The coronavirus pandemic has brought the UK’s vulnerabilities to the fore. However, breakdown presents an opportunity for breakthrough to create a more resilient UK through COVID-19 recovery, writes Charles Hammond, chief executive of the Forth Ports Group.

With the end of the Brexit transition – or negotiating – period six months away, the need for purpose is clearer than ever.

Having just completed the construction of a new £250 million Brexit-ready and COVID-19 compliant freight ferry terminal – Tilbury2 – at London’s major port, the opportunities are boundless.

But in order to deliver cathartic and lasting change, we need resolute purpose from the UK government. Similar to the vision to establish the net zero commitment, the country needs a national resilience strategy.

What do I mean by this? We need a long-term strategy underpinned by in-depth analysis that examines a range of weaknesses, from the frailties of our supply chains, future skills shortages to the residual capability required to maintain critical supplies – whether medical or industrial equipment – in times of extreme need.

A realistic look at the country’s Achilles’ heel(s) in the face of a variety of headwinds, from geopolitical factors to natural disasters. All backed up by sustained action to address identified weaknesses.

Amidst the terrible human impact and long-term economic consequences of the coronavirus epidemic, one of the few upsides of the current lockdown has been an improved environment and wholesale commitment to tackling climate change, and a focus on the efficiency and resilience throughout supply chains.

Greater flexibility in the workplace through harnessing the use of technology, reducing fuel consumption and the widespread examination of commercial space will remain a focus for businesses going forward.

These issues have been well discussed, yet the resilience of complex continental-wide supply chains has received far less attention.

Whether BP or the logistics sector, there’s a growing belief that the COVID-19 pandemic will bring major changes and accelerate the transition to a lower carbon world.

Breakdown of production lines, unpredictable industrial relations and increasing pan-European lorry driver shortages have led many in the logistics industry to examine the reliability of their current delivery options.

In the coming months, the Government and freight industry have a unique opportunity to recalibrate the public policy, regulatory and fiscal system to deliver sustained investment in low carbon infrastructure that supports coastal communities.

As we approach the end of the transition period and move towards a net zero future, the effort to scrutinise the financial, human and environmental cost of moving components, goods and materials across Europe and further afield will heighten.

Is it sustainable for millions of lorries to funnel through an unpredictable pinch-point in northern France, stack up through Kent, crawl across the Thames and around the M25?

The UK’s membership of the EU single market and customs union has brought many benefits, but it has distorted the freight market.

The deep irony is that Brexit is unlikely to be the fission that delivers the lasting change that many anticipated.

With passengers largely disappearing from ferries across the North Sea, The Channel and the Irish Sea, the coronavirus epidemic has completely changed the dynamics of the logistics industry.

In the absence of a cross-subsidy from passengers to freight units, greater exposure of the true end-to-end cost of moving goods is emerging.

Combine this with the need to abate climate change, reduce road congestion, tackle poor air quality and level up the economies of the regions, the momentum for change is growing. All points identified in the UK’s latest strategy, Maritime 2050.

Unlike the borough of Thurrock – “the ports capital of the UK” – many port towns and coastal communities have turned away from the original source of their wealth, but that can change.

By bringing goods closer to the point of consumption or production, we could and should see new ferry and container shipping routes springing up. Combine this positive with the greater use of rail for inward distribution, unaccompanied freight is the answer to a number of the questions of our time.

This is the vision we have for the ports across our group at Forth Ports serving the key business and consumer markets in the South East, London and east coast of Scotland.

At ports across the country, container and ferry berth capacity exists, alongside an appetite to tackle this national challenge. In effect, reinventing the ship.

Our new feeder service from the country’s most advanced deep-sea container port, London Gateway, to Scotland’s road, rail and sea freight hub at Grangemouth is a clear demonstration of how the market is shifting.

Tranship direct from a European or UK hub port via a coastal feeder vessel – eliminating the long domestic road leg and the logistics industry’s dependency on a diminishing pool of drivers willing to transit across Europe – by utilising an unaccompanied ferry or container freight route.

Over the past decade, Department for Transport figures show a 39 per cent increase in the number of unaccompanied freight units leaving the UK to Europe.

