London Gateway almost there

P&O’s investment in Shellhaven on the north bank of the Thames at Thurrock, will be to the tune of £700m to make the former oil refinery Britain’s largest container port. Phased development is planned out for the next decade and beyond. Another £700m is earmarked for the adjacent business park, which is to be self-financing and operate in partnership with Shell UK.

But there’s more dithering to come – there will be no governmental go-ahead until talks with P&O are completed in around three months’ time.

However, after the preceding three years of consideration, this seems like progress.

A can of developmental worms was opened by the pencilled-in approval, prompting campaigns from other facilities who feel a lack of investment. Haven Gateway’s chairman has reminded the Transport Secretary that a new container port at Bathside Bay would still be very welcome – that decision is expected in autumn.

Meanwhile, Hutchison Ports has been shouting down PD Port’s argument for better facilities at Teesside, insisting that the focus must remain on the southeast. A delegation from Tees Valley showed the scheme’s determination by meeting with Minister Stephen Ladyman.

Expect the debate to continue for some time to come pending those elusive final rubber stamps from the Department for Transport.