Could Liverpool make a home for the tall ships?

Jun 29 2008 by Peter Elson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE tall ships presence in Liverpool must be the cue for reviving use of the city centre docks by big vessels.

Canning and Salthouse Docks should become “the vestibule for Liverpool”, says maritime historian Patrick Moran.

“They are the main windjammer docks, from the great days of sail and their restoration into full use would bring big ship action back into the city centre,” he says.

“It would be visually a vast improvement to see big sailing ships from the Strand and also remind citizens and visitors why our city exists.

“When Canning Dock was refurbished the sill of its river lock was raised two metres, which restricts the draft of ships able to get in.

“It also limits the time-frame in which ships can move between the river and dock.”

Canning Dock's refurbishment involved replacing its original side-opening leaf gates into the river with a ‘flop-down’ gate, which sits two metres proud on the dock floor when lowered.

“Also, the movable bridge between Canning and Salthouse Docks was filled in with a solid road and slipway,” says Patrick.

“This makes Salthouse unusable by anything other than the smallest boats and the Yellow Duckmarine.

“These are very simple alterations, which could bring future big sailing ships events entirely into the city centre.”