£4m docks refurb complete
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RUNCORN Docks have fully reopened after a £4m refurbishment completed by Peel Ports Group.
The company has been working with civil engineers McLaughlin And Harvey over the last 14 months to reinstate and upgrade two of its four berths, one of which had been shut in January 2017.
Peel Ports said berths seven to nine are now fully open, meaning the docks – on the Manchester Ship Canal – can accommodate more vessels, reducing congestion on the River Mersey and offer more flexibility to clients.
Cargo ship Mia Sophie B became the first craft to arrive at the redeveloped site last Saturday, October 20.
Peel said the dock is expected to handle 200 vessels and year.
Other features include extra load-bearing capacity that can allow access for more cranes and specialist handling equipment such as the Liebherr LHM 180 to support the transportation of heavier cargo.
A Peel Ports spokesman said Runcorn Docks is more than 100 years old and now undergoing continual upgrades so state-ofthe-art facilities are available.
He said plans are under way to redevelop the port’s storage areas in the next two-to-five years.
Dredging is scheduled to take place at the docks to allow for larger vessels and for cargo to be moved more quickly.
Lance Weissenborn, Peel Ports Liverpool operations director, said: “The arrival of cargo vessel Mia Sophie B marks a significant milestone at Runcorn Docks as it fully reopens for business following 14-months of construction to stabilise and rebuild the dock wall.
“The dock was limited to half its previous width as safety measures were implemented, but the reconstructed berths have now reopened and returned to full capacity.
“The design and construction of the works has followed industry standards and have been subject to detailed review and testing, with the strengthened dock wall enhancing our ability to accommodate vessels with heavier loads.
He added: “The latest works at Runcorn Docks represent our continued investment into Manchester Ship Canal and we will continue to upgrade our facilities to offer our customers the most efficient and cost-effective port solutions.”