The modal switch to unaccompanied trailers and short-sea containers will be accelerated by Brexit as this type of operation is more aligned to the requirements of new customs and associated cargo checks on arrival or departure from the UK.

The queues of lorries at Channel ports this week are testament to the fact that unaccompanied freight movements align with COVID-19 regulations, as they reduce the risk to driver-to-driver contact on ferries or train and the need for additional paperwork.

The paradigm shift for the UK is simply about moving away from a problem-based approach to a solution-based approach.

Ashley Nicholson from Forth Ports has been appointed President of the UK Harbour Masters Association (UKHMA). Ashley, who takes on the role today (10 June), is the first female to hold the title and she is the youngest certificated Harbour Master in the UK to hold the role with the UKHMA.

The UK Harbour Masters Association is the world’s oldest and largest Harbour Master Association consists of approximately 480 Harbour Masters and Port professionals from ports across the UK, both publicly and privately owned and represents a unique source of relevant experience in a range of port and marine operations. The main objective of the association, which was formed in 1993, is to encourage the safe and efficient conduct of marine operations in ports and engage with, advise and consult the UK Government and associated Maritime Agencies.

Ashley became a full member of the UKHMA in 2011 and was raised to the Executive Council, then progressing to the position of Vice President and subsequently President elect during 2018. From 10 June 2020, she will serve as President for two years succeeding out-going President Julian Seaman, the Harbour Master/Marine Director Shoreham Port.

Commenting on her appointment as President, Ashley Nicholson said: “I am honoured to hold the title of President of the UKHMA and I will strive to continue the excellent work of my predecessors in representing the harbour masters of the UK and encourage and grow the association whilst continuing to provide a valuable return to the Harbour Mastering community.”

Ashley has worked for Forth Ports for nearly 12 years starting her career with the port group as VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) Operator and since 2017 she has been the Senior Harbour Master based in Grangemouth. Ashley is the youngest certified Harbour Master in the UK. She previously won the prestigious Scottish Engineering / Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow Award for the role she played in managing the marine operations during the construction of the new Queensferry Crossing in the River Forth and recently received the Women in Industry award for the first time at the CeeD (Centre for Engineering Education and Development) Industry Awards 2020 for her continued efforts to drive the change required to ensure a more gender diverse workforce within the maritime sector.

Martin Willis Executive Officer of the UKHMA said: “On behalf of Julian Seaman, the out-going Association President and the full membership of the UKHMA, we welcome Ashley as the newly elected President of the Association and wish her all success in the role. Ashley has been appointed by her industry peers entirely on merit and richly deserves the honour to lead our highly regarded professional organisation and shall undertake the role as the lead representative of the Association with great confidence, assurance and the full support  of all members of the UK Harbour Masters Association during the term of her Presidency.”

Captain Alan McPherson, Chief Harbour Master at Forth Ports said: “This is great news for Ashley and on behalf of all her colleagues at Forth Ports, we congratulate her on her Presidency. As a business we know how important it is to support the development of key members of our Marine team and Ashley’s appointment to President reflects that professional and career development achievement.”

ENDS                        

Tilbury2’s brand new unaccompanied* freight ferry terminal opened for business this week at a vital time for the UK’s freight industry. The 500,000-unit freight-only facility will inject state-of-the-art capacity into the country’s ports sector by utilising a truck driver-free operation* at a time when infection control is uppermost in everyone’s minds. [*Unaccompanied – freight transported into the UK without truck drivers]

After a year of construction, led by construction giants GRAHAM, the country’s newest and largest unaccompanied freight roll on/roll off (ro-ro) terminal, located at the edge of London, will operate in exclusive partnership with P&O Ferries. The first ship to use the fully operational terminal was P&O’s chartered freight ferry the Norstream. Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/423067160

The bespoke terminal will import and export containers and trailers with vital supplies for the UK, including food, drink and medicines to and from continental Europe on P&O’s busy Tilbury-Zeebrugge freight route.

The new ro-ro terminal is part of a £250 million investment by owner, Forth Ports, which is creating a brand-new port, Tilbury2. The terminal is trusted trader Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accredited and embraces the latest booking and border technology, such as number plate recognition, which ensures that the terminal is Brexit-ready to continue the smooth passage of goods, regardless of the eventual EU-UK settlement. The marine works for the new ro-ro terminal were completed in April and successful ship trials were carried out on 17 May.

