Liverpool logistics and shipping specialist Denholm Logistics, which acts as agent for most of the cruise ships calling into the Mersey, reports revenues down almost 10% to £207.5m amid tough global market conditions. Tony McDonough reports

Denholm Logistics is reporting lower revenues and flat profits amid tough trading conditions in the maritime and logistics sector.

However, the Liverpool city centre-based business, which acts as agent for most of the cruise ships calling in to the Mersey, insists its “experienced” team is up to overcoming the challenges of a volatile global trading environment.

In its accounts for the 12 months to December 31, 2025, posted on Companies House, Denholm reported revenues were down almost 10% to £207.5m and profits flat at £11.8m.

Operating out of St Paul’s Square in the city’s commercial district, Denholm’s main activities are freight forwarding, liner and port agency services, warehousing and distribution services. It is a subsidiary of the London-based Denholm Group and employs more than 300 people.

It is one of the leading ship agency providers in the UK. As well as handling the growing number of cruise ships coming into the Mersey it also handles more than 5,000 port calls a year.

Writing in the annual report, managing director Alan Platt said: “Gross profit and operating profits have decreased in 2025 as a result of decreased volumes and highly competitive market conditions.”

He added: “The market remains uncertain and competition remains strong. The effects of increased inflation, sustained economic and global political uncertainty, the general pressures on the cost of living and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East will create challenging trading conditions for the business.

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“The directors are confident that these situations are manageable with the experienced management team in place. It is expected that 2026 will be a satisfactory year.

According to the accounts Denholm Logistics paid £5m in dividends to its parent company. In March 2026 it acquired Quay Holdings and its subsidiary Quay Cargo Services, a freight forwarding business based in Belfast.