Liverpool’s cruise port is set to undergo a significant transformation with a planned £25 million investment.
- Global Ports Holding (GPH) will assume control of the expansion, pending regulatory approval.
- A new terminal and floating dock are planned to enhance capacity and passenger experience.
- Passenger numbers are expected to surpass 300,000 annually post-expansion.
- Liverpool’s strategic location promises growth in the northern European cruise market.
Liverpool’s cruise port is on the cusp of a pivotal transformation, with Global Ports Holding (GPH) preparing to oversee a £25 million investment aimed at modernising the facility. This ambitious project, pending the necessary permits and licenses, promises to elevate the port’s operational capacity and enhance the overall passenger experience with a new state-of-the-art terminal and a floating dock.
The expansion strategy involves the installation of a floating dock, which will significantly increase the port’s capacity. This will allow for the simultaneous berthing of two 300-metre vessels, accommodating over 7,000 passengers daily. This enhancement is expected to boost annual passenger numbers from 200,000 to over 300,000 once the infrastructure is completed.
Additionally, the construction of a new terminal building is geared towards enhancing the passenger experience. The terminal will integrate waterfront retail and hospitality services, catering not only to cruise passengers but also to local visitors, thus broadening the port’s appeal and utility.
Liverpool cruise port’s strategic location, with proximity to two international airports within an hour’s drive, underscores its potential as a key gateway in the northern European and British cruise markets. This position is complemented by Liverpool’s status as one of the UK’s most visited cities, offering diverse cultural attractions, from music and architecture to historic football clubs.
The operational transition to GPH, under a 50-year deal secured with Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, marks an important milestone. Liverpool City Council, which has managed the port for 17 years, alongside some existing team members, will continue to play a supportive role under a service arrangement.
Expressing optimism about the transition, Liverpool City Council’s chief executive, Andrew Lewis, emphasised the city’s prospects as a premier cruise and tourism destination. Meanwhile, Peel Ports Group COO, David Huck, highlighted the potential to build upon Liverpool’s legacy as a thriving cruise destination.
GPH’s CEO, Mehmet Kutman, remarked on the significance of adding Liverpool to their portfolio, noting the city’s rich maritime heritage and the promising collaborations with local stakeholders in advancing the port’s development.
Liverpool’s cruise port expansion heralds a new era of growth, boosting its standing in the competitive cruise market.
