Owner of the Port of Liverpool Peel Ports is pledging its support for ships to blast their horns and whistles on Saturday to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Tony McDonough reports

Vessels in the River Mersey are set to salute the Queen on Saturday, June 4, to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

Port of Liverpool owner Peel Ports is backing an initiative by the UK Chamber of Shipping. It will encourage vessels across the UK to sound a long blast on their horn or whistle, at 12 noon on Saturday, June 4.

Peel Ports, along with the Department for Transport and UK Major Ports Group, is encouraging ships in all of its ports to join in. It operates ports in Liverpool, London Medway, Heysham, Great Yarmouth and Clydeport. Alongside the salute, employees, mariners and seafarers have all been encouraged to display congratulatory messages.

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And a special fleet of 100 vessels will sail the River Medway on June 4 as part of a four-hour jubilee event. Peel Ports is supporting this in its role as Statutory Harbour Authority.

Claudio Veritiero, chief executive of Peel Ports, said: “We’re a proud maritime nation and all of our ports across the group are steeped in history. They have been part of many generations of royal celebrations. The maritime community is deeply bound up in all that’s happened across Queen Elizabeth’s reign.

“We’re honoured to support events in recognition of the Platinum Jubilee as a landmark moment in history. The sound of vessels at midday on the 4th is going to be a truly unique occasion that will be remembered for a long time.”