Additionally, Liverpool2 deployed five cranes simultaneously in a single week as it handled the 4,800-TEU MSC Hong Kong in just 4,516 container moves, surpassing the previous record, notes London's Port Technology International.

In February, the port's Terminal 1 brought two additional ship-to-shore (STS) cranes into operation, boosting its quay side capacity by 30 per cent and enabling it to handle taller vessels and infra-European services.

As part of Peel Port's GBP400 million (US$523 million) investment into Liverpool2, a second phase of the programme was fully completed at the start of 2022. This saw the addition of five new cantilever rail-mounted gantry (CRMG) cranes, bringing the total set to 22 CRMGs.

"Investments we made over the last few years have enabled us to grow and develop our capabilities to enhance our service levels," said Peel Ports chief operating officer David Huck.

"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," he said.

Logistics firm Maritime Transport has agreed a 30-year lease with Peel Ports and a major expansion of its Liverpool transport depot, increasing storage yard from four acres to 10.