Industry body Mersey Maritime has helped broker the deal with SMT and Wirral Council has put together a package of support using the Wirral Waters Investment Fund. Tony McDonough reports

Global maritime training firm Stream Marine Training (SMT) is to set up two specialist facilities in Wirral, creating up to 25 new jobs.

SMT, based in Glasgow, is a specialist provider of training and consultancy services to the global maritime, oil and gas, renewables and construction sectors.

Its Birkenhead centres will offer training for maritime companies who have people working offshore.

Mersey Maritime Knowledge Hub’s successful first year – click to read more

The firm will invest up to £1.5m in this first phase, opening up new training facilities at Tower Quays and a new fire training ground along Duke Street.

Both facilities will be located within the Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone.

Industry body Mersey Maritime helped set up and broker the deal and Wirral Council has put together a package of support using the Wirral Waters Investment Fund.

Mersey Maritime introduced SMT to Seatruck, Cammell Laird, Bibby Line, Atlantic Container Line and other local maritime firms.

Chief executive Chris Shirling-Rooke said: “The signing of the agreement today between Stream Marine Training and Wirral Council is the culmination of hard work behind the scenes.

“Mersey Maritime has been at the heart of the discussions during that time as part of our agenda to drive forward inward investment and help create the right conditions for business growth.”

The nearest offshore facility is in Lancashire and is heavily oversubscribed so the catchment for SMT is considerable and they are confident there is a real latent demand in the Liverpool city region.

George Davies, deputy leader of Wirral Council, added: “It was only Monday this week when we announced our ambition to create thousands of jobs in Wirral through a £1 billion regeneration programme.

“It’s fantastic that, just a few days later, we are already talking about new businesses opening their doors in the borough – it’s a sign of confidence in Wirral.”

And Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce also said: “It is great news, but just the start of our journey with SMT.

“They do already have relationships with major companies who have committed to using Wirral facilities when they open.

“We are now working closely with them to ensure they are fully aware of the quality of our other local suppliers as they operationalise.”