Partner Article

Proposed changes to Liverpool docks pose threat to North East shipping

A North East MEP has expressed his strong concerns over Liverpool City Councils bid to become a terminal for turnaround calls.

In a letter to the shipping minister, Martin Callanan declared that this ambition could undermine jobs and investment in the North East, and also goes against rules of fair competition.

Liverpool City Council were awarded £21 million by the government to fund building of a cruise terminal which was intended only to be used for day visits.

The terminal was only opened in 2007, and this application inevitably raises concerns over the council’s initial application for funding, which they would have been unlikely to receive if they had shown any initial intentions to use the facility for turnaround calls.

Commenting on Liverpool City Councils bid, Callanan said: I believe that choosing not to properly look into this threatens the credibility of the Department and its approach.“

“It also threatens the perceived integrity of European funding.”

A Liverpool City Council responded to these claims, saying: “We are awaiting an offical decision over our proposals, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this point.

“However, we are trying to agree a solution which will be fair to all parties, including our fellow ports, ad we are working closely with the Department for Transport to achieve this.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .