Preparations are now underway for Cunard Line’s Three Queens to visit the Liverpool cruise terminal.
To ensure the event runs smoothly, a number of choreographed ship movements are being examined at Liverpool Pilot Service headquarters in Birkenhead.
It is expected that around a million people will be there to view the arrival of the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth vessels on May 25th next year. The three ships will commemorate the 175th anniversary of Cunard being founded in 1840.
The event will be spread along the river, starting from the north of Crosby to Albert Dock and Woodside. In order for the Three Queens to pass through this route successfully, comprehensive planning is needed.
Cunard Commodore Christopher Rynd, the Port of Liverpool harbour master Captain Stephen Gallimore and Liverpool Pilots Service chair and events river pilot Chris Booker are all working on a complicated marine plan to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Cunard’s Commodore Christopher Rynd said: “With the unique backdrop of Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront and the capacity on both sides of the Mersey to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators, I believe this will be a most spectacular gathering of the Three Queens.
“I am excited by the prospect of bringing the Fleet to its spiritual home and I am impressed by the level of engagement and collaboration between the partners involved to make it all possible.”
Captain Gallimore believes the event will create a “striking and lasting impression” for spectators.
He noted that the navigation of the Cunard Queens in the Mersey will be “challenging”, meaning effective planning and co-ordination of the event is “essential”.
Mr Booker also believes the event will be a “once in a lifetime experience” and said spectators should expect an “exciting performance on the day”.
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