Ferry operator Stena Line has carried out a large-scale multi-agency emergency response exercise at its 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead, on Merseyside, serving Dublin and Belfast.
The exercise brought together maritime, emergency service, and port partners to test and strengthen fire response procedures in a realistic operational environment.
It was part of the company's ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety for employees, customers, contractors, and partners.
The exercise was designed to simulate a fire onboard a vessel while at sea, with the scenario progressing to an emergency response operation after the vessel berthed at the port. It closely mirrors a real-life incident as the exercise tested communication protocols, decision-making, coordination between agencies, and the deployment of emergency resources both onboard and ashore.
The drill involved teams from Stena Line, HM Coastguard, Merseyside Police, and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.
Michael Proctor, Fleet Manager, Stena Line, said, "Safety is our number one priority, and exercises such as this are vital in ensuring we are fully prepared to respond should an incident ever occur. The success of this exercise demonstrates the professionalism and close collaboration that exists between Stena Line and our emergency service partners, and the valuable learning gained will help further strengthen safety for our colleagues, customers, and everyone who works across our port and vessel operations."
Michael Buratti, Area Commander, HM Coastguard, said, "Exercises of this scale give all agencies a valuable opportunity to test our plans, communications, and joint decision-making in a realistic environment. Maritime incidents can require a complex, coordinated response both at sea and ashore, so working alongside Stena Line and our emergency service partners helps ensure we are collectively prepared to respond effectively."
A key objective of the exercise was to encourage collaboration and shared learning across the wider maritime industry. Observer organisations included Peel Ports (see story), Liverpool University, ferry operators, and representatives from the wider emergency response and shipping sectors.
This work forms part of a wider Stena Line programme of preparedness activities aimed at ensuring crews, port personnel, and emergency services remain ready to respond effectively to any incident. By bringing together multiple agencies in a realistic operational setting, it provided a valuable opportunity to test plans, strengthen partnerships, and enhance collective emergency response capabilities.
