UK-based terminal operator Peel Ports has outlined plans to invest approximately USD $21 million in the Port of Liverpool in a scheme which it claims will significantly improve the regions import and export capabilities.
The project will see the dock expand to service next-generation RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels by investing in best-in-class facilities to reduce turnaround times, increase route capacity and improve health and safety by implementing one-way traffic.
The work carried out by Peel Ports includes a new multi-level berth to accommodate double-deck, simultaneous vehicle access to and from vessels as well as bigger berthing facilities for importers and exporters to take advantage of the port’s connectivity.
The newly developed terminal is expected to be fully operational by January 2020, ready to welcome Stena Line’s new fleet of E-Flexer ships, which will utilize the Belfast-Liverpool route from spring 2020 following a multimillion-pound investment into the region as part of a 25-year commitment.
Stena’s new E-Flexer ships are larger than today’s standard RoPax vessels and will provide freight capacity of 3,100 lane meters and the space to carry 120 cars and 1,000 passengers and crew. They are also highly fuel efficient to help reduce emissions, feeding into Peel Ports’ goal of providing sustainable ports for the future.
David Huck, Managing Director at the Group Ports from Peel Ports said: “The past two years have seen heavy investment in the infrastructure at Twelve Quays to offer enhanced berthing facilities for larger, more modern vessels, helping reduce turnaround times and open up opportunities to grow the region’s import and export offering by expanding capacity by 20%.
“It’s also allowed us to extend our long-term partnership with Stena Line as it takes the next steps in its major fleet investment programme, with freight and travel customers able to take advantage of faster and easier loading and unloading.
Terminal operator Peel Ports Group has recently announced that it has acquired leading UK and Irish shipping company Quality Freight Limited for an undisclosed sum.
According to a statement, the purchase of Quality Freight is central to Peel Ports’ attempts to extending its services and becoming a central pillar in UK-wide trade and logistics.
