A Stena Line passenger ferry took on around 500 tonnes of water when it hit a buffer while docking at Holyhead port.

157 people, including 91 passengers, were on board the Stena Estrid when it struck a jetty at Terminal 3 on the morning of January 7th.

No one was injured, but according to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), the engine room was flooded through a puncture in the ferry's hull.

The port had to be closed for most of the day following the incident.

An MAIB report published last week stated: "The crew responded quickly by shoring up the hull below the waterline, pumping out the spaces and transferring ballast to create a port list and raise the damage to above the waterline."

"Once the situation on board was brought under control, Stena Estrid was able to continue berthing and disembark passengers and unload vehicles without significant delay."

The Stena Estrid was moved to another berth for temporary repairs before travelling to a dry dock in Liverpool under its own power. An assessment of the jetty found there was no significant damage and the terminal was reopened.

The MAIB mentioned several incidents had occurred at the port over the previous year - including its temporary closure in the wake of Storm Darragh in December 2024, along with incidents at Terminal 5 in both May and December 2025.

In July 2025, the Holyhead Port Authority had advised seafarers not to use the buffer - which the master of the Stena Estrid was aware of, but in this case, the ship closed on the jetty faster than expected, likely due to its position after turning off the jetty and the strong westerly winds blowing onto it.

The report noted there were some "conflicting communications" between the Stena Estrid and the tug and that the crew had no prior awareness about the potential damage, although the docking was within the limits of the port and the vessel.

The report said Stena Line Ltd  which runs the port, had since:

• Reviewed and reduced the operating parameters for all ferries operating in Holyhead Port.

• Requested that Holyhead Harbour Authority inspect and repair the damaged fendering on the Terminal 3 jetty.

• Issued a memo to all deck officers stressing the importance of reporting closing and clearing distances when on mooring stations.

Action had also been taken by Stena Line Ports Ltd, including:

• A full restructure of its UK harbour authorities, including the appointment of a new duty holder, designated person and regional harbour master.

• Removing protruding brackets from the turning fender.

• Improvements to bring Terminal 5 at Holyhead back into service and to improve the resilience of both terminals. This is scheduled to be completed by October.

• Planned works to include installing new anodes, replacing deficient and missing fenders, and renewing two of the mooring dolphins.

The MAIB concluded it considered the investigation to be closed in light of the actions taken and the plans to improve the port.