The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to view progress since his previous visit in 2014 and to discuss with Peel Ports the importance of government investment in local infrastructure to help maximise the terminal’s contribution to the UK economy.
The Liverpool2 project forms part of a wider £750 million investment programme into biomass, steel, port-centric warehousing and infrastructure by Peel Ports at its sites in Liverpool and along the Manchester Ship Canal.
Gary Hodgson, Chief Operating Officer, Peel Ports, 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 added: “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. 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.”
In September the Minister spoke at an event in Westminster to launch a northern ports partnership and highlighted Liverpool’s capability to transform the UK’s west coast container handling capabilities.
In August the port also hosted Chris Grayling MP on one of his first official engagements as Secretary of State for Transport.