2009-UK-00026-E

Thames Estuary dredge and reclamation works to support the integrated multi modal London Gateway port and logistics development

The London Gateway (LG) global project is a Category A container port and integrated on-site multimodal distribution centre development in the Thames Gateway Regeneration Area. The port is needed due to increasing UK demand for container freight and the new Ultra Large Container Carriers (ULCCs).

The Action comprises the majority of the dredging that is required to provide deep-water access for the safe navigation of deep draft container ships to London Gateway Port and a deep-water manoeuvring and berthing area at London Gateway itself.

The main dredging will result in increasing the depth of parts of the existing Yantlet channel from 10.5 to 13.75 metres, thus allowing deeper draft vessels to transit the channel. Additionally the berth depth in front of the terminal (the berthing) will be dredged to 17 metres. The estimated amount of material to be dredged is 14 million cubic metres. The final amount will be verified upon completion of baseline hydrographical surveys. Dredge material will be used to reclaim the land for the port and the foundations of the rail interlink.

State of progress on 31 December 2011:

The dredging part of the project is progressing according to schedule and 85% of works have been completed. Reclamation works and river defences are almost finalised. The formation of rail embankment is ongoing and will be achieved by the end of 2012.

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Member States involved:

United Kingdom

Implementation schedule:

Start date: August 2009

End date: December 2012

Beneficiary & Implementing body:

 London Gateway Port Ltd

Additional information:

 European Commission, DG MOVE