Fleete opens UK’s largest dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub at Port of Tilbury

Thursday 26th February 2026

Marking a major milestone in the electrification of the country’s freight and logistics sector, Fleete has officially opened the UK’s largest dedicated commercial vehicle electric charging hub at the Port of Tilbury.

The 5MW facility features 16 ultra-rapid chargers enabling up to 16 electric HGVs to charge simultaneously. This site is the first of a network of shared commercial vehicle charging hubs, designed to accelerate fleet electrification across the UK by providing high-powered charging at strategic logistics locations without the need for costly, time-consuming depot upgrades.

Delivering high-capacity charging at scale

Fleete’s new hub, delivered in partnership with the Port of Tilbury and Thames Freeport, is supported by £1 million from the UK government’s Thames Freeport Seed Capital Programme, with further funding provided by the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) Programme, funded by the Department for Transport in partnership with Innovate UK.

The investment marks an important step in the Port of Tilbury’s green energy transition, supporting cleaner air for local communities, enabling businesses to capitalise on new opportunities in sustainable transport and contributing to economic growth and job creation.

Strategically located at one of the UK’s busiest multimodal freight hubs, Fleete’s facility serves the growing number of zero emission HGVs operating in and through the Port of Tilbury and along the A13 corridor into London. It also supports national infrastructure programmes including the Lower Thames Crossing, where major contractors are switching to electric vehicles to reduce emissions on one of the country’s largest infrastructure construction projects.

The official opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by representatives from Fleete, project partners and fleet customers, with the hub formally opened by Madam Mayor Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock.

“Today is an important moment for Thurrock and for the wider move towards cleaner freight. The opening of Fleete’s electric HGV charging hub here at the Port of Tilbury, the largest dedicated hub of its kind in the UK, highlights what can be achieved through strong partnership between industry, government and Thames Freeport. This investment supports cleaner transport, improves air quality for our communities, and reinforces Thurrock’s role in adopting practical, forward looking low carbon solutions,” said Madam Mayor Sue Shinnick, Mayor of Thurrock.

State-of-the-art eHGV charging

Fleete’s shared-user model provides fleet operators with access to reliable, high-quality charging without the need for dedicated facilities, addressing common barriers to electrification including grid capacity, land constraints and upfront infrastructure cost.

The new 5 megawatt (MW) site includes:

  • Siemens has delivered 6 x Flex 540kW chargers plus 12 x Flex 500A dispensers. There are 3 charging islands, each can be upgraded to MCS with 2 x 540 kW and 4 dispensers on each bay.  And
  • 4 x charging points powered by Power Electronics, featuring two NB Cooled Dispensers and one NB Station system, delivering up to 270 kW per charging point, with upgrade capacity to 360 kW. The equipment is deployed as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 project.[1]

The hub was delivered with design and construction support from industry partners including Envevo, bringing high-voltage charging infrastructure into operation within a live port environment. The site has been designed to accommodate additional fleet operators as demand grows.

Speaking at the opening event, Chris Morrison, CEO at Fleete, said: “Today marks a major milestone for Fleete and for the wider logistics sector. From announcing the project last year, to now opening the site, our focus has been on proving that shared, high-capacity charging infrastructure can remove one of the biggest barriers to fleet electrification.

“The Port of Tilbury hub shows what’s possible when industry and government work together to deliver infrastructure at scale. By supporting customers and collaborating with partners across the supply chain, we’re helping accelerate the transition to zero-emission commercial transport where it’s needed most.”

Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: “This is a significant milestone in our drive to decarbonise road freight, helped by £1million Government investment at the Port of Tilbury site to install EV chargers for HGVs.

“Road freight is the backbone of our economy, keeping goods moving and businesses growing. By supporting the sector to go electric, we’re cutting emissions and backing the industry to thrive long into the future.”

Strengthening partnerships at Port of Tilbury

The new hub forms part of a wider effort to support cleaner freight movement and future-proof one of the UK’s most important logistics gateways.

David Webster, Regional Director – Tilbury and Thames Freeport board member, said: “The opening of Fleete’s EV charging hub is a significant step forward for the Port of Tilbury as we work to support the decarbonisation of freight and logistics at one of the UK’s busiest ports.

“With thousands of HGV movements through the port every day, access to high-capacity, reliable charging infrastructure is critical. This shared facility will play an important role in helping our customers reduce emissions while maintaining efficient operations.”

Stuart Rimmer, CEO (Interim), Thames Freeport added: “This is exactly the kind of project Thames Freeport was established to support. By using targeted seed capital funding to unlock private investment, we are helping to deliver infrastructure that strengthens the Port of Tilbury and supports its long-term competitiveness.

For Thurrock and the wider Thames Freeport region, this means cleaner freight operations, modern infrastructure and continued confidence that the area is well placed to attract further investment in sustainable logistics.”

Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher said: “Public charging infrastructure on this scale, and in such a key strategic location, is precisely what is needed to encourage more operators to use electric vehicles.

“The charging hub is vast, and with 16 ultra rapid chargers it will help operators make the switch to electric fleets – especially smaller operators who can struggle to install chargers at their depots.”

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Tilbury3 planning approval unlocks next growth phase at Port of Tilbury

Wednesday 25th February 2026

The Port of Tilbury announces today (25 February), the approval of an expansion plan for the development of Tilbury3 (T3) into a flexible, rail-connected port capable of accommodating a wide range of industrial and logistics activities. The site totals 143 acres for port operational use and ecological mitigation.

The outline planning consent from Thurrock Council for Tilbury3 is for general industrial storage, container operations, warehousing, processing and vehicle storage, alongside the handling of construction materials and aggregates, reinforcing Tilbury’s role as a well-connected, high-capacity, multi-modal hub. The site will benefit from direct strategic rail and road connections, including, in the years ahead, a connection onto the Lower Thames Crossing.

As part of the Thames Freeport, Tilbury3 will benefit from tax-site incentives designed to attract new investment and support the long-term growth of trade across the region. These advantages complement the wider Port’s existing strengths in bulk materials, Ro-Ro, automotive and containerised cargo, while expanding capacity to meet customer growth requirements.

The Tilbury3 development plans will maintain and build on the Port’s commitment to responsible and sustainable growth. Building on the strong environmental stewardship demonstrated through major projects, including Tilbury2 and the London Distribution Park, the Port will continue to enhance local habitats and supporting biodiversity. The T3 plan has clear environmental benefits with a continued focus on respecting the natural environment.

Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports, said: “This approval marks an important milestone in our long-term investment strategy for the Port of Tilbury, recognising its strategic location serving London and the Southeast. The Tilbury3 development is located adjacent to the Lower Thames Crossing northern tunnel junction, with Tilbury becoming one of the best road, rail and sea connected ports in the UK.

“Tilbury3 unlocks the next phase of sustainable growth across our operations, enabling us to expand capacity, meet the needs of our customers and create new market opportunities. The development will support existing jobs, create new employment and deliver long‐term economic value, while our habitat creation plans will ensure we continue to protect and enhance the area’s natural environment.”

David Webster, Regional Director of Port of Tilbury, said: “We welcome Thurrock Council’s decision to approve Tilbury3, which represents a significant step in supporting our customers’ growth ambitions and strengthening Tilbury’s role as one of the UK’s best-connected ports. The additional capacity, flexible land use and Freeport advantages will allow us to respond to growing market demand and deliver scalable, multi-modal solutions for our customers.”

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Liebherr completes crane raise at The Port of Grangemouth

Monday 23rd February 2026

–  Two STS cranes at The Port of Grangemouth have been raised by 2.2 metres to support higher container stacks and larger straddle carriers

–  Liebherr Transform delivered the on-rail crane raise in just six weeks per crane, ensuring minimal disruption to Scotland’s largest container terminal

–  The upgrade extends the service life of the cranes, providing a sustainable, futureproof and cost-effective solution

Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. is proud to announce the successful completion of a major crane raise project at Forth Ports Grangemouth. Two ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes have had their lift height increased by 2.2 metres, unlocking enhanced operational capabilities for Scotland’s largest container port.

Killarney (Ireland), February 2026 – The Port of Grangemouth is Scotland’s largest container terminal and operates three Liebherr ship-to-shore gantry cranes: one crane delivered in 2018, and two cranes delivered in 2006. The first two cranes have now undergone a Liebherr Transform crane raise, extending their operational lifespan and futureproofing the port’s container handling capabilities. All three cranes were originally designed with state-of-the-art features, ensuring safe and reliable container handling at the port for nearly two decades.

Taller cranes for taller straddle carriers

Handling over 250,000 TEU annually, the busy port faces the challenge of adapting to increasing container volumes and evolving equipment requirements. Recent operational changes, including higher container stacks and the introduction of larger, next-generation straddle carriers, necessitated increased clearance beneath the STS cranes to maintain safe and efficient operations.

Liebherr Transform delivered a crane raise upgrade, increasing the lift height of the two STS cranes by 2.2 metres. Crucially, both cranes remained on the rail throughout the project, minimising disruption to terminal operations. Each crane was successfully raised in just six weeks, demonstrating Liebherr’s ability to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions that enhance container handling performance without compromising productivity.

Speaking about the project, Craig Torrance, Asset Manager at The Port of Grangemouth, commented: “Our crane upgrade is a significant step forward as we ensure that we future proof our container operations for our customers. The ability to handle higher container stacks and larger straddle carriers at the terminal ensures we remain competitive and efficient in a fast-changing market. Our partnership with Liebherr is a success and we are grateful to the team who delivered the project with minimal disruption, which was critical for our operations.”

