Transport Minister hears how a new Maritime Knowledge Hub and deep water container terminal will boost economic growth in Merseyside.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill has today (Friday 11 March) concluded a 2 day visit of new maritime developments in Merseyside.

During the trip, the minister officially opened the first phase of a Maritime Knowledge Hub, developed by a partnership of private, public and academic organisations to help create skilled maritime jobs on Merseyside.

He also visited the construction of a new deep water container terminal, Liverpool2 and toured Cammell Laird shipyard.

Robert Goodwill said:

Merseyside has a rich maritime history and the future is looking bright thanks to major projects such as the Maritime Knowledge Hub and the deep water container terminal, Liverpool2, at the Port of Liverpool.

The government will continue to offer its full support to the maritime industry, a sector which is vitally important to the UK economy.

The Maritime Knowledge Hub will provide a focal point for maritime research and development, education, and business support. The Hub will feature a start-up space for businesses, an offshore survival and marine simulation centre, and a facility to help companies design, test and build products or services.

The Hub has been developed through a partnership of private, public and academic organisations including Mersey Maritime, Liverpool John Moores University, Wirral Council and the Peel Group. The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership is also supporting the Hub.

The £300 million deep water container terminal, Liverpool2, is scheduled to open later this year. The terminal has been designed to provide a berth for deep sea container vessels, presenting an opportunity for significant growth in freight entering the north-west, underlying the importance of the maritime sector in the region.

Source: GovUK