Superport extension could cater for even bigger ships
A FURTHER phase of development at Peel Group’s £300m Liverpool2 superport could cater for even bigger ships and open up the city to more overseas trade.
That’s according to Bernard Molloy, a director of global logistics for Liverpool-based automotive supplier Unipart and chairman of the superport committee.
Work is now underway on Liverpool2 project at Seaforth which will be able to accommodate two vessels which can each hold up to 13,500 20 ft containers. The current capacity is for boats holding 4,000 containers.
It is due for completion in 2015 but Mr Molloy said a second phase would be able to accommodate even bigger vessels.
Speaking at an event organised by trade body Mersey Maritime, he said: “From 2015, Liverpool will be able to handle some of the world’s largest ships which means we will be able to bring vessels in from China and across Asia.
“Mexico is also set to become a major shipper, particularly for the engineering sector, while the widening of the Panama Canal will also open up trade opportunities from further afield.”
Mr Molloy said the logistics sector for the Liverpool city region was currently worth £2.6bn, employing around 46,000 people and representing 7% of the city region’s economic value.
He added: “We need to send out the right messages and make a big case for investment into the North West. SuperPort can create 20,000 new jobs but we must invest significantly into our infrastructure. We’re issuing a call to arms to businesses to support our work and SuperPort.”