Commenting on the opening, Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “This is an important time for the UK as we emerge from the lockdown. Our new freight terminal is the country’s most modern ferry port offering a seamless and lower carbon route to the biggest consumer market in Europe, Greater London. Despite the current challenges we have delivered a resilient terminal with significant headroom to grow as we pursue our vision of being the nation’s strategic freight gateway to-and-from Europe. We believe that this terminal opening is a symbol of hope for economic recovery.”

Maritime Minister, Kelly Tolhurst said: “Barely a year since getting the green light from my Department, the opening of the Tilbury2 unaccompanied ferry terminal really is a landmark moment for this major infrastructure project. It is a great testimony to all those who worked on the build that it has been finished and opened, despite the current challenges facing the maritime sector. The new terminal will provide more capacity and jobs at a vital time, when our world-leading ports will be at the forefront of the UK’s economic recovery.”

Paul Dale, Asset & Site Director at the Port of Tilbury, said: “The switch to a river berth provides significant growth opportunities. P&O can bring in larger vessels, deliver faster vessel turnaround times and – most importantly – get containers and trailers onto an inland barge or the motorway network in under an hour. While this enhanced offering will support further growth through the Zeebrugge route and the possibility to expand into other northern European locations, it also provides a critical low carbon delivery alternative through our new rail connection.”

Janette Bell, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: “After the successful ship trials just over a week ago at Tilbury2, P&O Ferries is delighted that the driver-free freight ferry terminal is operational.  This terminal will significantly increase the speed of our services and improve access to the M25 for our customers who carry important consumer and industry goods, such as detergents and pharmaceuticals, building materials and fertiliser, wine and beer and cosmetics. We look forward to developing all of the opportunities this terminal has to offer for our customers.”

Leo Martin, Managing Director, Civil Engineering at GRAHAM, said: “The opening of the Tilbury2 ferry freight terminal is a major development in the Port of Tilbury’s expansion and will support economic growth at a local, regional and national level. We are extremely proud to have played our part in the construction of such an important infrastructure project, which will undoubtedly unlock further potential for freight transportation between the UK and mainland Europe.”

Robin Mortimer, Chief Executive of the Port of London Authority said: “It’s fantastic to see Tilbury2’s ferry terminal completed and operational.  Forth Ports’ investment in its Thames operations is creating the sustainable, resilient operations on which the country depends.  Tilbury2 is set to play a key role from day one and is a major growth opportunity for the future.”

Tilbury2 is a new port at the former Tilbury Power Station on the north bank of the River Thames on the outskirts of London. When fully operational later this year, Tilbury2 will be the UK’s largest unaccompanied freight ferry port, the country’s biggest construction processing hub and will see the creation of a new significantly larger rail head which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775 metres.

More about Tilbury 2

Tilbury2 received development consent from the Secretary of State for Transport in February 2019 to build Tilbury2 – the new multimillion-pound port terminal adjacent to the current 930-acre site in Thurrock, on the outskirts of Greater London.

The £250m Tilbury2 project consists of the construction of a new port terminal and associated facilities and once fully open, Tilbury2 will comprise:

• A roll on/roll off ferry terminal for importing and exporting containers and trailers to northern Europe, in partnership with P&O Ferries
• A facility for importing, processing, manufacturing and distributing construction materials
• A strategic rail terminal which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775m
• Storage areas for a variety of goods, including exported and imported cars.
• The site will be trusted trader Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accredited and will employ the latest border technology, such as number plate recognition.

The project is central to the Port of Tilbury’s £1 billion investment programme during 2012-20, which has seen it double the size of its business in the past 10 years and is projected to double the volume of cargo across the quay (from 16 million to 32 million tonnes) and increase direct employment (from 3,500 to 12,000 jobs).

27 May 2020                                   -ends-

The country’s newest and largest unaccompanied* freight roll on/roll off (ro-ro) terminal at Tilbury2 took a step closer to opening with the successful completion of ship trials at the weekend. [*Unaccompanied – freight transport without truck drivers]

Two of P&O’s chartered freight ferry fleet, the Bore Song and the Norstream, arrived at the new ro-ro terminal on the Thames on Sunday 17 May where the port team carried out a full test of the marine facilities including manoeuvring and tying up the ship to test the berth; lowering the ship’s ferry ramp to test the pontoon facilities; and carrying out a full risk assessment. The ship trial was deemed a success with a smooth execution of all the test points being achieved [see link to video here: https://vimeo.com/419827832].

The ferry terminal, which is due to open next week, has a capacity of 500,000 units and will operate in partnership between the port and P&O Ferries importing and exporting containers and trailers with food, drink, medicines and other vital supplies to-and-from Europe.

Commenting on reaching this milestone, Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “I am extremely proud that we have reached this point with our new port. We are in unprecedented times, both in the UK and globally, and this new unaccompanied terminal at Tilbury2 will ensure that we keep the vital supplies coming into the country as safely as possible, not just now but long into the future. Being a freight only terminal ensures that there is less risk of driver infection and exposure for our own quay workers at the port. The additional capacity of 500,000 units with streamlined customs procedures will enhance national economic resilience I would like to thank our excellent team for achieving this milestone in such challenging times.”

Tilbury2 is a new port at the former Tilbury Power Station on the north bank of the River Thames on the outskirts of London. When fully operational, Tilbury2 will be the UK’s largest unaccompanied freight ferry port, the country’s biggest construction processing hub and will see the creation of a new significantly larger rail head which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775metres.

Janette Bell, Chief Executive of P&O Ferries, said: “The successful ship trial at Tilbury2 means that P&O Ferries will soon be able to offer customers even more choice when it comes to moving goods punctually, efficiently and reliably between Britain and Europe. The new berth will make our service faster and will guarantee that goods from Europe can be unloaded and continue their journey onto the M25 before the rush hour – a significant benefit for our customers. Tilbury2 will further strengthen the unrivalled connectivity we offer our customers along the entire east coast of England and demonstrates our commitment to making trade flow during this crisis and beyond.”

Peter Ward, Commercial Director at the Port of Tilbury, said: “The ship trial at the weekend marks an important milestone for the T2 project. We started construction in Spring 2019 and working with GRAHAM, we are on track to open the first part of the port next week. The marine works were an important part of the project and included constructing a floating pontoon, link-span/articulated bridge, pilings and riverbed preparation for the berth. My thanks to the team at GRAHAM and P&O and the PLA for supporting us with these trials.”

Robin Mortimer, Chief Executive of the Port of London Authority said: “The successful ship trial at Tilbury2 is a major milestone for operations on the Thames.  On the doorstep of the UK’s major consumer market, this is the logical place for new marine infrastructure, adding further resilience to supply chains which is essential in these challenging times.”

The marine works for the new ro-ro terminal were completed in April by GRAHAM who are constructing both the marine and land side of the new £200m, 160-acre port.

Leo Martin, Managing Director, Civil Engineering at GRAHAM, said: “The completion of the first ship trial at Tilbury2 is very exciting news for the project. We were proud to be selected for both the terrestrial and marine packages of works, and the size and scale of the development, whilst challenging, has been very rewarding for our team to be involved in. We’re now looking forward to the opening of the ferry terminal and seeing both our and the Port of Tilbury’s hard work coming to fruition.”

More about Tilbury 2

Tilbury2 received development consent from the Secretary of State for Transport in February 2019 to build Tilbury2 – the new multimillion-pound port terminal adjacent to the current 930-acre site in Thurrock, on the outskirts of Greater London.

The £200m Tilbury2 project consists of the construction of a new port terminal and associated facilities and once fully open, Tilbury2 will comprise:

• A roll on/roll off ferry terminal for importing and exporting containers and trailers to northern Europe, in partnership with P&O Ferries
• A facility for importing, processing, manufacturing and distributing construction materials
• A strategic rail terminal which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775m
• Storage areas for a variety of goods, including exported and imported cars.
• The site will be trusted trader Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accredited and will employ the latest border technology, such as number plate recognition.

