Port of Tilbury expansion approved

Port of Tilbury expansion approved

Plans to expand the Port of Tilbury with a new 143 acre flexible, rail-connected port have been approved.

On Wednesday 25 February, Thurrock Council approved outline planning consent for the development of Tilbury3 (T3),.

Once operational, the new port will be able to accommodate a wide range of industrial and logistics uses.

The consent is for general industrial storage, container operations, warehousing, processing and vehicle storage, alongside the handling of construction materials and aggregates.

The development is expected to deliver £600 million in national gross value annually, including £400 million locally, and support 11,000 jobs.

T3 will have direct strategic rail and road connections, including a connection onto the Lower Thames Crossing in the future. The site will also benefit from tax incentives due to its designation as part of the Thames Freeport.

Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said: “This approval marks an important milestone in our long-term investment strategy for the Port of Tilbury, recognising its strategic location serving London and the Southeast. 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.

“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 will support existing jobs, create new employment and deliver long‐term economic value, while our habitat creation plans will ensure we continue to protect and enhance the area’s natural environment.”