Liverpool starts construction of new terminal

   Construction of the new “Liverpool2” terminal has begun at the Port of Liverpool in the United Kingdom.
   Mark Whitworth, chief executive of Peel Ports Group, parent company of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co., said construction on the 300 million pound ($461 million) container terminal has begun, which will involve removal of more than a million cubic meters of soil to clear a deep-water channel and create a 54-foot (16.5 meter) deep berthing pocket.
   “Liverpool2 sends a fantastic message to shippers and the wider international trade world – namely, that Liverpool is investing heavily to secure their business now and in the future,” Whitworth said. “The Port of Liverpool has already seen increased interest from shipping lines and cargo owners. Over the last 18 months APL, Evergreen and Zim have started to offer weekly feeder connections into Liverpool, whilst MSC and CMA CGM have continued to grow their long-standing feeder volumes through the port.”
   The Port of Liverpool handles more than 33 millions tons of cargo every year, and is the United Kingdom’s leading west coast port.
   When completed in 2015, the port’s deep-water container terminal will be able to accommodate two post-Panamax containerships at a time.
   Peel Ports runs the Port of Liverpool and the linked Manchester Ship Canal. Peel said Liverpool2 will connect directly to a number of port-centric logistics hubs along the Manchester Ship Canal via barge – resulting in development of what it says will be the United Kingdom’s first “green logistics hub” which will reduce costs, congestion and carbon footprint for businesses located in the Northwest of England. – Chris Dupin