Port of Tilbury Plans Major Expansion with T3 Project
The Port of Tilbury, operated by Forth Ports near London in the UK, has unveiled ambitious plans for a significant expansion known as T3. This expansion project aims to increase the port’s land area by nearly 10%, solidifying its position as the largest multi-modal port in the South East region.
Recently, initial concepts for the expansion were submitted to Thurrock Council, the local government body, and made public. The proposed expansion is expected to create job opportunities and bolster trade activities in the Greater London and South East area. With an annual cargo handling capacity of over 16 million tons valued at £8.7 billion ($11.5 billion), the Port of Tilbury plays a crucial role in handling various types of cargo such as Ro-Ro, containers, forest products, grain, bulk commodities, and even cruises.
Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is an exciting time for the Port of Tilbury as we submit our plans for Tilbury3, which form part of our growth investment strategy to expand our operations in support of our customers’ growth markets in renewable power, recycling, and logistics.”
Expansion Plans and Development
The T3 expansion project will involve the development of a 100-acre brownfield site located east of the existing port facilities, adjacent to the previously developed T2 expansion. The brownfield site, formerly part of the old Tilbury Power Station, will be repurposed to accommodate various activities including industrial storage, warehousing, processing facilities, construction material and aggregate terminals, container handling and storage areas, and vehicle storage. Additionally, the expanded port will benefit from being part of the Thames Freeport, offering tax site incentives to attract investment, trade, and job opportunities to the region.
Notably, the Port of Tilbury successfully completed the T2 expansion in 2020, which included a new terminal on a 152-acre site that was also part of the former power station. T2 serves as a satellite to the main port, hosting a Ro-Ro ferry terminal, construction and aggregate terminals, and is supported by new rail and road connections. The proximity of the T3 expansion to T2 will allow for efficient utilization of existing infrastructure, enhancing overall operational capabilities.
Timeline and Future Prospects
Following the submission of initial plans to Thurrock Council, detailed planning for the T3 expansion will commence, with a phased approach to construction expected to begin in 2026. The goal is to have the expanded facilities fully operational by 2030, further solidifying the Port of Tilbury’s position as a key hub for trade and logistics in the region.
With the T3 expansion project, the Port of Tilbury is poised to meet the growing demands of its customers and support the evolving needs of various industries, contributing to the economic growth and vitality of the Greater London and South East area.