Peel Ports enhances Liverpool-Manchester barge service
Peel Ports has announced the introduction of a new coaster vessel and mobile harbour crane on its Liverpool-Manchester barge service in a bid to boost its capability, Port Technology reports.
The arrival of the 160 TEU vessel “Monica” and a 40 tonne Liebherr mobile crane follows what Peel Ports calls strong growth on its barge service operating from the Port of Liverpool to Manchester via the Manchester Ship Canal.
“The spectacular growth in demand for the barge service over the last two years has enabled us to invest in this next level of capability,” said Head of Business Development for Peel Ports Mersey, Stephen Carr.
“Whilst the existing barge has served us well, the capability and flexibility offered by the new vessel and crane will enable us to better meet the growing demands of retailers, FMCG & industrial goods manufacturers and shipping lines alike.”
The “Monica” will be deployed on the existing thrice weekly service between Liverpool and Irlam Container Terminal, on the outskirts of Manchester.
Additionally, the vessel will enable the service to call more regularly at Ellesmere Port, which was added as a new destination to the service earlier this year.
The new Liebherr crane, complete with two spreader frames, arrived from Austria and was constructed at Irlam Container Terminal.