A record-breaking cargo ship that has been sailing in and out of the River Mersey for more than 30 years made its final call at the Port of Liverpool this week. Tony McDonough reports

A vessel that has been calling at the Port of Liverpool for more than 30 years said its final farewell to the Mersey this week.

Holcim UK’s self-discharging bulk carrier, Yeoman Bank, has delivered more cargo to the Port of Liverpool – which is owned and operated by Peel Ports Group – than any other ship in history.

Since its first arrival in the river in 1991, it has made 195 calls to Royal Seaforth Dock, transporting almost 7m tonnes of granite aggregate in that time.

Supplied by Glensanda quarry in Oban, Scotland, the aggregate delivered by the vessel has supported several major infrastructure projects across the UK, including the construction of Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport.

Yeoman Bank has also played an important role in the success of Peel Ports Group’s “virtual quarry” at the Port of Liverpool, where cargo is discharged via overhead conveyors without the need for intermediate handling.

Originally built in Greece in the 1970s, the ship was relaunched and converted in Norway before entering service with Foster Yeoman in 1991. It has served Liverpool almost exclusively ever since.

Phil Hall, Port Director for Mersey Ports at Peel Ports Group, said: “Yeoman Bank has been a true workhorse and a constant presence at the Port of Liverpool over the last three decades. Its final sailing really is the end of an era.

“The ship has played a role in the construction of everything from roads to runways, while supporting one of our longest-standing commercial relationships.

“Its legacy extends beyond its tonnage – it is a great example of how long-term collaboration helps deliver reliable, efficient supply chains.”

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Simon Turk, Holcim UK marine logistics director, added: “Yeoman Bank has been more than just a vessel; it has played a vital role in our supply chain for over three decades.

“Its consistent service into the Port of Liverpool has supported the delivery of construction materials to some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects.”