A £200m project to develop a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham has reached a landmark moment, marked by a steel signing ceremony. Ferry operator Stena Line and port owner Associated British Ports (ABP) are jointly investing in the Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal (IERRT), which is expected to create 900 jobs and deliver a significant economic boost to the Humber region.
Construction and Employment Impact
Approximately 700 jobs will be generated during the construction phase, with a further 200 permanent positions once the roll-on, roll-off terminal opens in May 2028. Keir Mather, Minister for Maritime, Aviation and Decarbonisation, officially signed one of the marine piles alongside other guests, marking the start of marine works required for the infrastructure.
Mr Mather said: "This investment will support exactly the kind of ambitious infrastructure project we need to grow the economy, create hundreds of jobs, and strengthen the UK's maritime sector. We're working with industry to unlock private investment into UK maritime – including through the National Wealth Fund. I look forward to seeing this project deliver for communities across Yorkshire and the Humber ahead of its opening in 2028."
Strategic Importance for Trade
Directors described the IERRT project as a crucial element of ABP's strategy to bolster UK supply chains and enhance trade connectivity, while delivering substantial economic advantages regionally and nationally. Andrew Dawes, regional director of the Humber ports, said: "This is a major milestone in the development of the new terminal, which will provide much-needed additional capacity to meet growing demand from businesses both in the UK and in northern Europe."
Dawes added: "IERRT will strengthen the Humber Estuary's role in supporting an effective, efficient, competitive and resilient UK Ro-Ro 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."
Stena Line's Commitment
Carl-Johan Hellner, COO of Stena Line Ports and Terminals, said: "This new terminal represents a major investment in the future of freight transport through the Humber and demonstrates the confidence we have in the region's long-term economic potential." He noted sustained growth in customer demand across their freight network, adding: "The development of this terminal is a direct response to that demand. It will provide the capacity, efficiency and flexibility needed to support future growth while strengthening vital trade links between the UK and Europe."
Construction Partner
The milestone was celebrated alongside representatives from freight companies and the scheme's principal contractor, Dragados. Steve Holmes, managing director of Dragados UK and Ireland, said: "The commencement of the marine works marks a significant milestone for this strategically important project. Dragados is proud to be working alongside ABP and Stena Line to deliver a state-of-the-art freight terminal that will strengthen the UK's trade infrastructure for decades to come."
Holmes added: "Our team brings extensive experience in delivering complex maritime and civil engineering projects, and we are committed to constructing this facility safely, efficiently and sustainably, while creating opportunities for local businesses, apprentices and the wider community throughout the construction phase."
