Shipping line grows with Downing

NYK Line has doubled the size of its office in the Port of Liverpool Building to 4,400 sq ft.

The shipping line, which employs 50,000 people around the world – 29 in Liverpool – and operates 770 ships, has moved into the refurbished former headquarters of the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board.

NYK will use the office for its UK centre for export customer services and inside sales.

John Webb, NYK Group Europe senior director, said: "We are delighted to be expanding our operations in a city and a building with such a fine maritime heritage. The Mersey Partnership and Liverpool Vision have provided valuable support to us throughout the project, ensuring we have been able to consolidate our presence in Liverpool."

Lorraine Rogers, chief executive of inward investment agency The Mersey Partnership, which assisted NYK, said: "NYK is one of the world's leading maritime companies and their decision to invest in Liverpool rather than expand existing operations in other parts of the UK underlines the cost-competitiveness of the city region, the availability of specialist skills and the overall strength and depth of our maritime sector."

Robin Ellis, senior agency surveyor at Downing, said: "NYK is a long term tenant of ours and we are delighted to accommodate the company's growth within the Port of Liverpool Building. As one of the world's leading shipping and logistics companies, this expansion represents a major vote of confidence in Liverpool."

The project required full listed building consent due to the particularly ornate nature of the suite's features. The vaulted ceiling was restored, a new breakout space created and the suite linked to the building's new, more sustainable heating and cooling system.

Knight Frank and CB Richard Ellis advised Downing.