Record-breaking ship retires after three decades serving the Port of Liverpool

The Port of Liverpool has bid farewell to its longest-serving vessel, the Yeoman Bank, after it made its final call at the port earlier this week.

Holcim UK’s self-discharging bulk carrier has delivered more cargo to the Port of Liverpool – which is owned and operated by Peel Ports Group – than any other ship in history.

It has made a total of 195 calls to the port’s Royal Seaforth Dock since 1991, transporting nearly 7 million tonnes of granite aggregate in that time.

Supplied by Glensanda quarry in Oban, Scotland, the cargo delivered by the vessel has supported several major infrastructure projects across the UK, including the construction of Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport.

The vessel has played a critical role in the success of Peel Ports Group’s “virtual quarry” at the Port of Liverpool, where cargo is discharged via overhead conveyors without the need for intermediate handling.

Originally built in Greece in the 1970s, the vessel was relaunched and converted in Norway before entering service with Foster Yeoman in 1991. It has served Liverpool almost exclusively ever since.

Phil Hall, Port Director for Mersey Ports at Peel Ports Group, said: “The Yeoman Bank has been a true workhorse and a constant presence at the Port of Liverpool over the last three decades. Its final sailing really is the end of an era.

“The ship has played a role in the construction of everything from roads to runways, while supporting one of our longest-standing commercial relationships. Its legacy extends beyond its tonnage – it is a great example of how long-term collaboration helps deliver reliable, efficient supply chains.”

Simon Turk, Holcim UK Marine Logistics Director said: “The Yeoman Bank has been more than just a vessel; it has played a vital role in our supply chain for over three decades. Its consistent service into the Port of Liverpool has supported the delivery of construction materials to some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects.”

“We recognise the importance of long-term, strategic relationships in enabling this success, and we appreciate the role that Peel Ports Group has played in that journey. As we look to the future, we remain focused on working collaboratively to support sustainable and efficient integrated logistics solutions.”