The Mersey Docks & Harbour Board was created in 1858, becoming a limited company in 1972. There followed a programme of investment in the facilities to be completed and the building of a new dock and terminals at Seaforth, Liverpool and Birkenhead. The carriage of goods in containers changed the way cargo was carried and the type and design of ships using ports around the world. By 2000 new facilities were being developed for the grain and timber trades. The scrap-metal trade took over many of the old berths and a new steel terminal was opened. The year 2000 was a time of transition for the port and the type of ships required to carry cargo and passengers. Roll-on/roll-off cargo to Ireland rose by a third in 2000, a new river terminal was built and new ferries were introduced. Specialist ships are employed on the new business and a cruise terminal was opened in 2008, which can accommodate the largest vessels to enter the Mersey. The River Mersey now welcomes every type of ship trading around the world, including dry-cargo, bulkers, oil tankers, tugs, coastal vessels, cruise ships and vessels arriving at Cammell Laird for annual overhaul, repair or conversion.

Through a selection of fascinating images, Ian Collard explores the decline in areas of trade, consequent loss of traditional ships and the development of new business and ships specially designed and equipped to deal with the changing pattern of trade across the world.