Liverpool-based Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator, has announced big investments in the Eastfloat Terminal at Birkenhead Port and at its Great Yarmouth site.

Eastfloat Terminal at Birkenhead Port is to be revitalised by a £10 million redevelopment, strengthening the Mersey region’s critical maritime and logistics infrastructure.

Eastfloat Terminal at Birkenhead will be completely redeveloped, creating around 300,000 sq ft of indoor and 160,000 sq ft of outdoor storage capacity.

Peel Ports has also announced a fresh £10 million investment into its Great Yarmouth site, which is being repositioned as the Port of East Anglia.

The newly announced Great Yarmouth plan brings this year’s total investment to £70 million across the site and will be used to redevelop the port’s Northern Terminal, helping to accommodate the next generation of major offshore wind projects across the region.

The Birkenhead terminal, now under the ownership of Peel Ports Group, will continue to be operated by Peel Ports Logistics, the group’s dedicated logistics division, ensuring a seamless, end-to-end service for customers.

“In close proximity to the Port of Liverpool, which is just 7km away and also owned by the port operator, the Terminal will serve markets across the UK and overseas,” said Peel Ports.

“The upgraded facility will handle a diverse range of cargoes, including bulk, steel, timber, containerised cargo, heavy lift, project cargo, and renewables and offshore equipment. A dedicated container handling and devanning operation, offering both indoor and outdoor storage, is already in place.

“Operations will be supported by a dedicated on-site logistics division, providing a complete service offering from vessel chartering right through to final delivery by road.

“Investment in new plant and machinery for the Terminal is also well underway – including the installation of a new Liebherr 180 crane – and development opportunities are being explored across the site, including the potential for two cement silos with a total capacity of 14,000 mt.”

Seb Gardiner, Managing Director, Peel Ports Logistics said: “This investment reflects our commitment to bringing the Eastfloat Terminal back to life – we are both restoring its heritage and transforming it into a vibrant, modern logistics hub.

“The Mersey region is firmly at the heart of UK trade, and restoring Eastfloat will allow us to keep meeting the demands of the most complex and challenging cargo movements.”

On Great Yarmouth, Peel Ports added: “Recognising Great Yarmouth’s long-standing role in supporting major offshore wind projects, the announcement follows Peel Ports Group’s commitment to invest millions into its operations to increase capabilities at the site.

“Earlier this year, a substantial investment into its Southern Terminal was announced by the Group, which has earmarked £60M to transform capacity and improve efficiencies.

“This involves ensuring the port can support multiple hydrogen, carbon capture, offshore wind and nuclear energy projects for decades to come.

“The site is home to one of the deepest non-tidally restricted facilities on the UK’s east coast. Its existing terminals service a variety of construction customers, including major infrastructure projects such as Sizewell C and offshore energy projects based in the southern North Sea.

“The new name also aligns with the creation of a new combined authority for Suffolk and Norfolk, which was announced earlier this month. It will come into effect in early 2026.”

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group, said: “It’s fantastic to finally launch The Port of East Anglia and commit additional investment to enhance its operations. We see this change as a reflection of our confidence in the wider region, as well as our long-term commitment to supporting the area’s growth.

“Great Yarmouth has – and continues to – play a crucial role in the UK’s energy transition and we’ve committed so much investment into the site to ensure we can deliver what is needed. We want to improve capabilities to ensure the town remains at the forefront of the energy sector for generations to come.”