Port of Liverpool Sets Steel Import Record

By Simon West

The Port of Liverpool last year handled a record 702,000 tonnes of bulk steel, beating a previous high by more than 50,000 tonnes as the UK facility welcomed a spike in imports from South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Türkiye and Europe.

Port operator Peel Ports Group said it aimed to leverage this growth to position the facility as a global steel hub, backed by significant infrastructure investments that have included a £2 million spend on a new deepwater bulk berth at the port’s Alexandra Complex to boost cargo-handling capacity.

Further spending this year has added 200,000 square feet of inside storage space, enhancing the port’s ability to handle steel and precious metals. About 85% of the steel arriving into the Port of Liverpool in 2024 was steel coil destined for industries such as construction, automotive, agricultural, renewables, medical healthcare and manufacturing.

“The Port of Liverpool is a deepwater gateway to global markets and we’re thrilled to achieve a record-breaking year for steel imports,” said Phil Hall, Mersey Port Director, Peel Ports Group.

“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.”

Peel Ports Group is the UK’s second largest port operator, handling some 70 million tons of cargo per year. The company is operational in Liverpool, Clydeport, Great Yarmouth, Heysham, London Medway, the Manchester Ship Canal and the Humber Bulk Terminal.

It also operates a container terminal in Dublin and owns BG Freight Line, which provides short sea container services between the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, and Peel Ports Logistics, one of the UK’s leading shipping and freight forwarders.

Peel Ports Group will be exhibiting at Breakbulk Europe 2025.

Photo Credit: Peel Ports