Maersk chooses Liverpool for HQ

Liverpool is to become the headquarters for international shipping business Maersk Line UK & Ireland, part of the Global Fortune 500 A.P. Moller – Maersk Group which employs more than 117,000 people in around 130 countries across the globe. The move will create new roles in an expansion of the company’s existing operation in the city. Other A.P. Moller – Maersk Group entities are not affected by the move.

City Region partners including The Mersey Partnership, Liverpool Vision and the Northwest Regional Development Agency have worked together to secure the move by Maersk Line. It will mean departing the company’s existing UK headquarters in London.

The firm’s decision to expand in Liverpool is partly based on the competitive costs associated with locating and operating in the city and its connectivity.

Maersk and TMP have previously worked together on a project that saw the company create new jobs at its Liverpool base in June 2006. The company is currently based at The Plaza in Old Hall Street. Maersk’s positive experience of operating in Liverpool contributed significantly to its decision.

Lorraine Rogers, Chief Executive of The Mersey Partnership, said: “This is a very significant win for Liverpool City Region. In the prevailing economic conditions operating costs are critical to every firm and as Maersk have seen there is a distinct business advantage to be gained by locating in Liverpool. We are delighted that they have chosen to make Liverpool their UK headquarters, and will continue to work with them to further facilitate their move.”

Maersk Line UK & Ireland Managing Director, Doug Bannister said: “The welcome we have received from Liverpool and its City Region partners has been inspiring. It is an exciting opportunity for our business as well as the local community and we are looking forward to establishing our head office in Liverpool particularly given the city’s long maritime history.”

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of NWDA said: “This is excellent news for Liverpool City Region and the Northwest. Foreign Direct Investment is extremely valuable to our economy, according to a recent study this type of investment can generate almost 50% more GVA per worker to our economy. Bringing a world famous shipping HQ to Liverpool shows just how far the City has come in recent years.”

Jim Gill, chief executive, Liverpool Vision said: “Liverpool’s commercial district provides the quality environment that matches the international ambitions of a company such as Maersk. The fact that the company has chosen to expand its Liverpool operation is testament to the quality skills that the city can offer, as well as the mood of confidence that persists here despite difficult economic times.”

Councillor Warren Bradley; Leader of Liverpool City Council; said: “This is a tremendous vote of confidence in the city. Liverpool has an unrivalled maritime heritage so it is fantastic news that a major shipping firm has chosen to locate their headquarters here.”