GPH and Peel Ports celebrate Queen Anne’s arrival in Liverpool

The Cunard ship was named in the city amid a day of festivities to mark the occasion. It was the first major arrival since GPH signed a 50-year agreement in April with Peel Ports Group’s subsidiary, The Mersey Docks And Harbour Company, to operate services at Liverpool Cruise Port. Subject to the granting of appropriate permits and licenses, GPH plans to invest up to £25m in the port’s infrastructure.

Liverpool Port Director Phil Hall and representatives from GPH and Liverpool City Council were on hand to present the captain of the ship with a commemorative plaque, and vice versa. 

The UK’s first GPH port 

‘We’re delighted to welcome Queen Anne to its spiritual home here in Liverpool,’ said GPH’s COO Stephen Xuereb. ‘When we added Liverpool Cruise Port to our network, our first cruise port here in the UK, we set out our ambition to further elevate the cruise experience in the city.’

He continued, ‘Crucially, we want to continue developing Liverpool as a thriving destination for the cruise industry, and the arrival of Cunard’s majestic new vessel is a significant milestone for us as we embark on our first foray in the UK.’

A momentous occasion 

David Huck, COO, Peel Ports Group, said, ‘We’re really proud to see GPH begin their tenure at the Port of Liverpool with such a significant occasion, as we welcome this incredible ship to our city. As the Statutory Harbour Authority for the Port of Liverpool, we’re honoured to see Queen Anne navigating safely through our waters, further showcasing the port’s capabilities and cementing its position as one of the must-visit destinations around the world.’

Liverpool welcomed 102 cruise ships and over 186,000 passengers last year, with this set to increase to over 200,000 passengers this year and exceed 400,000 per annum following GPH’s investment in the port’s infrastructure. 

Huck added, ‘Marking the start of the cruise season with such a landmark moment, we wish Queen Anne a successful maiden voyage, as we prepare and look forward to welcoming many more major vessels in the future.’