Tarmac has partnered with the Port of Tilbury to create what they describe as “the UK’s largest construction materials aggregates terminal” at Tilbury2, the new port being constructed on the north bank of the River Thames.

The work will see the creation of new aggregate processing and manufacturing facilities, including an asphalt and ready mix concrete plant, at the new port terminal, supported by the terminal’s deep sea capacity for vessels up to 100,000 metric tonnes.  

Its riverside location will enable the easy import of raw materials and facilitate the use of the River Thames as a delivery route for processed construction materials into central London.

Martin Riley, senior vice president of Tarmac, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Forth Ports on this project. It demonstrates our firm commitment to the development of industry leading infrastructure to support the delivery of the UK’s long-term built environment ambitions.”

In February 2019, Forth Ports, owner of The Port of Tilbury, obtained approval under a development consent order (DCO) from the planning inspectorate to build a new terminal adjacent to its current port in Thurrock. The new privately funded port is being built on a 152-acre site and it is envisaged that Tilbury2 will act as a satellite of the main port, comprising a:

• Roll on/roll off ferry terminal for importing and exporting containers and trailers;
• Construction Materials and Aggregate Terminal (CMAT) for importing, processing, manufacturing and distributing construction materials;
• New nationally strategic rail and road connection into the site.

Tarmac’s Mark Wood, managing director, materials south, said: “This development will ensure the long-term security of aggregate supplies into London and the south east, allowing us to support vital construction projects while using alternative transportation methods for the movement of materials, taking vehicles off the congested roads around the capital and using the Thames as a means of importing aggregates and other bulk materials into London.”

Charles Hammond, chief executive of Forth Ports, owners of the Port of Tilbury, said: “Our investment in the development of Tilbury2 is essential for the Port of Tilbury to accommodate the growing demand from our customers. This announcement sees the creation of the country’s biggest construction materials processing hub in partnership with Tarmac, and is a valued addition to the broad range of partnerships we have right across our Tilbury facility.”

Peter Ward, commercial director at the Port of Tilbury, said: “We look forward to welcoming Tarmac to Tilbury2 when the facility opens in 2020. The port’s deep sea capacity for vessels up to 100,000 tonnes positions it uniquely to service Tarmac’s planned on-site aggregate processing and manufacturing facilities. Tarmac’s location within Tilbury2 will ensure that the construction industry in London and the south-east can have fast access to the materials they require.”

It is envisaged the joint development of the site by the Port of Tilbury and Tarmac will take place through late 2019, to establish most operations by the end of 2020.