Peel Ports Group has set out its ambition to turn the Port of Liverpool into a global hub for steel after the port operator marked a record-breaking year for bulk imports at the site throughout 2024.
702,000 tonnes of bulk steel were processed at the port in 2024, coming from across the world including from South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey, and Europe.
The record-breaking figure, which surpasses the port’s previous record by more than 50,000 tonnes, follows significant investment by Peel Ports Group into infrastructure at the port as the company looks to bolster its support for the steel industry.
Peel Ports Group recently invested £2million into the development of a new deep water bulk berth at the port’s Alexandra Complex, expanding its cargo handling operations.
Home to a deep water berth, the Port of Liverpool is able to accommodate a range of vessels, including Handymax bulk carriers.
Meanwhile, a further investment in 200,000 sq ft of additional, inside storage space has been made in 2025 to expand Peel Ports Group’s coil and precious metals handling capabilities at the port.
Some 85 percent of the steel imported into the Port of Liverpool in 2024 was steel coil, set to be used across a range of industries including construction, automotive, agricultural, renewable energy projects, medical healthcare, and manufacturing.
Phil Hall, Mersey Port Director, Peel Ports Group, said: “The Port of Liverpool is a deep water gateway to global markets and we’re thrilled to achieve a record-breaking year for steel imports.
“The figures speak for themselves, showing the work we’re doing to meet our ambition of cementing Liverpool as the leading UK hub providing vital commodities to a range of industries. That’s further supported by our dedication to investing in the port’s infrastructure, market reach, our port-centric services, and our expert teams.
“We look forward to building on this success with our customers and developing this market leading proposition further.”
Separately, Peel Ports has appointed a host of contractors into its new construction framework, covering a major programme of construction works across its UK and Ireland sites, worth up to £750 million.
The port operator has appointed 18 contractors across the multi-lot framework for a period of up to eight years; Lot 1 of the framework covers General Construction and Lot 2 covers Marine Construction, while Lot 3 is a National lot for Major Projects.
The regional & national suppliers will support projects across the Group’s entire portfolio of UK and Ireland ports, including the Port of Liverpool, Heysham Port, Manchester Ship Canal, London Medway, its Clydeport sites, Great Yarmouth, and Dublin Port.
The construction and engineering companies appointed are:
- A E Yates
- C Spencer
- Charles Brand
- Erith Contractors
- Glencar
- GPS Marine & Civil Services
- J Murphy & Sons
- Jackson Framework
- John Graham Construction
- JT Mackley & Co
- Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure
- Mackenzie Construction
- McLaughlin & Harvey
- Octavius
- RJ McLeod
- Southbay Civil Engineering
- Story Contracting
- Taziker Industrial
The move underpins the delivery of Peel Ports’ long-term construction pipeline, with the scope of the framework covering both existing infrastructure improvements and new developments.
Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director - Port Services at Peel Ports Group said: “We’re pleased to announce the 18 contractors who have been selected to carry out this important work across our ports in the UK and Ireland.
“This rigorous procurement process has allowed us to select the very best regional and national partners, who will support the ongoing development of our network of logistics hubs.
“We look forward to working closely with them on the design and build of various exciting projects in the months and years ahead, all of which are the result of substantial investment in the future of our operations.”
The General Construction scope covers general construction works including drainage; the construction and maintenance of new and existing roads and carparks; earthworks and ground remediation; foundations and piling; the construction, maintenance and refurbishment of new and existing warehouses; paving, surfacing and concrete works; rail construction; bridge construction and refurbishment; and demolition.
The Marine Construction scope covers specialist marine construction works including piling; asset renewal and refurbishment; berthing furniture and bollards; quay walls; Lock and Sluice gate maintenance and replacement; and RoRo.
The call for tenders noted that bidders should be able to demonstrate first class delivery of health, safety, environmental and quality requirements, including local community engagement and supporting Peel Ports Group in the delivery of its ambition to become a net-zero port operator by 2040.
Peel Ports are sponsoring the VIP Lounge at Multimodal on stand Y4000
