Merseyside’s maritime sector brings £150m investment

BUSINESSES operating in Merseyside’s maritime sector have brought £150m of inward investment into the region over the past seven years.

Sector organisation Mersey Maritime has also directly supported 500 businesses and helped to create or protect 3,000 jobs.

This organisation was established in 2003 to enhance the sector’s competitiveness by supporting productivity, business growth and job creation.

Speaking at a recent event staged by Mersey Maritime, chairman Ian Higby said: “This year alone, over 500 people from almost 200 different organisations have attended industry networking events and collaborative meetings organised by Mersey Maritime. 

“We have seen substantial inward investment from the likes of Maersk, CMA CGM and the Liverpool Fresh Produce Terminal, who have elected to make Merseyside the place to grow their businesses.”

He also drew delegates’ attention to the renaissance of the Cammell Laird shipyard, the development of the Manchester Ship Canal and 3MG – Stobart’s gateway development in Halton.

Mersey Maritime is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with a £450,000 grant, match-funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and other partners with £450,000.

At the same event, head of business development for Peel Ports Mersey, Stephen  Carr, spoke about Peel’s plans for the Port of Liverpool and the Manchester Ship Canal.

He said: “Over the last few years, port-centric distribution has become a buzz-word within logistics circles, but its impact has been limited by the distance of the ports from the consumers. 

“Liverpool is uniquely placed to deliver additional value given its close proximity to the population.”