The massive storage depot will supply a biomass power station planned at the port.

Operators of the port say the project is likely to be split into two phases with construction of phase one estimated to cost around £60m to store up to 100,000 tonnes of wood pellets.

The scope of the full ‘Biomass Import and Storage and Outloading to Rail’ project is expected to come in at an expected cost of £150m and create facilities to ultimately store up 350,000 tonnes of wood.

It is planned as a designa and build contract and will include supply and installation the train and road transport loading facilities equipment. Also included will be, all required control and automation systems, all fire detection and suppression systems.

The new facility is expected to be built at Alexandra Dock 3 at the site of an old grain terminal to supply a nearby power station.

Mersey Docks and Harbour Company is working to a tight timetable with PQQs dues inb y 26 April for a contract to be signed at the end of June. The project is due to complete in September 2014.

Contact. Richard Woosnam tel: 01519496000 or email: [email protected]