Port bosses in Holyhead on the EU exit.
HOLYHEAD has always been on the Brexit frontline – the direct link between North Wales and what would be the new EU border.
It has attracted hyperbole statement from politicians – from those who warn of port and A55 chaos to Brexiteers who insist “nothing to see here”.
To get to the truth of the matter and away from the increasingly entrenched positions of Remain and Leave, our sister paper’s Business Post visited the port.
There they were given a tour of the UK’s second busiest ro-ro (roll-on-rolloff) port by services director Alan Williams before a sit down chat with Stena Line South Irish Sea route director Ian Davies.
Stena is both the port authority at Holyhead as well as operating – alongside Irish Ferries – on the route to Dublin.
While not complacent, Mr Davies exudes the confidence of a man who knows that ahead of D-day (whenever that may be) the port has done everything it can to ensure it’s ready.
This doesn’t mean he believes everything will be smooth sailing – with many elements outside of the port’s control – but he is sure the worst case scenario warnings are off the mark. He is also adamant the UK is now far better prepared than March 31, the original Brexit date, when he says some of the worst fears could have become a reality as he said Government agencies and hauliers were not ready. So what will change after Brexit? When it comes to moving people it is basically as we were according to Mr Davies with the Common Travel Area remaining – ensuring the free movement of people between the UK and Ireland after Brexit – even in the event of no-deal. The main issue is freight and Brexit will bring changes and the potential for delays although there is growing confidence that significant problems will be avoided. The biggest change for the port will be paperwork.
Currently freight trade – a sector that has grown for a decade – only needs to show a booking pass for a sailing and unless targeted for a further check can move past the port gates ahead of boarding.
Post Brexit, hauliers will have had to have completed customs paperwork before being allowed into the port. This will be checked through by clerks on the gates. A figure of 90 seconds for a straightforward passage has been quoted –although both Mr Davies and Mr Williams believe it will be quicker.
With 200 lorries to board per sailing that is not insignificant but should not bring “chaos”.
The problem arises for those who haven’t completed the work but port bosses are adamant this will not be their problem.
A new facility at the Road King lorry stop, close to Holyhead port, has been established from which Border Force officials can assist with customs paperwork.