The Swedish ferry operator has completed an expansion that adds 200 new freight parking spaces, boosting the port’s capacity for unaccompanied trailers by nearly 30%. The company says the move will ease congestion and improve traffic flow at the site, which has seen a sharp rise in volumes since the launch of a Liverpool–Dublin freight-only route in February 2024.
Last year, more than 315,000 freight units passed through the terminal—an increase of 20% year-on-year—marking a record for Stena Line in Birkenhead.
The next stage of the development will reconfigure the terminal’s entrance and car parking areas to improve health and safety and streamline vehicle movements.
Stena Line currently operates two main routes from 12 Quays: Liverpool–Dublin (freight only) and Liverpool–Belfast (freight and passenger). Daily freight-only round trips to Belfast and Dublin are also run by the vessels Stena Forwarder and Bore Song, respectively.
Andrew Kane, Regional Port Operations Manager at Stena Line, said the expansion aims to meet growing demand:
“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. With the potential for further growth, we are futureproofing the port with 200 additional freight parking spaces.”
Peel Ports Group, which operates the terminal, is working in partnership with Stena Line on the long-term development of the site and its routes to Ireland
