Tilbury advances green port vision

The minister toured the UK’s fastest growing port alongside Thurrock MP Jen Craft, receiving updates on a series of green infrastructure projects designed to reduce emissions from freight and port operations.

A key focus of the visit was Tilbury’s new 16-bay electric HGV charging hub, developed in partnership with Fleete. Supported by £1 million in seed funding from Thames Freeport, the facility is now the UK’s largest dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub.

The delegation also reviewed plans for alternative fuels and energy projects, including the port’s new green hydrogen production facility being developed with GeoPura. The project is expected to support commercial-scale hydrogen supply for heavy industry, helping reduce diesel dependency and carbon emissions across port operations.

“Port of Tilbury is leading the way on clean energy – from significant onsite wind turbine energy generation to cutting-edge hydrogen,” said Keir Mather MP.

“Shipping is the backbone of our economy and we’re investing £448 million to drive innovation in clean fuels and technologies, creating skilled jobs, cutting emissions and delivering long-term growth.”

David Webster, regional director at the Port of Tilbury, said the visit demonstrated the scale of sustainable investment taking place across the port.

“From pioneering decarbonisation initiatives including electric HGV charging and green hydrogen production, we are committed to supporting economic growth while accelerating the transition to a more sustainable port operation,” he said.

The visit also included tours of Tilbury2 and the future Tilbury3 development site, which forms part of the Thames Freeport strategy for green industrial growth.