Transport Minister visits Peel Ports’ £400m Liverpool2 container terminal

Transport Minister John Hayes MP visited the Port of Liverpool this week (October 20) to view the final stages of work on phase one of the £400m Liverpool2 deepwater container terminal ahead of its official launch in November.

The visit gave the Minister an opportunity to see the development’s progress since his last visit in 2014 and discuss with operator Peel Ports the importance of government investment in local infrastructure to maximise the terminal’s contribution to the overall UK economy.

Liverpool2 forms part of Peel Ports’ wider £750m investment into its Liverpool and Manchester Ship Canal facilities.

Peel Ports’ chief operating officer, Gary Hodgson, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister back to Liverpool and to show how much progress has been made with the construction programme.

“We also have a shared interest in the link between our private investment and the government’s funding for transport and other projects that will ensure that the benefits of Liverpool2 as an ocean gateway for trade are fully felt throughout the region and beyond.”

John Hayes MP commented: “It is vital for our economy that the world’s largest commercial ships are able to call at the UK’s world leading ports, delivering goods to our shelves, supporting our exporters and taking people on holiday.

“I was delighted to have a sneak preview of the Liverpool2 container terminal ahead of its opening in November.”

He added: “With Government and industry working together, we can continue our proud history as a as a leading maritime nation, creating jobs and boosting business opportunities.”

Last month, the Minister helped launch a Northern ports partnership and highlighted Liverpool’s potential to transform container-handling capabilities on the UK’s west coast.