Peel Ports Group will deploy about US$135,6 million toward steel and metals sector development to enhance operational capacity and optimize logistics efficiency.
The United Kingdom’s second-largest port operator is advancing with US$43 million to incorporate an additional 140,000 square feet of storage capacity at its Port of Liverpool steel and metals facilities.
Combined across Liverpool and London Medway ports, warehousing capacity will expand by 50% from the existing 1 million square feet, generating an additional 500,000 square feet of operational space.
Subsequent development phases encompass establishing a second automated facility in Liverpool specifically for steel coil operations, alongside a new automated terminal at Port of London Medway in Sheerness.
These installations will incorporate rail integration through a new inland rail facility in the Midlands region.
This strategic investment by the port group follows exceptional steel import performance at the Liverpool location and will support continued growth in UK steel transportation volumes.
David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, commented that this represents transformational investment for our operations.
This investment provides the scale, velocity, and specialized capabilities, while addressing existing storage and transportation challenges within the steel sector.
The Liverpool location positions it strategically at Britain’s center, offering clear competitive advantages through optimal placement to serve stockholders and fabricators nationally, supported by superior road and rail infrastructure.
Also, the Midlands rail terminal addition will enable efficient connectivity between the two strategically positioned deep-water ports at Liverpool and London Medway, enhancing logistics efficiency for customers and partners.
The organization currently collaborates with clients to position steel cargoes nearer to major demand centers across its seven statutory harbour authority ports and 24 terminals.
This marks the second Port of Liverpool steel and metals terminal expansion within two years, involving two newly designated warehouses at Seaforth Dock for these commodities.
The port group has established a specialized Stevedore team at Port of Liverpool and actively pursues additional recruitment while training existing personnel to strengthen handling capabilities for increased demand.
In April, the company documented exceptional steel import performance at Port of Liverpool, with volumes advancing over 35% year-over-year. The port processed 702,000 tonnes of bulk steel in 2024, sourced globally from South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey, and Europe.
