Operator of Holyhead, Stena Line Ports Submits Plan to Save Crumbling Breakwater

24th August 2021

Jehan Ashmore

Port of Holyhead on Anglesey, north Wales where above is how the breakwater would look after the repair work was completed. The pier is the longest breakwater in Europe, with the Grade II listed structure measuring 1.7 miles long. Stena Line has previously warned that a failure could eventually result in the closure of the port and the loss of the international link between Ireland and Wales. Credit: NorthWalesLive-twitter

At the Port of Holyhead, operated by Stena Line Ports which has revealed plans for major repair works to Europe’s longest breakwater, which includes changing its appearance to ensure it continues to protect the north Wales town.

The ferry port and town of Holyhead on Anglesey are shielded from the elements by the 1.7 mile 19th century Grade II listed structure, with the rubble used to form its foundations coming from the northern side of Mynydd Twr (Holyhead Mountain).

But according to developers, the current maintenance regime is "unsustainable" and "no longer matches the rate of erosion to its foundations," warning that only such a scheme would provide a long term solution and prevent the risk of breaches over the next 15 years.

As a result, Stena Line Ports Ltd has now submitted a Listed Building Consent application to carry out the work to secure the breakwater for the foreseeable future.

NorthWalesLive has more on the plans to repair the breakwater which was completed in 1873.

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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