The project is central to the Port of Tilbury’s £1 billion investment programme during 2012-20, which has seen it double the size of its business in the past 10 years and is projected to double the volume of cargo across the quay (from 16 million to 32 million tonnes) and increase direct employment (from 3,500 to 12,000 jobs).

18 May 2020                                           -ends-

The 8^th May 2020 marks the 75^th anniversary of VE Day and the end of WW2. Across the country, we honour the heroes of this war. Our ports played a vital role in the war effort as naval bases, departure and arrival points for troops and for ensuring vital supplies reach where they are most needed.

We are proud of the supporting roles our ports and waterways played during the war effort and today we continue our role with our affiliation with the Royal British Legion. Our maritime colleagues across our ports and estuaries will be taking part in the Royal Navy’s ‘Shine A Light’ event to mark the historic events of VE day.

Our friend Sue Yates, from Tilbury on the Thames Trust, has written a piece specifically about the role The Port of Tilbury undertook during WW2 and we share this below:

TILBURY IN WORLD WAR II

By Sue Yates, Chair of Thurrock Historical Society and Director of Tilbury on the Thames Trust

Tilbury Docks built in 1886 were an immediate target for the Luftwaffe in the World War II.  Tilbury played a very important role during the war not only as a dock but for evacuating Thurrock school children as well as its part in building Mulberry Harbours and P.L.U.T.O.

Before the outbreak of war it had been decided that Thurrock would be a danger area because of its docks, oil refineries and large factories.  A plan was therefore formulated to evacuate school children and their teachers from Thurrock.  On 2^nd September 1939 the children were escorted to Tilbury Landing Stage.  An advert to this effect appeared in the Thurrock Gazette of 2nd September 1939 stating the evacuation day for Tilbury children was 2^nd September whilst the rest of the youngsters from the area would go on 3^rd September.  Children including Eileen Webb and her sister Jill assembled in their school playground at 6.00a.m. complete with gas masks, night clothes and a change of clothing.  They were taken by bus to the docks where they boarded the ‘Royal Daffodil’, ‘Crested Eagle’ or ‘Golden Eagle’ which would take them to safety in Suffolk.

On Friday 16^th August 1940 there were two air raids.  The first from 12.30p.m. to 2.30p.m.  and the second from 4.30p.m. to 6.30p.m.  So quickly did these raids begin after the sirens sounded that men working in Tilbury out in the open had no time to escape prior to the bombs falling.  One house was destroyed, 204 Feenan Highway, Tilbury and a number of others were damaged.  This was the first house to be destroyed by enemy bombers in Tilbury.

A de-gaussing monitoring point was set up at Coalhouse Fort operated by WRNS.  It was here that the outgoing vessels had their magnetic reading checked.  If de-gaussing was required the work was done in Tilbury Docks.  Tilbury Docks was also a gathering point for the small ships who were to evacuate British Troops from Dunkirk in 1940.

Tilbury played a very important part in the British war effort.  Its residents were bombed regularly as they lived in close proximity to the docks.  In 1941 The Basin Tavern was hit by a bomb.  On the night of 14^th/15^th March 1941 Tilbury Landing Stage was hit by a bomb and it was not until after the war that it was fully repaired.  In 1943 the eastern block of The Dwellings was demolished because of war damage.  On 4^th February 1944 the iconic local landmark The Tilbury Hotel was hit by enemy incendiaries.  They lodged in the ceiling of the saloon bar.  Frantic efforts were made to control the fire but all to no avail as due to the hotels wooden construction fire spread rapidly.  The hotel was destroyed.

In 1943 plans were being made for a Normandy landing and to help in this the United Kingdom invented the Mulberry Harbour.  These were two temporary portable harbours developed by the United Kingdom during the Second World War to facilitate the rapid offloading of cargo onto beaches especially fuel.  They had extending legs, like North Sea oil rigs, to jack them off the seabed and were connected to the shore by a floating road.  These were made up of 213 units and 22 were made in Thurrock most of these were made in the dry dock at Tilbury.

22^nd September 1944 saw another important contribution of Tilbury because this was the day that P.L.U.T.O. (pipeline under the ocean) was laid.  This was invented to enable the constant supply of fuel to the Normandy beaches.   This was a very long pipeline wound on to reels which were used on specially adapted vessels.  At Tilbury Docks two assembly sheds were built in the north east of the docks and a line of concrete supports, with rollers on, ran diagonally across.  The pipeline was rolled along this track and coiled on drums at the far end.

