LONDON: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has committed vessel support to Peel Ports to help make marine trials at Liverpool2 a success. Berthing and marine trials began last week with MSC Nederland, and will be followed by a variety of cargo handling tests throughout July and August.
Four other MSC vessels will be used during the trials: 2,668 teu MSC Santhya; 2,768 teu MSC Koroni; 4,340 teu MSC Sandra; and 4,355 teu MSC Alyssa. David Huck, Peel Ports port director, said: “This is yet another major milestone for the project and we’re delighted to have the involvement of MSC in the initial marine commissioning and berthing trials at Liverpool2.
“Although the terminal has really been taking shape in recent months, seeing a container vessel alongside for the first time really brings home how much the team at Peel ports has achieved.” Kelvin Wilden, operations director for MSC UK, added: “MSC has supported the Port of Liverpool for over 15 years and we’re very pleased to make our vessels available for the final commissioning stages of Liverpool2.
“The port is integral to us being able to offer our customers the widest port network of any line in the UK. We’re all very excited to be at the heart of the process over the coming months.” Liverpool2 is scheduled to have a phased opening through the summer, with the first landside phase expected to be fully operational by autumn.