Work is set to begin on one of the most significant port developments the Humber has seen in recent years, as a new multi-million-pound freight ferry terminal takes shape at the Port of Immingham.
Backed by a joint investment exceeding £200 million between leading ferry company, Stena Line, and the UK’s largest port operator, Associated British Ports (ABP), the project represents a major expansion of roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) capacity at a port that already plays a pivotal role in the UK’s trade with mainland Europe. Immingham has long been a cornerstone of British logistics, but this latest development underlines something more important: the port is not just maintaining its position – it is strengthening it.
Why This Development Matters
For the Humber region, the investment is a clear signal of long-term confidence. At a time when supply chains are under pressure and resilience is a growing priority, Immingham is emerging as an increasingly central hub for how goods move in and out of the country.
The new Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal has been designed specifically to meet rising demand in the unaccompanied freight market – a sector that has grown steadily as operators look for more efficient, flexible ways to move goods between the UK and continental Europe.
By expanding RoRo capacity, the terminal will allow freight operators to handle higher volumes with greater reliability. Direct access to the main Humber Estuary will enable quicker sailing times and support the use of larger vessels, helping to reduce congestion and improve turnaround efficiency.
These capabilities are becoming increasingly important. As supply chains adapt to higher volumes, tighter delivery windows and ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, ports that can offer speed, scale and resilience are the ones that will attract long-term traffic and investment.
This is not a speculative build. The Humber is already the UK’s largest gateway for trade by volume, and Immingham sits firmly at the heart of that ecosystem. The decision to invest at this scale reflects deep confidence in the region’s infrastructure, workforce and strategic location – as well as its ability to support the next phase of UK and European trade.
Working Together: Stena Line and Associated British Ports
Speaking to journalists, Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line said: “Stena Line has 20 routes across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean and Immingham port is a key part of that network. This project highlights our ongoing commitment to the North East of England but will also be integral to the expansion of freight operations on our routes between the UK and Continental Europe to meet demand.”
Meanwhile, Henrik Pedersen, CEO of Associated British Ports, said: ”Associated British Ports is committed to fulfilling our mission to Keep Britain Trading as the UK’s largest and leading port operator. The Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal is the latest demonstration of this commitment. I’m delighted that we continue to deepen our long-term partnership with Stena Line and strengthening choice and supply chain resilience for UK businesses trading with Europe.”
A Long-Term Boost for the Humber Economy
Beyond the immediate construction activity, the new terminal represents sustained economic impact for the Humber and surrounding areas.
In the short term, the build phase will require hundreds of construction roles, supporting contractors, specialists and suppliers across the region. Once operational, the terminal will create a significant number of permanent jobs, spanning port operations, logistics, engineering and management.
More broadly, the expanded capacity strengthens the Humber’s role as a high-performance trade corridor. Exporters, importers and logistics operators across the UK benefit from improved access to European markets, while the region itself gains from increased throughput, investment and economic activity.
For local towns and cities, developments of this scale create a ripple effect. Infrastructure projects bring people into the region – engineers, consultants, project managers and specialist teams – driving demand for accommodation, transport, services and local businesses as projects move from construction into long-term operation.
What It Means for Grimsby and Cleethorpes
While Immingham itself is a highly industrial environment, much of the workforce supporting port development, logistics operations and supplier activity is based elsewhere along the coast.
That’s where Grimsby and Cleethorpes come into their own.
Both locations are well connected to the port, sit close to key road networks and offer a more liveable setting for professionals working in the area. As a result, they are popular bases for contractors, engineers, consultants and port-related specialists on short- to medium-term assignments.
At Coppergate Serviced Accommodation, our properties in Grimsby and Cleethorpes are designed specifically for this type of stay. With fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living spaces and the flexibility to suit extended visits, they provide a practical alternative to hotels – particularly for guests who need somewhere that feels like home while working on major infrastructure projects in the Humber.
Easy access to Immingham makes our apartments an ideal base for those involved in port development, logistics and supply-chain operations across the region.
A Region Built on Trade - and Still Growing
The Immingham terminal development is another reminder that the Humber remains one of the UK’s most important trading regions. Continued investment in ports, energy and logistics is reinforcing its position as a vital engine of national and regional growth.
As Immingham grows, the Humber grows with it – bringing new opportunities, new projects and new demand for flexible, high-quality accommodation.
If you’re involved in port development, logistics, engineering or supply-chain operations in the Humber, Coppergate’s serviced apartments in Grimsby and Cleethorpes offer a comfortable, well-located place to stay while you work in the region. We’re here to support the people powering the Humber’s next chapter. To learn more or to book your next stay with Coppergate, contact our reservation team here.
