Road and rail freight provider Maritime Transport has opened a major new container storage terminal at the Port of Liverpool today (2 September).

The state-of-the-art facility will allow Maritime to expand its operations in Liverpool, facilitating more efficient distribution of goods from the port to key regional markets.

Operating around the clock and with capacity for up to 2,000 TEU, Maritime’s new terminal offers storage, handling, and maintenance services, including long and short-term storage for both loaded and empty containers.

The site also features reefer plugin points, devanning services, a comprehensive security setup, and a large vehicle fleet for first and final-mile transport.

The company has also invested in cutting-edge container handling equipment, with two new SANY H9 reach stackers operating on site that reduce fuel consumption by 20%.

As part of the multi-million-pound project, Maritime is expanding its existing transport depot within the Port from four acres to 11.4 acres.

A new two-storey building currently under construction will replace the previous structure, offering modern amenities such as shower facilities, kitchenettes, meeting rooms, driver lounges, and large office spaces, and forming part of a wider redesign to improve and standardise the company’s operational buildings.

Tom Williams, Maritime Transport deputy chief executive, said: “We are delighted to open our newest container storage site at the Port of Liverpool, meeting the rising demand for storage options in the area.

“This expansion increases our capacity and provides new, modern facilities for our drivers and operational teams. It’s an excellent addition to our network that will undoubtedly strengthen our service capabilities, and accommodate the growing volume of cargo activity at the Port following the introduction of MSC’s Britannia service.”

David Huck, Peel Ports Group chief operating officer, added: “We’re very pleased to see the completion of Maritime’s purpose-built space at the Port of Liverpool, which is a really positive development for the region that will create additional opportunities for cargo owners and retailers under current economic pressures.

“This investment highlights the Port’s strategic importance as a hub for both national and international trade and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Maritime as we work together to support the growth and resilience of the UK’s supply chain.”

Maritime now operates four dedicated container storage sites in Ipswich, Northampton, Liverpool, and Southampton, exceeding 30,000 TEU capacity, in addition to eight open-access, multi-user rail freight terminals in Tamworth, Birmingham, Manchester, Wakefield, Northampton, Mossend, Tilbury, and East Midlands Gateway.

Earlier this year, Maritime was also appointed as long-term operator of the SRFI at West Midlands Interchange, the UK’s largest logistics development, and signed an exclusive agreement to develop, lease, and operate Tritax Symmetry’s planned £750m SRFI at Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange.

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