PLANS for a new GBP300 million (US$475.82 million) container terminal at the Port of Liverpool have been announced by Peel Ports, saying it will create 5,000 jobs and bring the world's largest container ships to Merseyside.
    Called Liverpool 2, the Seaforth terminal is due to open in 2015 and will accommodate two large vessels at a time, reports BBC News. Peel Ports said the terminal, which is part of a 20-year plan to transform the Port of Liverpool, would be more efficient and better for the environment as it would take large amounts of freight off UK road and rail networks.
    Said Peel Ports managing director Gary Hodgson: "What we'll have ultimately from jobs, not just working at the terminal but all the associated jobs around warehousing and haulage. The container terminal we are building is the catalyst for real change in logistics and distribution and a lot of the jobs will be in that sector."
    The project is dependent on a GBP35 million government grant to dredge the River Mersey to accommodate the larger ships.
    "We've taken advice during the process of applying for our grant funding and we're confident the grant funding will be rubber stamped and that we will get the money," he said.
    The group is also behind plans for the GBP5.5 billion Liverpool Waters scheme which is due to be considered by Liverpool City Council early this month. The group is also involved in the GBP4.5 billion approved Wirral Waters scheme and both projects will see the former dockland transformed into office and recreational space.

(source:shipping online)