Construction of Liverpool’s post-panamax container terminal looks set to begin next year. The British government granted approval for the river terminal in March. MDHC had always said that it would move ahead with the development as soon as possible but questions were raised as to whether Peel, which appears to have quietly dropped its plans for a deep-sea container terminal at Hunterston on the west coast of Scotland, would continue MDHC’s commitment to the Mersey project.
“Does Peel support investment that grows the business? The answer is clearly yes” says Frank Robotham, former MDHC marketing director and now group marketing director for Peel Ports.
Strong demand from the port’s natural hinterland, on top of issues such as the EU Working Time Directive, shortage of lorry drivers and an increasing interest in environmental issues have all helped to persuade shippers that Liverpool is not on the wrong side of the country after all.
Timetable, studies that will come up with the final engineering cost and design, will take 6 to 8 months to complete then the final go-ahead will be made during 2008. Until the studies are finalised and everything is signed off by the board the port cannot commit to an exact start date, but our intention is to start construction next year the first phase of the development would be ready by 2011, if we do it on a phased basis.
“We are not doing it on the basis of signing up shipping lines today” says Mr. Robotham “We believe that once the terminal is complete there will be a demand for it. Several shipping lines are already asking to be kept in touch with developments, so we know there is interest”
River terminal facts:
Peel Ports proposals are for an in-river terminal with total quay length of 820m, to be built in 2 phases. Depth alongside would be up to 14.5 metres, but possibly 13.5 metres initially.
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The terminal, estimated to cost £90m will accommodate vessels to a maximum of 6,500-7,000 teu and have an annual capacity of 600,000 teu.
There are unique engineering challenges in the development. The location, close to the river mouth, has a tidal range of 9 metres and a river flow of around 5 knots.
The terminal will be created by building a river wall from the corner of Royal Seaforth Dock to Gladstone Lock. The triangle will then be filled in to create a 17hectare terminal.
Permission was granted for the development in March 2007. The first berth could be ready in 2011.
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