Royal launch for Wirral maritime college

Apr 18 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Rigbys pub in Liverpool

PRINCE Andrew yesterday unveiled the new name of a college which aims to “place Merseyside at the centre of the world’s maritime industry”.

His Royal Highness, The Duke of York, travelled to Birkenhead in Wirral where he met staff and students at what was formerly the Laird Foundation.

The organisation recently became part of Mersey Maritime, and the prince unveiled a plaque marking its change to “The Maritime and Engineering College North West”.

Earlier The Duke, in his capacity as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, commended Jaguar Land Rover on their impressive export record.

During a visit to the Halewood plant the Duke of York said how pleased he was that Jaguar and Land Rover are experiencing such success overseas.

And he also took time later in the day to visit young members of the City of Liverpool Sea Cadet Unit in Cranmer Street off Scotland Road.

The Maritime and Engineering college has been given a £1.75m training package designed to make Merseyside a global leader in maritime training – and is the first of its kind to be seen in Europe.

It is supported by Wirral Council and the North West Development Agency along with European funding, and works with hundreds of local maritime-based firms.

Jim Teasdale, chief executive of Mersey Maritime, welcomed the prince’s visit to the site which he said “firmly places Merseyside at the centre of the world’s maritime industry”.

He said: “It will not only bring quality and efficiency benefits to maritime businesses on Merseyside, but will also appeal the global market.”

liammurphy