Peel Ports Liverpool Expansion: Rail Connectivity & Capacity

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Introduction

Peel Ports Group is investing £32 million to expand storage capacity at its Port of Liverpool steel and metals terminals, adding 140,000 sq ft of warehousing. This expansion follows a record year for steel imports at the Liverpool facility.

Main Content

Expansion Plans and Capacity Increase

Peel Ports Group is set to increase its warehousing capacity across the Ports of Liverpool and London Medway by 50 percent, from the current 1 million sq ft to create an additional 500,000 sq ft of capacity. The Port of Liverpool will see an increase of 140,000 sq ft of storage. This expansion at the Port of Liverpool steel and metals terminal is the second in under two years and will involve the creation of two newly dedicated warehouses at its Seaforth Dock.

New Terminals and Rail Connectivity

Further plans include the development of a second automated terminal in Liverpool dedicated to steel coils, and a new automated terminal for the Port of London Medway in Sheerness. These terminals will incorporate rail connectivity through a new inland rail terminal in the Midlands.

Strategic Advantages and Operational Improvements

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, stated that the investment ensures the company has the scale, speed, and specialist expertise to support its customers. The expansion will allow the port to move more product more efficiently. The location in Liverpool provides advantages due to its road and rail links. The addition of a new rail terminal in the Midlands will connect the Ports of Liverpool and London Medway. The port group is actively recruiting new Stevedores and training internal staff to enhance handling capability. The port now boasts more than 610,000 sq ft of storage for the commodity, and this expansion means it will be able to store an additional 35,000 tonnes of steel and metals.

Steel Import Records and Product Handling

In April, the company reported a record-breaking year for steel imports at the Port of Liverpool, with volumes increasing by more than 35% year-on-year. In 2024, 702,000 tonnes of bulk steel were processed at the port. The port group handles various metal products, including rebar, plates, coil and aluminium. The port operator has joined the Aluminium Federation (ALFED).

Conclusion

Peel Ports Group is expanding its storage and handling capabilities at the Ports of Liverpool and London Medway. This includes increased warehousing, new automated terminals, and enhanced rail connectivity. The investment follows a record year for steel imports at the Port of Liverpool and aims to support the construction and manufacturing supply chains.

Company Summary

Peel Ports Group: The UK’s second-largest port operator, with operations at the Ports of Liverpool and London Medway, among others. The group is investing in expanding its steel and metals handling capacity.

Port of Liverpool: A key port facility operated by Peel Ports Group. It is undergoing expansion to increase its steel and metals storage and handling capabilities.

Port of London Medway: Another port facility operated by Peel Ports Group, which is also slated for expansion to increase capacity.

Aluminium Federation (ALFED): A UK industry association that Peel Ports Group has joined.

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