Port of Tilbury Gets Expansion Approval For Site With Container Operations

Plans to expand the Port of Tilbury have been approved with the 58-hectare development of Tilbury3 (T3) marking a major next step in transforming the port into one of the UK’s most strategically connected, high-capacity multi-modal freight hubs.

Image: Forth Ports

With work expected to start later this year, T3 will be used for container operations, general industrial storage, warehousing, processing, and vehicle storage. It aims to become operational by 2030.

The new site will be developed as a flexible, road and rail-connected port capable of accommodating a wide range of industrial and logistics activities. 

The expansion responds to growing market demand and will enable Tilbury to offer customers scalable solutions, according to a press release from owner Forth Ports.

As part of the Thames Freeport, Forth Ports said Tilbury3 will benefit from tax-site incentives designed to attract new investment and support the long-term growth of trade across the region. 

This complements Tilbury’s existing strengths in bulk materials, Ro-Ro, automotive, and containerised cargo, while expanding capacity to meet customer growth requirements.

Recognising Tilbury’s strategic location serving London and the Southeast, the newly approved expansion includes the construction of a new rail terminal, and in the future, a connection onto the Lower Thames Crossing.

T3 will be sited to the east of the existing Port of Tilbury and Tilbury 2 which facilitates food, including fresh produce, drink, medicines, and car trade with Europe.

Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said the approval marks an important milestone in the long-term investment strategy for the Port of Tilbury.

“The Tilbury3 development is located adjacent to the Lower Thames Crossing northern tunnel junction, with Tilbury becoming one of the best road, rail and sea connected ports in the UK,” Wallace commented. 

“Tilbury3 unlocks the next phase of sustainable growth across our operations, enabling us to expand capacity, meet the needs of our customers and create new market opportunities.”

The development of T3 represents a significant step in supporting customers’ growth ambitions and strengthening Tilbury’s role as one of the UK’s best-connected ports, added David Webster, Regional Director of Port of Tilbury. 

“The additional capacity, flexible land use and Freeport advantages will allow us to respond to growing market demand and deliver scalable, multi-modal solutions for our customers,” Webster noted.