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New maritime gateway on River Thames to be operational in spring 2020 and deliver much needed port capacity, says Forth Ports Group.
The Port of Tilbury has received development consent from the UK’s Secretary of State for Transport to build Tilbury2 – a new multi-million pound port terminal adjacent to the current site in Thurrock, on the outskirts of Greater London.
Owner, Forth Ports Group, said construction is scheduled to commence in a matter of weeks, with the new maritime facility on the River Thames set to enter service in spring 2020.
It underlined that expansion was essential for the Port of Tilbury to cope with rising demand for construction materials and aggregates from Britain’s construction sector, imported and exported cars, as well as an increase in commercial ferry traffic, which carries consumer goods, perishables (food and drinsk) and steel between Europe and the UK.
Commenting on the go ahead for the new development, Forth Ports Group’s CEO, Charles Hammond, said: “This is great news for the UK at a time when the country needs its ports more than ever before. Tilbury2 will to support businesses importing and exporting to and from Europe and the rest of the world.
“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”.
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 £200 million.
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; a facility for importing, processing, manufacturing and distributing construction materials; strategic rail terminal which can accommodate the longest freight trains (up to 775 metres) and storage areas for a variety of goods, including exported and imported cars, as well as having AEO-trusted trader status.
Tilbury2 is central to the Port of Tilbury’s £1billion investment programme during 2012-2020, Forth Ports Group noting that the port has doubled the size of its business in the past 10 years and is projected to double the volume of cargo across the quay (from 16 million to 32 million tonnes) and increase direct employment (from 3,500 to 12,000 jobs) over the next 10-15 years.
Hammond added: “By 2020, £1billion 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.”
Source: Lloyd’s
