Peel hires specialist to oversee container terminal

PEEL Ports has appointed one of the UK’s most experienced project directors, Douglas Coleman, to oversee construction of its as proposed in-river container terminal at the Port of Liverpool.

Coleman, 56, was project director at Forth Ports PLC for six years, where he headed the development of the £1bn masterplan for Leith Docks, including Western Harbour and Granton Harbour.

His career also included nine years with Capita plc, where he was ultimately Scottish regional director who oversaw construction projects on brownfield sites including a secondment to the £1.2bn Glasgow Harbour project for Peel-owned Clydeport and the Mazagan Resort in Morocco.

His new role will include the development of the in-river container terminal project, as well as the development of other related projects along the length of the Manchester Ship Canal such as Port Bridgewater and Port Salford.

He said: “My role is to develop a number of vital projects for the business in the North West, with the in-river container terminal acting as a catalyst for further opportunities along the Manchester Ship Canal.

“I’m delighted to be joining Peel Ports at this exciting phase of expansion. There is no doubt that the new container terminal will represent a transformational project for the business. By any standard it is a significant development and a major investment.

“I am excited by the challenges that such a construction project presents,. It is a technically complex project, but eminently achievable.”

Peel Ports managing director Gary Hodgson said: “The appointment of the programme director is a significant milestone in the delivery of the River Terminal.

“Doug Coleman has a proven track record at a number of major companies within our industry, heading up major transformational projects both in this country and overseas.”