The UK’s Port of Tilbury has received green light 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. The construction operations are projected to begin in a few weeks. 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.
Specifically, when the construction begins, Tilbury2 will be built on an area that covers the excess of 150 acres, which on the past was the location of the former Tilbury Power Station.
According to Forth Ports’ statement, the expansion is of a big importance for the efficient operation of the port, as it needs 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 drink) and steel between Europe and the UK.
Tilbury2 will provide:
- A ro-ro ferry terminal for importing and exporting containers and trailers to northern Europe, collaborating with P&O ferries;
- A facility for importing, processing, manufacturing and distributing construction materials;
- A strategic rail terminal which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775m;
- Storage sectors for a diversity of goods, including exported and imported cars.
In addition, the construction of the port, 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.
Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports Group, reported
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.
Finally, the new terminal will be fit-for-purpose for the UK’s departure from the European Union as it will acquire state-of-the-art technology.