Sustainable upgrade for increased performance

Liebherr Transform’s crane raise has not only increased the cranes’ height but also extended their service life, enabling the cranes to meet the requirements of modern container handling, now and into the future. Oran Kane, Global Manager – Upgrades at Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. commented: “This project highlights the value of Liebherr Transform. Rather than replacing the existing cranes, we helped to unlock new capabilities and extend the crane service life. It’s a cost-effective, sustainable solution that delivers long-term value for Forth Ports Grangemouth.” This approach reflects Liebherr’s commitment to engineering sustainable solutions that maximise return on investment, reduce environmental impact, and minimise expenditure.

The entire crane raise project was captured on camera. Visit the Liebherr Maritime Cranes YouTube channel to watch the full video. YouTube

Liebherr Transform is the upgrade and modification service from Liebherr. Ports and terminals are under relentless pressure to reduce costs and boost performance through increased productivity, faster turnarounds, and reduction in equipment downtime. Unleash the full potential of your container cranes with a manageable financial investment. Liebherr Transform uses the best available technologies to make your crane stronger, faster, smarter, greener and ultimately…better!

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Forth ports apprentices recognised at annual awards with 26 new emerging talent roles offered for 2026

Monday 16th February 2026

Apprentice of the Year Awards

Forth Ports hosted its annual awards celebration to recognise the achievements of their talented apprentices across the business. The joint event, which was held simultaneously in Grangemouth and in Tilbury, acknowledged the value the current apprentices contribute and celebrated their achievements.

Forth Ports has also launched its emerging talent campaign with 26 exciting opportunities available across their UK ports offering 22 apprenticeships and four graduate roles across the business.

The annual awards recognised 14 apprentices from across the group who successfully completed their apprenticeships and who have now transitioned into permanent positions, adding to Forth Ports’ 95% apprentice retention record. In addition, two individual apprentices received the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award.

In Scotland, Declan Swan, 19, was named Apprentice of the Year. Declan, a former student at Lornshill Academy in Tullibody, joined Forth Ports in 2025 as an Apprentice Customer Service Administrator in Grangemouth and is currently working to achieve his Modern Apprenticeship in Freight Logistics. Declan was awarded the Apprentice of the Year award as he has integrated extremely well with his team and is an excellent addition to the business.  Declan is not afraid to take on additional tasks to support the team and is keen to assist the Learning and Development team at events and visits.

In Tilbury, Billy Earey, 20, was awarded Apprentice of the Year. Billy is a first-year apprentice working at the port’s busy London Container Terminal which handles cargo from around the world. Billy received the accolade as a result of his strong commitment, enthusiasm and ownership of his learning while, at the same time, positively influencing those around him.

Shaun Wood, Operations Director, Port of Tilbury said: “Emerging talent roles are a crucial part of our current and future business. Many congratulations to Billy, he has shown great progress and commitment which positions him strongly for continued growth and long-term success with our business. I also want to congratulate all of this year’s apprentices who have successfully completed their Apprenticeship Qualification, and we wish them all well in their career journey.”

Derek Knox, Regional Director, Scotland said: “Our apprenticeship and graduate programmes at Forth Ports really do equip people with the skills necessary for career success and also for personal development which contributes not only to the success of our business and the wider communities we serve. My congratulations to all of the successful apprentices this year and of course to Declan Swan on his Apprentice of the Year achievement, this is well deserved and we will watch his career with interest.”

Forth Ports launches its emerging talent role search with 26 roles available across their UK ports marking the businesses’ largest intake of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) as part of the drive to build its future workforce and upskill the current team.

22 apprenticeship roles are being offered across a variety of business areas including Warehouse Operations, IT, Facilities Management, Engineering, Marine, and Admin. The four new graduates across Business Intelligence, Hydrographic Surveying, Operations and Infrastructure Engineering. [Note: link to careers page here: https://www.forthports.co.uk/careers/]

Natalie Dalgleish, Head of Learning & Development at Forth Ports said: “The Learning and Development team see first hand the real impact that apprenticeships deliver by unlocking potential, developing lifelong skills, and creating opportunities for growth. Of course, at Forth Ports, apprenticeships are not exclusively for young people at the start of their careers, they can be valuable for people at any stage of their careers as they look to upskill, reskill, and explore new opportunities.”

Forth Ports commitment to nurturing emerging talent was cemented in 2025 when the business was awarded a Gold accreditation of the 5% club*, which highlights their strong focus on employees at the start of their careers as well as continuous learning and professional growth throughout the business.

Closing date for applying is 6 March 2026 For more about careers at Forth Ports and the current vacancies, go to: https://www.forthports.co.uk/careers/

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