The Port of Liverpool has welcomed the delivery of five cantilever rail-mounted gantry (CRMG) cranes as part of its investment drive for Liverpool2, the port’s deep-water container terminal.
Produced by Chinese manufacturer, Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co (ZPMC), the new cranes are the second of two deliveries so far in 2021, which will complete the set of 22 CRMG cranes operating as part of the £400 million Liverpool2 project.
The cranes will enable greater cargo volumes through the port following the awarding of Freeport status to the Merseyside hub, according to Peel Ports Group.
Announced by the government on 3 March, a free trade zone for the Liverpool City Region will contribute around £850m GVA and create 14,000 jobs, as well as leading solutions to meet local Net Zero Carbon targets for 2040.
David Huck, Managing Director, Group Ports at Peel Ports Group, said, “The £400m investment we have made on the Liverpool2 container terminal is a huge enabler.
“It’s the combination of the outstanding facilities here and the freeport status for the region that will really make the difference.
“The arrival of the last batch of CRMG cranes at the Port of Liverpool this week, marks a significant milestone in the next phase of growth at Liverpool2 and reflects the dynamism and strength of our business and skilled workforce.”
Once completed, Liverpool2 will be capable of handling the largest container ships in the world, whilst supporting the UK haulage sector via the very latest landside automated gates and vehicle booking systems.
Work on this second phase of the landside project is expected to be fully completed in the summer 2021.
