operations on our routes between the UK and Continental Europe to serve demand. Coupled with Stena’s recent acquisition of NTEX, we’re looking forward to this development expanding our business and strengthening our position in the North-East England market.”
Strategic Importance of the Port
“We are very pleased that the Secretary of State has approved the new RoRo terminal at the Port of Immingham,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line. He highlighted the strategic importance of the port. Also the company’s commitment to expanding freight operations between the UK and Continental Europe.
Henrik Pedersen, CEO of ABP, emphasized the significance of the DCO approval, stating, “This approval marks a significant milestone in our mission to Keep Britain Trading.”
He reiterated ABP’s commitment to enhancing logistics infrastructure. It improves trade capacity and supports the North Sea’s unaccompanied freight market.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
The IERRT project will create significant economic benefits. It includes around 700 jobs during construction and 200 permanent positions once fully operational. It will also strengthen the UK’s supply chains and improve trade connectivity across the North Sea.
Simon Bird, Regional Director of Humber ports, stressed the regional benefits, noting that “IERRT significantly increases the Port of Immingham’s capability” to handle unaccompanied freight. The project will support jobs in businesses using IERRT and generate new employment in the Humber Estuary.
“As well as supporting and growing jobs in the businesses using IERRT, the project itself is the source of additional employment. It will create c700 jobs during the construction phase and then c200 permanent jobs once fully operational.”
Long-Term Partnership with ABP
Carl Johan Hellner, COO of Ports and Terminals at Stena Line, remarked on the strength of the partnership with ABP.
“This announcement is a testament to the success of Stena Line’s partnership with ABP. We look forward to building on the collaboration further to secure long-term value for our customers and support the future of UK trade growth.”
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Source: News Cision
