Heysham Optimisation Programme
As part of a £10 million upgrade programme, the Port of Heysham is undergoing major improvements to boost capacity, efficiency and resilience. This investment includes a redesigned trailer park layout, upgraded terminal systems, and new multi-lane smart gate technology.
A key part of this investment is the introduction of a new Gate Operating System, which will go live in early 2026. This digital system will transform how vehicles enter and exit the port, creating a smoother, safer and more reliable process for everyone on site.
What's changing - gate operating system
The new system will replace manual gate processes with automated smart technology, improving how hauliers check in, load and depart. Drivers will benefit from shorter waiting times and clearer instructions at every stage of their visit.
Behind the scenes, the technology will give port teams and hauliers better visibility of vehicles and trailers, helping to reduce congestion and make day-to-day operations more predictable and efficient.
Use the training video below
We’ve created a short training video to guide hauliers through the new automatic gate operating system at Heysham Port. The system is designed to streamline entry, improve security, and reduce delays on arrival.
Using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), the gate identifies vehicles and matches them to pre-booked entries. Drivers can quickly confirm their booking details via an interactive kiosk, with manual entry options available if required. Clear on-screen instructions and multilingual support ensure the process is simple for all users.
The system also features automated barrier control, seal checks, and passport scanning for accompanied loads.
All booking information will need to be uploaded prior to attending the port for pick up and drop offs.
If anything goes wrong there will be a manual option to input the information and gate staff will be available to be contacted via intercom.
We recommend, you bring a copy of your license plate number, booking details and passport (if travelling).
How to use the gate system:
Moving forward you will be unable to enter the port without a booking, so please ensure you have the necessary information.
- Drive up to the gate kiosk.
- Follow the instructions on the screen.
- If the system has captured your license plate it will display on screen.
- You can tap the flag in the top right corner to change the language. - Read through the safety messages on screen and tap accept.
- The system will then locate your booking and provide a screen for you to confirm .
- A pop up will display what you have booked for, if you need to add an additional pick up or drop off, tap task. If not, click confirm.
- You are now checked in, the screen will then instruct you on where you need to go.
- The barrier will then open to let you enter the port. If the barrier does not open, you may need a seal check - gate staff will then perform the check and confirm entry.
** Specific steps are subject to change as the site and system develops.
If there are any issues, these can be solved by:
- Entering the details manually.
- Double-check the information you're entering.
- Follow the instructions on screen.
Most common issues:
- Camera doesn't register your license plate, you can enter this manually at the kiosk.
- System cannot link license plate to booking - The screen will display a screen asking you to create a task (pick up / drop off / both), you will then need to enter your reference / booking number and select confirm.
- System cannot find booking entered manually - Return to the home screen and contact staff via intercom.
- You're too early for pick up / drop off - The screen will display a 'not ready' message, you can then use the intercom to get in touch with staff for assistance
(you cannot arrive more than 24 hours early for you booking).
Accompanied loads - You will need to scan your passport at the gate kiosk, please follow the instructions on screen and place your passport into the scanner slot, once you have done this for the first passenger, you will be able to select 'add passenger' if needed.
Staff will be on hand to help with any issues regarding the pick-up and drop-off procedure, however they will be unable to help if there are any problems with the booking itself.
If the issue is with the booking itself, you will need to get in touch with the shipping line directly.
Getting ready for go live
To make sure the transition runs smoothly, all hauliers using the Port of Heysham will need to register and complete short training before the system goes live.
Training materials will be made available shortly and will include easy-to-follow guides for drivers and transport office staff, alongside support sessions and Q&A opportunities. Links to these resources will be added to this page once they are live.