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Cruise ships are set to be given permission to begin and end their voyages at Liverpool in a move that will also be positive for bunker sales volumes.

The UK's Department For Transport is expected to issue a ministerial statement confirming that the UK port has been given "turnaround status" for its cruise liner terminal.

Currently, cruise vessels are only allowed 'stop-offs' at Liverpool. The city was allowed to build a cruise terminal in 2007 with public funding as part of its Pier Head redevelopment on the condition that it was only used for cruise stop-offs, not turnarounds.

Councillors in Liverpool have mounted long-running campaigns to change the port's status, arguing that a lack of turnaround status was a restraint of trade that could cost the region of Merseyside up to GBP 100 million per year.

Commenting on the news that Liverpool had been given turnaround status, Chancellor George Osborne, said: "As a North West MP, I have heard and seen how important this issue is and I am glad the government has delivered for Liverpool.

"I am pleased that the decision will allow cruises to start and finish in the City's port. I look forward to new jobs and investment, along with liners on the Mersey."

Earlier this year, construction work began on a temporary baggage and customs building, which would allow cruises to start and end in Liverpool.

The building work followed Liverpool City Council's agreement to pay back GBO 9 million in government grants for the construction of its existing terminal, after rival port Southampton claimed it was unfair for the city to use public money to compete in the cruise liner market.