Tarmac has committed to a 25-year partnership with the Port of Tilbury, London’s fastest-growing port, to build the UK’s largest construction materials aggregates terminal.

The long-term agreement follows a £250m investment made by Forth Ports at Tilbury2, the UK’s newest port. The facility is a purpose-built aggregate processing and manufacturing facility, strategically located to serve London and the south-east, with multimodal connectivity.

The terminal will use the very latest technology and be capable of discharging the world’s largest deep-sea vessels. The riverside location combined with a dedicated railhead means efficient delivery of construction materials into central London without the use of heavy road haulage, supporting Tarmac’s commitment to reducing emissions and creating a safer environment for other road users.

Peter Buckley, senior vice president, Tarmac, said: “Construction materials have a critical role to play in helping deliver the major infrastructure and construction projects which are supporting the UK’s economic recovery and long-term development. Our agreement with Forth Ports underlines a continued focus by Tarmac to develop industry leading facilities which will support these schemes, with the build back better agenda and a clear commitment to driving sustainability and enhanced efficiencies.”

Mark Wood, regional managing director, materials south at Tarmac, said: “We’re delighted to have established a long-term partnership with Forth Ports. The development of the new construction terminal demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the long-lasting security of high-quality aggregate supplies into London and the south-east. Using the Thames and local rail network as a means of transporting vital materials to support the region’s infrastructure ambitions, not only removes vehicles from already congested roads around the capital but supports our customers with the delivery of a more sustainable built environment. We look forward to the official opening of the terminal and building on our relationship with Forth Ports over the coming years.”

Charles Hammond, chief executive of Forth Ports, owners of the Port of Tilbury, said: “This is an exciting time for Tilbury2 as we sign a significant, long term agreement with Tarmac to create the UK’s largest construction materials terminal. This facility will be a game changer in the coronavirus economic recovery campaign to build back better and is a good example of high productivity investment adding value to raw materials. I am pleased that the signing of this agreement comes at the same time as we have been awarded Freeport status, which will bring further investment and jobs to the area.”

Peter Ward, commercial director at the Port of Tilbury, said: “We warmly welcome Tarmac to Tilbury2. This new terminal will be truly multimodal, and this strategic location will ensure that the construction industry in London and the south-east of England can have fast access to the materials they require.”