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The Port of Tilbury has launched a formal consultation on plans to build a new 152-acre port terminal on the site of the former Tilbury Power Station.

The new port, dubbed Tilbury2, will be built on the site of the former power station and will include a new deepwater jetty in the River Thames.

Tilbury Port said rapid growth in trade through the port in the past 20 years has resulted in its customers looking for more space to expand their businesses, adding that the new port will support increasing demand for Tilbury Port’s services over the next 15 years.

Tilbury2 will act as a satellite of the main port and include a roll on/roll off ferry terminal and may also include a facility for importing and processing bulk construction materials. Land to the northern part of the site is earmarked for the storage of various goods, including cars.

Peter Ward, Tilbury Port commercial director, said: “Our plan to create a new port in Tilbury is an exciting opportunity for not only the port and the local area but for our customers who are seeking more space to expand their own businesses.

"Tilbury2 has the potential to create jobs and support the expansion and growth of the Thurrock area.”

The formal statutory consultation exercise runs until 28 July 2017.