The Port of Tilbury has announced the approval of its expansion project, Tilbury3 (T3), following a decision by Thurrock Council.

The 143-acre site is set to be transformed into a flexible, rail-connected hub designed to accommodate a diverse range of industrial and logistics operations, alongside dedicated areas for ecological mitigation.

The planning consent covers a broad scope of activities, including general industrial storage, warehousing, container operations, and vehicle storage. The facility will also handle aggregates and construction materials, further solidifying the port's position as a high-capacity hub for the region. Strategically located, Tilbury3 will benefit from direct road and rail links, including a future connection to the Lower Thames Crossing.

As a part of the Thames Freeport, the Tilbury3 site will offer tax incentives aimed at driving new investment and supporting regional trade growth. The development plans also emphasize environmental stewardship, with the port committing to enhance local habitats and support biodiversity, building on the environmental frameworks established during the Tilbury2 and London Distribution Park projects.

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Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said: "This approval marks an important milestone in our long-term investment strategy for the Port of Tilbury, recognising its strategic location serving London and the Southeast. The Tilbury3 development is located adjacent to the Lower Thames Crossing northern tunnel junction, with Tilbury becoming one of the best road, rail and sea connected ports in the UK."

"Tilbury3 unlocks the next phase of sustainable growth across our operations, enabling us to expand capacity, meet the needs of our customers and create new market opportunities. The development will support existing jobs, create new employment and deliver long‐term economic value, while our habitat creation plans will ensure we continue to protect and enhance the area's natural environment."

David Webster, Regional Director of Port of Tilbury, said: "We welcome Thurrock Council's decision to approve Tilbury3, which represents a significant step in supporting our customers' growth ambitions and strengthening Tilbury's role as one of the UK's best-connected ports. The additional capacity, flexible land use and Freeport advantages will allow us to respond to growing market demand and deliver scalable, multi-modal solutions for our customers."