Stena Line and Associated British Ports have confirmed that construction will begin on a new freight terminal at the Port of Immingham.
The Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal investment, valued at more than £200 million, has been formally announced as a joint project aimed at expanding freight capacity on the Humber. Both organisations stated that the development responds to continued growth in the unaccompanied freight market and will strengthen Immingham’s position within the UK’s busiest trading region.
The terminal, known as the Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal (IERRT), will be located with direct access to the main Humber Estuary. According to the announcement, the design allows for quicker sailing times and the use of larger vessels. Stena Line currently operates two daily services from the Humber to The Netherlands, and the new facility is intended to support increased demand on those routes.
Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson said: “Stena Line has 20 routes across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean and Immingham port is a key part of that network.” He added that the development forms part of the company’s wider strategy to expand freight operations between the UK and Continental Europe. As part of the announcement, Stena Line confirmed that a long term agreement has been signed with ABP, securing its operations at the new terminal well into the next century.
ABP Chief Executive Henrik Pedersen described the investment as part of the port operator’s broader remit. He said: ”Associated British Ports is committed to fulfilling our mission to Keep Britian Trading as the UK’s largest and leading port operator.” The company stated that the new terminal would strengthen supply chain resilience and expand options for customers moving goods between the UK and Europe.
The project has received government support. Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, said: “This £200 million investment into Immingham is a big win for Lincolnshire and the North. It means more jobs, more trade, and more growth.” He described the terminal as consistent with national efforts to increase investment and support economic development.
Stena Line confirmed that the new project follows more than £170 million already invested in its Immingham operations over the past five years. Carl Johan Hellner said the company will continue to focus on expanding capacity and improving service quality as construction progresses. ABP’s Regional Director for the Humber, Andy Dawes, noted that the move into the construction phase reflects extensive preparatory work between the organisations. He stated that the terminal will provide additional options for customers to bring cargo closer to end markets.
The announcement highlighted the expected employment benefits. Around 700 construction jobs will be required in the near term, with approximately 200 long term roles created once the terminal becomes operational. Both organisations stated that the development would contribute to the wider economic activity of the Humber region and surrounding communities.
ABP’s Humber ports handle more than 58 million tonnes of cargo each year and support nearly 35,000 jobs. The organisation’s investment programme includes infrastructure upgrades, modern handling equipment, renewable energy projects and development land across its port locations. Nationally, ABP operates 21 ports, manages around 90 million tonnes of cargo annually and has recorded a 38 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2014 and 2021.
According to the announcement, the Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal investment represents a coordinated long term commitment to enhancing UK freight capacity and maintaining the Humber’s status as the country’s primary gateway for trade.
