The UK’s Port of Tilbury has received development consent from the country’s government to build Tilbury2 – a new multimillion pound port terminal adjacent to the current 930-acre site in Thurrock, on the outskirts of Greater London.
With construction scheduled to commence in a few weeks, the privately funded port, Tilbury2, will be built on a site covering in excess of 150 acres, which was part of the location of the former Tilbury Power Station.
“This is great news for the UK at a time when the country needs its ports more than ever before. Tilbury2 will deliver much needed port capacity to support businesses importing and exporting to and from Europe and the rest of the world,” Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports Group, said.
“The terminal will be fit-for-purpose for the UK’s departure from the European Union, utilising the latest technology and streamlined border processes, in support of continued market demand created by business growth .”
We’ve had some very exciting news today as our plans for a new port in London, Tilbury2 get the go ahead. #ThePortofTilbury #Tilbury2 #FreightHub #ConstructionHub : https://t.co/sal3Hv0I0G https://t.co/YT9bT7po4Y pic.twitter.com/cshvZUNaCt
— Forth Ports (@forthports) February 20, 2019
When operational in Spring 2020, Tilbury2 will be the UK’s largest unaccompanied ferry port and the country’s biggest construction processing hub, with AEO-trusted trader status.
Construction of the port, which will include a new rail and road connection, deep water jetty and pontoon, will bring the project cost to in excess of GBP 200 million (USD 260.7 million). The tender process for a contractor to complete this build has been completed and an announcement will be made shortly, Forth Ports Group said.
Tilbury2 will comprise a roll on/roll off ferry terminal for importing and exporting containers and trailers to northern Europe, in partnership with P&O Ferries. In addition, it will comprise a facility for importing, processing, manufacturing and distributing construction materials, a strategic rail terminal which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775m and storage areas for a variety of goods, including exported and imported cars.
“By 2020, GBP 1 billion will have been invested in Tilbury’s expansion plans, including Tilbury2 and the 55-acre London Development Park, with the full backing of our shareholders,” Hammond added.