Liverpool Bulk Liquids embarked on a seriously challenging enterprise in 2009 to move a complete oil terminal, lock stock & barrel across the River Mersey, a process that has taken three years in its planning and execution.

As explained by Managing Director, Paul Maxwell, this was not for the faint hearted. “The sheer logistical challenge of moving very large tanks fifty feet in diameter by thirty feet high would have been enough for one of the major storage operators, but for us with just myself and our small team it was exceptionally difficult. Fortunately I have extensive experience in the movement of out of gauge cargo going back to my shipbroker days so in the end the project completed on time and on budget, moving 35 tanks in 6 barge trips, with the final load arriving in January 2012”.

The business plan that underpinned the venture stems from the shortage of bulk liquid storage space in the Mersey, as Mr. Maxwell explains. “We had as a Port lost various facilities over the years that did not get replaced and the time had come to invest in infrastructure again. The three recent vessels have contributed £150,000 in income that simply would not have come to the Port if we hadn’t done this. We have thus demonstrated that investment in Port Infrastructure can pay off handsomely and this is why we are behind Peel Ports one hundred percent in their forthcoming plans to invest on a much larger scale in the Port.

In fact we would recommend companies to follow our lead in all of the different cargo handling sectors. Infrastructure creates opportunities for us and our customers alike with our investment bringing money into the local economy that wasn’t there before and this money equals jobs and prosperity”.

The terminal at Liverpool is located at West Langton Dock and has increased fourfold in size from 6,000 tonnes capacity in 2010 to 25,000 tonnes capacity now. The company believes they have a market advantage due to two main reasons. “We did not have to over extend our financing to do this.” Mr. Maxwell explains. “Refurbishing tanks is far cheaper than new building, in fact the quality of the workmanship of the older tanks is quite stunning, we reckon we have completed the project for 40% of the cost of new build”. “We have also designed the terminal to function better than most, which will help with things like loading times for road tankers and environmental impact”.

LBL have invested approximately £1.5 million on their terminal in the last three years and plan to handle as diverse a range of bulk liquids as possible. With 43 tanks of varying sizes, including heated & insulated tanks all linked to deep water tanker facilities, business prospects look extremely good indeed.