Stowage Operations
Safe and efficient
loading for RoPax
ferry operations
At the Felison Ferry Terminal in IJmuiden, stowage planning plays a central role in the safe and efficient operation of the daily RoPax service between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Every departure requires careful coordination between the vessel crew, terminal operators and logistics partners. Vehicles, trailers and other cargo units must be positioned on board according to a detailed loading plan that ensures the stability of the vessel and allows efficient unloading at the destination port.
Felison supports this process by organising the landside preparation of cargo units and coordinating the loading sequence with the ship’s officers.
The result is a predictable and reliable loading operation that supports the daily schedule of the ferry service.
Coordinated Loading Operations
Freight units arriving at the terminal are staged and prepared for loading according to the stowage plan provided by the vessel. Terminal teams organise the marshalling of vehicles and trailers so that they can be loaded in the correct sequence.
During the loading process, close communication is maintained between the terminal and the ship’s crew. This coordination ensures that cargo units are placed in the correct positions on board while maintaining the overall balance and safety of the vessel.
Once loading is completed, the stowage plan also supports an efficient unloading process in the port of destination.
Cargo Types Handled
The RoPax ferry connection between IJmuiden and Newcastle carries a wide variety of cargo units. The stowage process must therefore accommodate different vehicle types and loading requirements.
Cargo handled at the terminal includes freight trucks with drivers, unaccompanied trailers, passenger vehicles and a range of specialised transport units such as campers, caravans, agricultural machinery and construction equipment destined for export.
Each of these units must be positioned in accordance with the vessel’s loading plan and the operational requirements of the voyage.
Unaccompanied Trailer Handling
In addition to trucks arriving with drivers, the terminal also handles unaccompanied trailers. These trailers are delivered to the terminal by road transport operators and placed on board by trained terminal personnel using specialised terminal tractors.
This service allows logistics operators to move freight across the North Sea without requiring drivers to travel on the vessel, increasing operational flexibility and improving transport efficiency.
Felison coordinates the staging, handling and loading of these trailers as part of the overall stowage process.
Safety and Compliance
Stowage operations at the Felison Ferry Terminal are carried out in accordance with international maritime safety regulations and port security requirements.
Cargo units are checked and positioned to ensure that vessel stability, weight distribution and safe access routes are maintained throughout the voyage.
Close cooperation between terminal staff, vessel crews and port authorities ensures that every departure from IJmuiden takes place under controlled and compliant conditions.
Role of the Terminal
While the ferry service itself is operated by the ferry company, Felison manages the landside terminal environment and supports the stowage process by organising vehicle staging, trailer handling and loading coordination.
By combining structured terminal operations with close cooperation between all parties involved, the Felison Ferry Terminal ensures that the daily ferry connection operates safely, efficiently and on schedule.