Port of Liverpool hits new record level of bulk steel imports

The Port of Liverpool enjoyed a record-breaking year for bulk steel imports in 2024 – reinforcing Peel Ports Group’s aim to turn the port into a global hub for steel.

The port processed 702,000 tonnes of bulk steel, coming from across the world including from South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey, and Europe.

The figure, which surpasses the port’s previous record by more than 50,000 tonnes, follows significant investment by Peel Ports Group into infrastructure at the port as the company looks to bolster its support for the steel industry.

Peel Ports Group recently invested £2m into the development of a new deep water bulk berth at the port’s Alexandra Complex, expanding its cargo handling operations.

Home to a deep water berth, the Port of Liverpool is able to accommodate a range of vessels, including Handymax bulk carriers.

Meanwhile, a further investment in 200,000 sq ft of additional, inside storage space has been made in 2025 to expand Peel Ports Group’s coil and precious metals handling capabilities at the port.

Some 85% of the steel imported into the Port of Liverpool in 2024 was steel coil, set to be used across a range of industries, including construction, automotive, agricultural, renewable energy projects, medical healthcare, and manufacturing.

Phil Hall, Mersey Port director, Peel Ports Group, said: “The Port of Liverpool is a deep water gateway to global markets and we’re thrilled to achieve a record breaking year for steel imports.

“The figures speak for themselves, showing the work we’re doing to meet our ambition of cementing Liverpool as the leading UK hub providing vital commodities to a range of industries.

“That’s further supported by our dedication to investing in the port’s infrastructure, market reach, our port-centric services, and our expert teams.”

He added: “We look forward to building on this success with our customers and developing this market-leading proposition further.”