ABP to invest £4.5m following Garston deal

Associated British Ports has completed the acquisition of 230,000 sqft of covered and nine acres of uncovered storage from shipping company Armitt at the Port of Garston.

The expansion project has resulted in ABP providing sole vessel discharge, stevedoring and storage services to its customers at the port, the operator said.

Port operating giant ABP added that it will invest more than £4.5m to enhance the facilities, providing additional bulk and breakbulk storage facilities.

As part of the agreement, Armitt Group will continue to provide vessel agency services, cargo management and outbound logistics for some customers in Garston.

Andrew Harston, a regional director for with ABP, said: “This agreement marks an exciting milestone for the Port of Garston as it streamlines the services provided by both businesses in order to provide a better experience for customers.

“We look forward to continuing to work together in future, so that we can pursue our business growth strategy for the Port of Garston and contribute positively to the region’s economy.”

Although junior to Peel Ports’ Port of Liverpool operation, the Garston site handles around 500,000 tonnes of cargo a year, and is included within the Liverpool City Region freeport created by the Government in March’s Budget as one of eight sites chosen for a flagship policy to unlock investment through simplified lanning and lower taxes.