“The new £27m Tilbury facility demonstrates Cemex UK’s sustainable commitment being into practice and supports the £30m invested by Cemex UK in sustainability related projects in 2006 alone,” says Paul Fletcher, the company’s UK environmental manager. He says an environmentally aware operator planning for cement handling in ports will consider the use of fully enclosed handling systems to minimise dust emissions to air and spillages to land and water.

“In addition, it is imperative to consult and agree the proposed equipment for cement handling with the local regulators. Cemex UK establishes close working relationships with the port regulators to ensure a high level of environmental protection is approved.”

The 1.2m tonne Tilbury operation will be fully enclosed to minimise environmental impact, and Cemex intends to make maximum use of rail and river for onward transport – particularly once the Prescott Lock development opens up east London’s rivers – to deliver the blended product, known as CEM3.