The Secretary of State for Transport gave the go-ahead today with construction scheduled to start in a few weeks.
Costing in excess of £200 million, it will be privately funded and be built on a site covering more than 150 acres on the location of the former Tilbury Power Station.
The plan is to have it operational in Spring 2020 when it will be the UK’s largest unaccompanied ferry port and the country’s biggest construction processing hub.
It is being driven by the need to keep up with the rising demand for construction materials, imported and exported cars along with commercial ferry traffic between the UK and Europe.
The project will include new rail and road connections and a deep water jetty and pontoon.
Charles Hammond, the CEO of Forth Ports Group which owns the Port of Tilbury, said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
An announcement will be made shortly on the tender process for the constructor.
Tags: Thurrock, Tilbury