Tilbury rail freight set to surge as major port expansion gets green light

Rail freight at the Port of Tilbury is on track for a major boost after plans for a significant expansion were approved—potentially transforming the site into one of the UK’s best-connected logistics hubs.

Thurrock Council has given the go-ahead for Tilbury3 (T3), a new rail-linked terminal that will connect with the existing Tilbury2 site. Once operational in 2030, the development is expected to dramatically increase the volume of freight moved by rail.

Currently, around 38 trains a week serve the port—just 5% of its total throughput. But by the end of the decade, that figure is forecast to jump to 95 weekly services, accounting for nearly a third of all cargo movements.

The expansion comes as Tilbury positions itself at the heart of the UK’s logistics network, with close links to road, rail and sea—and its proximity to the Lower Thames Crossing set to further strengthen its strategic importance.

But there’s a catch. While demand for rail freight is rising, the network—particularly across north London—is already stretched to its limits.

Network Rail has warned that accommodating the expected growth will be “challenging” without major upgrades. Key pinch points include busy routes across London, where daytime capacity is already constrained and most additional freight paths are only available in the evening or overnight.

To unlock growth, a series of improvements are being considered—from signalling upgrades and junction enhancements to reopening lines, increasing speeds, and closing level crossings.

Without these changes, the full potential of Tilbury’s expansion could be difficult to realise.

The pressure is only set to increase, with nearby London Gateway also expanding its rail capacity—highlighting a wider shift towards moving more freight by rail.