Thames Freeport will officially begin operations in November, according to United Kingdom Chancellor Rishi Sunak, a decision that is expected to drive new investment, jobs, skills and the adoption of greener technology, levelling up local communities and UK trade.
Thames Freeport partners have welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement, made on 27 October. “It will generate more than £4.5 billion (US$6.19 billion) in new public and private investment, create more than 21,000 new jobs, with significant investment in infrastructure, skills and communities,” stated Thurrock Council Leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill.
“Thames Freeport opens a new chapter for the development around the growing logistics cluster at Tilbury. Focused on high value, good quality jobs and high productivity business growth in processing, manufacturing and clean logistics,” commented Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive of the Forth Ports Group.
“The years ahead will be exciting for the Port of Tilbury as we continue to build on our record of delivering new port terminals and premier freight solutions for London and the South East,” he added.
Furthermore, Leader of London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Cllr Darren Rodwell pointed out that this is a promising project, not only for Barking and Dagenham but also for the wider Thames Estuary and London economy. “The Thames is the lifeblood of the capital and it’s exciting to see trade restored to the river,” he highlighted.
