Tilbury3 approval paves way for 143-acre expansion at Port of Tilbury
Outline consent unlocks rail-connected industrial and logistics capacity within Thames Freeport.
4 March 2026
The Port of Tilbury has secured outline planning approval for Tilbury3, a 143-acre expansion that will deliver new industrial and logistics capacity as part of its next phase of growth.
Approved by Thurrock Council, the Tilbury3 scheme provides consent for general industrial storage, container operations, warehousing, processing and vehicle storage, alongside the handling of construction materials and aggregates. The development will create a flexible, rail-connected port facility designed to support a wide range of operational uses.
The site benefits from direct road and rail links and is located adjacent to the planned northern tunnel junction of the Lower Thames Crossing, positioning Tilbury as a major multi-modal hub serving London and the South East.
Tilbury3 sits within the Thames Freeport, enabling access to tax-site incentives aimed at attracting investment and supporting trade growth. The expansion builds on the Port’s established operations in bulk materials, Ro-Ro, automotive and containerised cargo, while increasing capacity to meet rising customer demand.
The development also incorporates ecological mitigation and habitat creation measures, continuing environmental commitments previously demonstrated through projects such as Tilbury2 and the London Distribution Park.
Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said the approval marks a significant milestone in the Port’s long-term investment strategy, highlighting Tilbury’s strategic location and connectivity. He added that the expansion will support job creation and long-term economic value while maintaining a focus on environmental stewardship.
David Webster, regional director of the Port of Tilbury, said the additional capacity and flexible land use would enable the Port to respond to growing market demand and deliver scalable, multi-modal logistics solutions.
Tilbury3 is expected to strengthen the Port’s position as one of the UK’s best-connected freight gateways, unlocking further industrial and trade growth in the Thames estuary corridor.