8^th May 1945 V.E. Day at last.   At 3p.m. on Tuesday 8^th May 1945 Winston Churchill announced in his radio broadcast Victory in Europe and that hostilities would cease at one minute past midnight that night.

The air was filled with the sound of church bells ringing out across the country and not the sound of bombs.  Everywhere, and Tilbury was no exception, people were out in the streets singing and dancing, hanging from lampposts, waving flags.  There were parades and tables appeared in the streets laden with food.  People made bunting and decorations.   Children wore Union Jack hats.  It was mainly the women as they were still awaiting the impending return of their menfolk from war.  Over two million homes had been damaged during the war the lights had been out but now everyone turned them on and went out in the streets to see what it looked like.  In Grays the Police Station now the former Court House was floodlit.  The pubs were permitted to stay open until 11p.m. but began running out of beer long before that.  At 1.30 a..m. the lights were switched off but the crowds chanted for their return so they were turned on again.  People in Tilbury too celebrated wildly in to the night and next day partying in the streets.  No more sleeping in air raid shelters no more blackouts.  “The War in Germany is at an end.  Advance Britannia!  Long live the cause of freedom!  God save the King!”

Since the lockdown in March, ports have not stopped working. All of our ports are open and our quay workers around the UK have been working hard during these challenging times to make sure that food and goods arriving into their ports are getting to where they are most needed.

In March alone, the Group, which operates eight ports across the UK including Tilbury, Grangemouth, Leith, Rosyth and Dundee has managed:

• 74,000T of wheat – the equivalent of 148 million loaves of bread for our supermarkets
• 40,000 tonnes of food for supermarket shelves, including over 8,500T of fruit and vegetables and the equivalent of 2.5m packs of pasta, 2m packs of rice, 4.75m tins of food and enough fruit juice to fill 5.6m cartons
• 2700T of medical supplies, 4.8m nappies and 3.8m bottles of soap
• 6,200T of tissue and paper products to make toilet rolls, pharmaceutical packaging and food packaging
• 27,000T of fertiliser into the east coast of Scotland to support the growth of key agricultural products
• 10,000T of fishmeal this year which is crucial to the supply of Scotland’s aquaculture industry
• Over 50,000T of animal feed in stock, supporting Scotland and the South East’s key livestock, pig and poultry producers.
• Providing safe anchorages and berths for 9 cruise vessels in the River Forth and the River Thames
• Handled the plywood used to build the NHS Nightingale Hospitals in London and Birmingham and the NHS Louisa Jordan in Glasgow

Commenting on the infographic, Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports said: “I am extremely proud and grateful to our hard-working teams across our ports. Our own ‘quay’ workers have adapted admirably to the necessary changes and restrictions in order for us ensure we work in a safe and protected environment. All of this enables us to handle the much-needed products for other front-line essential services, people and business across the UK. It is clear to see from this infographic the key role that our ports are playing in these very challenging times to keep the supermarket shelves full and the economy moving.”

22 April 2020                        – ends –

On the 2 April for the 8pm Clap for Carers event, the hard working team from the London Container Terminal at The Port of Tilbury, undertook a container shuffle of 137 containers to create a tribute to the NHS workers and all the other key workers keeping vital services going for us all. The container shuffle was carried out yesterday and completed ahead of the 8pm event.

Commenting on the container shuffle, Paul Dale, Asset & Site Director at the Port of Tilbury said: “We wanted to recognise the important role that the NHS and all the other key workers, including our own port teams here in Tilbury and across the UK, are delivering in these challenging times. The team at the container terminal did a brilliant job shuffling the containers and it is a fitting tribute to everyone working at the frontline.”

Ross McKissock, Asset Manager London Container Terminal said: “The team at the container terminal came up with the idea for a container tribute to thank the NHS and key workers. It took the team most the day to identify and reshuffle the 137 empty boxes to bring the message to life. In total our drivers undertook around 400 moves to create the message which now greets all lorries entering the container terminal. During these tough times, we wanted to create a message of support and hope for us all.”