Logistics UK joins Welsh taskforce on Holyhead disruption

Monday 31 March 2025

Business group Logistics UK was this week invited by the Welsh government to join its taskforce examining the disruption at Holyhead caused by storm damage to the port infrastructure, and identifying ways to minimise similar issues in the future. And as Josh Fenton, Policy Manager and policy lead for Wales explains, it is essential that lessons are learned to maintain the integrity of the supply chain routes between Wales and Ireland:

“The closure of Holyhead at the start of this year caused significant friction for the movement of goods between GB and the island of Ireland, at a time when the smooth movement of freight was essential. Our industry is flexible and adaptable, and at the time, identified alternative ways to deliver for customers on both sides of the Irish Sea, but the delays experienced then and subsequently have placed the supply chain under pressure that needs to be avoided moving forwards.

“Logistics UK is honoured to be invited to be part of the new task force, and on behalf of our members in GB and NI, looks forward to identifying ways to strengthen the port facilities at Holyhead and other key locations, as well as building resilience into the critical connections that serve businesses and consumers on both sides of the Irish Sea.”

Speaking about the formation of the group, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “Strong, reliable transport connections across the Irish Sea are vital for our economic prosperity. This group will proactively build on the successful collaboration we saw following the recent enforced ferry berth closures and help ensure our ports can adapt to changing conditions, continuing to support businesses and jobs in coastal communities and beyond.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk