The Port of Tilbury recently welcomed UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to its facilities to open the new Tilbury2 terminal.
While visiting the port, Johnson was given a tour of the largest freight ferry terminal, the site of what will become Britain’s biggest construction processing terminal and new border infrastructure, alongside meeting the port’s key workers.
The Prime Minister was given a rundown of the technology-backed systems that streamline clearing the border, such as number plate recognition, and the 12-bay Border Control Post.
Tilbury2 was built during the height of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and will handle containers and trailers of exports and imported goods.
The facility is a £250 million ($337.7 million) injection by the Forth Ports Group on a former power station site which spans 160-acres and is set to become fully operational in two months’ time.
“It was an honour to officially open Tilbury2, the UK’s newest port, and meet with key workers and apprentices on the site,” said the Prime Minister.
“Freeports are driving trade, investment and jobs right across the country and helping to capitalise on our newfound Brexit freedoms.
“It is hugely welcome to see the Port of Tilbury going from strength to strength, benefiting not only businesses and workers but also the wider Thames Gateway region.”
Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, added: “Tilbury2 is a national success story. British financed and British built for a rapidly growing British company and delivered during the height of the pandemic.
“The burgeoning logistics cluster at Tilbury has been boosted by Thames Freeport status and is primed to be part of global Britain’s future as we look to drive forward sustainable growth, with manufacturing, next-generation logistics and clean energy generation at its heart.”
The PM also recently visited artificial-intelligence solutions provider Aidrivers at its headquarters in Uxbridge, London.
During the trip, Johnson met with the Founder and CEO of the start-up company, Dr Rafiq Swash, and was given a first-hand demonstration of how its technology works.
