Holyhead’s Giant Breakwater that Protects Anglesey Port Town Set for £150m Investment

11th March 2025

Jehan Ashmore

Stena Line which operates the Port of Holyhead, has launched the tender process to improve the breakwater in North Wales which is the UK’s second’s busiest ferryport. It is a critical link between Britain and Ireland and the EU, and is also a key employer on Anglesey, supporting around 700 local jobs. Credit: Jehan Ashmore

The operator of the Port of Holyhead, Stena Line Ports, has launched the tender process for contractors seeking to bid for the £150m-plus contract to secure the future of the ferryports’ breakwater.

This will be a significant investment for the UK’s second busiest ferryport, with improvements to the breakwater as part of a strategic plan to secure the sustainable future of the North Wales port.

In addition, repairs at the Anglesey port will be supported by a £40m funding package made up of a £20m Welsh Government loan and, as announced in October 2023, a £20m grant from the UK Government.

The 1.7 mile breakwater is the longest in the UK and provides essential protection to the Port of Holyhead, sheltering the infrastructure and allowing ships to berth safely. In addition, the 19th-century Grade II listed breakwater provides shelter for the town seafront in the outer harbour.

Since its construction, which was completed in 1873, it has gradually been eroded by the Irish Sea. The stability of the breakwater, which is close to Holyhead Mountain, is now under threat, with an increasing probability of a breach in the structure occurring during storm conditions.

More NorthWalesLive reports on the development.

Published in Stena Line

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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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