Steel signing marks Immingham milestone

Maritime, Aviation and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather officially signed one of the marine piles alongside project partners and guests, celebrating the beginning of work on the new terminal at the Port of Immingham.

The joint investment by Associated British Ports (ABP) and Stena Line is scheduled to open in 2028.

Andrew Dawes, regional director of the Humber ports at ABP, described the occasion as ‘a major milestone’ for the development.

He said: “The new terminal will provide much-needed additional capacity to meet growing demand from businesses both in the UK and in northern Europe.

“IERRT will strengthen the Humber Estuary’s role in supporting an effective, efficient, competitive and resilient UK RoRo freight sector. It will also respond to the trend for larger and more sustainable Ro-Ro vessels, which require larger port infrastructure and additional landside space.”

Designed to increase freight capacity between the UK and Europe, the terminal will strengthen supply chain resilience while creating around 700 construction jobs and a further 200 permanent roles once operational.

Carl-Johan Hellner, chief operating officer of Stena Line Ports & Terminals, said the investment reflected confidence in the Humber’s future.

“We have seen sustained growth in customer demand across our freight network, and the development of this terminal is a direct response to that demand,” he said. “It will provide the capacity, efficiency and flexibility needed to support future growth while strengthening vital trade links between the UK and Europe.”

Main contractor Dragados is delivering the marine works package, including installation of the piled berth structure that will accommodate the next generation of larger RoRo vessels. The terminal is expected to be completed by May 2028, providing UK businesses with a more resilient and sustainable freight gateway.