Peel Ports Group (www.peelports.com) — the owner of the Port of Liverpool — is to press ahead with the second phase of its expansion programme at Liverpool 2, which is already one of the world’s most modern shipping terminals.

The company is to invest in equipment and port infrastructure works. This will include the installation of three more ship-to-shore cranes and 10 cantilever rail-mounted gantry cranes.

Launched in November 2016, Liverpool 2 represents a £400 million investment that provides a ‘state of the art’ ocean gateway for international trade to and from the UK. It will have the capacity to unload two 380m vessels simultaneously and additional reefer points will allow the terminal to handle even greater quantities of refrigerated containers.

Peel Ports CEO Mark Whitworth said: “This is an important step in the development of Liverpool 2. It reflects our long-term commitment to positioning the North of England as a competitive route to international markets and the Port of Liverpool as a major port for global trade. We anticipate a completion date for Phase 2 in 2019.”