Mersey Shipping Since 2000

The Mersey Docks & Harbour Board was created in 1858. By 2000 new facilities were being developed for the grain and timber trades. The scrap-metal trade took over many of the old berths and a new steel terminal was opened. Roll-on/roll-off cargo to Ireland rose by a third in 2000, a new river terminal was built and new ferries were introduced. Specialist ships are employed on the new business and a cruise terminal was opened in 2008, which can accommodate the largest vessels to enter the Mersey. The River Mersey now welcomes every type of ship trading around the world, including dry-cargo, bulkers, oil tankers, tugs, coastal vessels, cruise ships and vessels arriving at Cammell Laird for annual overhaul, repair or conversion. This book describes the decline in areas of trade with the consequent loss of traditional ships and the development of new business and ships specially designed and equipped to deal with the changing pattern of trade across the world.