The Superport concept is separate to the plans, currently on ice, to develop a post-Panamax facility – capable of receiving the biggest ships in the world – at the Port of Liverpool, owned by Peel.

The idea stems around selling the advantages of Liverpool against competitors like Southampton and Felixstowe. Liverpool is currently the fourth largest port in Britain with 8.4% of market share.

Almost 15m people also live within just a two-hour drive.

But despite that, 60% of the goods coming out of Felixstowe and Southampton are destined for locations north of the Midlands, said Mr Basnett.

He also pointed to research showing the average cost of using those two ports is about £550 per container, while Liverpool is about £200 cheaper.

Mr Basnett said the advantages of Liverpool are “compelling”.

He added: “We are on the cusp on something very significant. This is not just about the growth of the port but the growth of the wider community.”

He said the predicted growth was not dependent on Peel going ahead with the post-Panamax development.

Mr Basnett said: “It will be great to have post-Panamax, but we are not dependent on it. It is about timing and the market. It is a judgement call for them.”