Stena Line is investing GB£17 million in its 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead. Stena intends to expand freight capacity and improve operational flow. The ferry operator says it’s reinforcing the port’s strategic role in UK and Irish Sea operations. The investment will support increased unaccompanied trailer traffic and prepare the terminal for further freight growth.
On the west bank of the River Mersey, opposite Liverpool, 12 Quays Birkenhead has become a vital link in Stena Line’s network. The terminal has seen a surge in volumes since the launch of a new Liverpool–Dublin freight service earlier this year, joining the well-established route to Belfast.
Freight volumes drive terminal upgrade
In 2023, Stena Line handled more than 315,000 freight units (rigid trucks and trailers) through Birkenhead, a 20% year-on-year increase. To address capacity constraints and operational pressures, an initial phase of the terminal upgrade has delivered 200 new freight parking spaces. That has boosted capacity for unaccompanied trailers by almost 30%.
“The significant growth of our services through 12 Quays in Birkenhead has created operational challenges with an increase in unaccompanied freight and traffic build up,” said Andrew Kane, Regional Port Operations Manager, Stena Line. “With the potential for further growth, we are futureproofing the port with 200 additional freight parking spaces to ensure that we can facilitate our customers’ needs and we are sure this expansion will be welcomed by the market.”
Traffic flow and safety targeted
The next stage of development will see a reconfiguration of the terminal’s entrance and “front of house” areas to improve safety and vehicle flow. This is expected to ease congestion during peak times and support a better experience for freight and passenger customers.
“The reconfiguration of the lanes and car parking at the entrance to the port will also improve traffic flow, operational efficiency and health and safety for our customers and staff,” Kane added. “We’re delighted to open our new freight parking facilities and we expect the remainder of the project to be completed by early next year.”
Vessel investments support growing demand
Stena Line operates two main routes from Birkenhead. The Liverpool (Birkenhead)–Dublin freight-only service complements a Birkenhead–Belfast route, which carries both freight and passengers. Two E-Flexer vessels have been deployed. The design was developed by Stena RoRo, to combine high freight and passenger capacity with energy efficiency. “Stena Edda” and “Stena Embla” entered service in 2021 and 2022, respectively, on the Belfast route, helping double travel volumes.
Additional daily freight-only sailings are also operated by the specialist vessel “Stena Forwarder” to Belfast and by Bore Ltd, a Finnish shipping company that specialises in transporting unaccompanied cargo, mostly trailers, on their vessel “Bore Song” to Dublin.
Long-term commitment to Birkenhead
Two years ago, Stena Line signed a long-term deal with Peel Ports (the parent of Mersey Docks and Harbour Company) to continue operating the 12 Quays Terminal until the next century. The facility, which first opened in 2002 at a cost of £25 million, features a floating landing stage capable of accommodating two ro-ro vessels simultaneously and sits on the former site of Wallasey Dock.
“Ongoing enhancements at the 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead are improving facilities to support continued growth, ensuring that both passenger and freight customers enjoy the highest level of service,” said Phil Hall, Port Director Mersey at Peel Ports Group. “The strong partnership between Peel Ports Group and Stena Line reflects a shared commitment to sustainably developing the Liverpool to Dublin and Belfast routes for the future.”
Stena Line freight and passenger is one of Europe’s largest ferry operators, with a fleet of 40 vessels and around 25,700 annual sailings across 20 routes in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. The Birkenhead terminal continues to play a critical role in its Irish Sea operations, offering vital trade links between Britain and Ireland.