January 2 - The port of Tilbury has applied to the UK's Planning Inspectorate for a development consent order (DCO) to build a new terminal adjacent to the current port in Thurrock.
The terminal, named Tilbury2, will be built on a 152-acre (61.5 ha) site that was part of the former Tilbury power station.
Forth Ports says the expansion will include a ro-ro ferry terminal for importing and exporting containers and trailers; a facility for importing, processing, manufacturing and distributing construction materials; a storage area for a variety of goods; plus new rail and road connections.
The port operator said the extension is required to cope with rising demand for construction materials and aggregates from the UK's building sector, imported and exported cars, as well as an increase in ferry traffic, which carries consumer goods, perishables and steel between Europe and the UK. The port is scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2020.
