Harbour Shipping at Cairnryan Port

Our Operations Office is open around-the-clock 24-hours a day and can help our clients move freight to/from any UK port. At Cairnryan for the Northern Ireland route to Larne:

• Our Customs Clearance Team provides customs entries (on CDS) and other services such as Goods Movement References (GMRs). 
• Our Ferry Bookings Team provides ferry tickets at great rates for our clients. Read more here: Irish Sea Routes

Introduction

The Port of Cairnryan, located in Dumfries and Galloway, is a vital freight and passenger hub connecting Scotland and Northern Ireland. It comprises two main ferry terminals: the Port of Cairnryan operated by P&O Ferries, and Loch Ryan Port operated by Stena Line. These terminals facilitate roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services across the North Channel. ¹

Freight Traffic Overview

Cairnryan has experienced significant growth in freight traffic over the past decade. Between 2009 and 2018, freight volumes increased by approximately 50%, reaching 5.4 million tonnes in 2018 . In 2021, the port handled 3.129 million tonnes of domestic freight, marking a notable rise from previous years. ²

The freight is predominantly transported via Ro-Ro vessels, with a substantial portion being unaccompanied trailers—trailers shipped without a driver or tractor unit. This mode of transport supports "just-in-time" delivery systems, crucial for sectors like retail and manufacturing. ³

Operators and Infrastructure

Stena Line and P&O Ferries are the primary operators at Cairnryan. In 2011, Stena Line relocated from Stranraer to a new facility at Loch Ryan Port, investing £250 million in the move and introducing larger Superfast vessels. This strategic decision led to record-breaking freight volumes, with the Belfast-Cairnryan route transporting 1.9 million freight units over a decade. ⁴

Strategic Importance and Challenges

Cairnryan serves as the sole surface trade route between Scotland and Northern Ireland, making it a critical link for the UK’s internal market. Its strategic importance was underscored in December 2024 when the closure of Holyhead Port in Wales, due to storm damage, resulted in a substantial increase in heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic through Cairnryan. This surge necessitated the activation of "Operation Overflow" to manage the increased traffic flow. ⁵

Despite its significance, the port faces challenges related to infrastructure. The A75 and A77 roads, which connect Cairnryan to the broader motorway network, are not fully dualled, leading to congestion and delays. Stena Line has advocated for government investment to upgrade these routes, emphasizing that improved road infrastructure is essential to support the port's operations and growth. 6

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Cairnryan is poised to maintain its role as a key freight gateway between Scotland and Northern Ireland. Both ferry operators have capacity to accommodate increased demand, contingent on economic conditions and infrastructure developments. Continued investment in port facilities and connecting transport networks will be crucial to support the port's growth and efficiency. ⁷

Sources

1. BBC+2Scottish Government+2BBC+2afloat.ie+3Solway Firth Partnership+3Scottish Government+3GOV.UK
2. Solway Firth PartnershipTransport Scotland+1GOV.UK+1
3. Solway Firth Partnership
4. Solway Firth PartnershipScottish Government+3northernirelandchamber.com+3afloat.ie+3afloat.ie+1northernirelandchamber.com+1
5. Solway Firth Partnership+1Scottish Government+1BBCBBC+1BBC+1
6. northernirelandchamber.com
7. Solway Firth Partnership