The Port of Liverpool has announced a number of record-breaking achievements across its container terminals division.

The port, which is part of Peel Ports Group, handled a total of 52,300 containers (89,400 TEUs) during March, beating a previous record of 47,200 containers (81,750 TEUs) in October 2019, in what it hails as a “landmark moment” in its history.

It added that Liverpool2 “further cemented its position as a serious player in global port operations” by deploying five cranes simultaneously earlier this week for the first time since the terminal opened in 2016, as it handled the MSC Hong Kong in a record 4516 container moves (7350 TEUs).

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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.

As part of 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.”