The Port of Liverpool's newest terminal Liverpool 2 (L2) will need to cater for 10 m waves when it opens.

This is according to the British Maritime Technology (BMT) Group, which was commissioned by Peel Ports to perform specialised studies and investigate the impact of introducing 13,500 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) carriers.

Its subsidiary, BMT ARGOSS, was involved in designing a quay which can cope with the conditions.

BMT ARGOSS's senior maritime and port consultant Jan Onassis said: "As the L2 is located near the river entrance it means that, unlike the older Liverpool berths which are located in docks or well upriver, it will be subject to some wave action from the Irish Sea."

When open, L2 will add capacity for half a million containers, bringing the total yearly volumes to two million twenty TEUs. Its western-facing position makes it suitable for cargo coming from this direction, such as the US, giving it an advantage over some of the UK's larger ports, including Felixstowe and the recently-opened DP World London Gateway near London.

The company used simulation software to assess the weather that could affect ships moored in L2, including wind, currents and other vessels, in addition to the waves.