Peel Ports Group, owner of the Port of Liverpool in the UK, has commenced the second phase of its expansion programme for the Liverpool2 terminal deep-water container facility.

The latest expansion will see three new ship-to-shore cranes (STS) and ten cantilever rail-mounted gantry cranes (CRMG) installed at Liverpool2.

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The new equipment will join the five STS cranes and 12 CRMG cranes that were previously installed during the first phase of the Liverpool2 expansion, which opened in November. 

Additional reefer points will also be installed as part of the development, in order to allow Liverpool2 to handle greater quantities of refrigerated containers at the Port of Liverpool.

The Liverpool2 expansion will have the capacity to unload two 380m vessels simultaneously once completed.

Liverpool2 is currently capable of accommodating the world’s largest container vessels and represents an investment of £400m.

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The terminal connects road, rail and canal networks directly to the heart of the UK mainland, offering access to a catchment of over 35 million people, comprising almost 58% of the UK’s population.

"We are currently preparing the outline designs and would look to be in a position to appoint construction partners in spring of next year."

Peel Ports Group CEO Mark Whitworth said: “This is an important step in the development of Liverpool2 and reflects our confidence and our long term commitment to positioning the North of England as a competitive route to international markets and a major port for global trade.

“The development of the project programme is now well underway. We are currently preparing the outline designs and would look to be in a position to appoint construction partners in spring of next year, with a view to commencement of construction shortly after.

"We anticipate a completion date for Phase two in 2019.”

Peel Ports has also recently launched its Cargo200initiative, which aims to reduce the distances travelled via road and rail within freight industry supply chains.

Image: The Liverpool2 Phase two development area. Photo: courtesy of Peel Ports Group.

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