Planning consent has been secured for a new 24-hour refuelling facility for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) at the Port of Liverpool.

The investment, resulting from a partnership between port operator Peel Ports and independent distributor Certas Energy, will see the construction of a large refuelling bunker able to house up to eight HGVs at any given time.

With the greenlight in place, groundworks and construction will begin shortly.

The facility will be located at the entrance to the Royal Seaforth Container Terminal and feature high-speed pumps combined with advanced data collection, fuel monitoring equipment and filtration systems.

Situated next to the newly created Liverpool2 deep-water container terminal, which forms part of Peel’s £750m investment plan across the North West, the refuelling bunker will aim to improve convenience for existing port users by eliminating the need for drivers to refuel off route.

The director of Certas Energy, Paul Williams, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Certas Energy and we are really pleased to be working with Peel Ports Group on this development.

“Our long-term lease not only demonstrates our continued investment to expanding our national refuelling network, but also highlights our commitment to supporting the continued economic development of the city of Liverpool.“

Peel Ports Group’s port director, David Huck, commented: “This new facility will add value to our customers and provide a convenient and cost-effective location for HGV drivers to refuel their vehicles.

“Planning permission is a key milestone and we look forward to working with Certas Energy to provide a convenient new service to our port users.“

The HGV refuelling bunker will open in early 2017.