Warrenpoint Harbour Authority has finalised a 55-year operating agreement with Belgium-based short sea shipping and multimodal logistics operator CLdN to maintain a high-frequency roll-on roll-off freight service between Warrenpoint and Heysham, according to reporting in the Lancaster Guardian.

The agreement, which took effect on 1 January 2026, enables CLdN to handle approximately 125,000 freight units and trade cars annually through Northern Ireland's third-largest port. The service supports movement of manufactured goods including machinery from the Mid Ulster quarrying sector, aerospace components such as Spirit AeroSystems tail fin assemblies, food products and other non-perishable items.

Chief Executive David Holmes stated that the long-term partnership reflects the critical role Warrenpoint plays as a gateway for trade between Ireland, Great Britain and global markets. The service functions as a catalyst for local, regional and shared island commerce, strengthening connectivity and driving economic growth whilst supporting marine resilience outside Dublin and Belfast.

CLdN Chief Executive Florent Maes noted that the renewed agreement provides long-term visibility to develop the Warrenpoint-Heysham route further and additional flexibility to expand operating footprint and services at the port.

CLdN traffic accounts for a significant portion of Warrenpoint Harbour's annual tonnage, highlighting the partnership's strength and the strategic importance of the route. The agreement provides long-term certainty for the port, customers and the wider logistics ecosystem whilst creating opportunity to reinvest dividends supporting port development under its Trust Port status.

CLdN strengthened its Irish Sea capabilities in 2022 through acquiring Seatruck Ferries Ltd and currently employs approximately 50 staff at Warrenpoint Port. The operator positions the Warrenpoint-Heysham service as essential for trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

View complete details of the Warrenpoint Harbour and CLdN long-term freight agreement in the full report.