More than 50,000 containers were handled at the Port of Liverpool in March – a record for the Seaforth terminal. Tony McDonough reports

A total of 52,300 containers (89,400 TEUs) was handled by the Port of Liverpool in March, breaking the previous record of 47,200 containers (81,750 TEUs) in October 2019.

And its Liverpool2 deep water container terminal further cemented its position as a serious player in global port operations by successfully deploying five cranes simultaneously earlier this week for the very first time since the terminal opened in 2016.

It handled container vessel MSC Hong Kong in a record 4516 container moves (7350 TEUs). Earlier this year, the Port’s Terminal 1 facility saw a 30% boost to its quayside capacity by adding an additional two ship-to-shore cranes to the six already in place, enabling the servicing of taller container vessels and intra-European services.

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As part of owner Peel Port’s £400m investment into Liverpool2, a second phase of the programme was fully completed at the start of 2022 which saw the addition of five new cantilever rail-mounted gantry (CRMG) cranes, bringing the total set to 22 CRMGs.

David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group said: “These record-breaking achievements are real evidence of the increasing capabilities and optimised efficiencies of our containerised cargo operations at The Port of Liverpool.

“The significant investments we have made over the last few years have enabled us to grow and develop our capabilities in order to enhance our service levels across both our terminal operations. This is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our people.

“The Port of Liverpool has a bright future ahead as a centre of excellence providing global shipping lines reliable access to major import and export opportunities at the heart of the UK.

“We are fully committed to continuing to invest sustainably in what is one of the most efficient and modern container port operations in the UK and deliver the best possible service for all our customers.”