The port received development consent to build Tilbury2 last week allowing Graham to begin construction of the port immediately.

The contract will involve the creation of a new port terminal and associated facilities on land at the former Tilbury Power Station on the north bank of the River Thames at Tilbury.

Graham picked up the contracts for both the terrestrial and the marine packages.

The terrestrial works contract incorporates a Roll-On/Roll-Off, highway works, the relocation of the existing railhead, and a fixed structural steel bridge to the linkspan.

The marine works contract includes works within the tidal estuary beyond the existing sea wall/flood defences, including a floating pontoon, link-span/articulated bridge, associated pilings and river bed preparation for the berth.

When operational in Spring 2020, Tilbury2 will be the UK’s largest unaccompanied freight ferry port, the country’s biggest construction processing hub and the creation of a new significantly larger rail head which can accommodate the longest freight trains of 775m.

Charles Hammond, chief executive of Forth Ports Group, said: “Graham are experts in what they do and have demonstrated this in their recent maritime projects in Hull, Grimsby and in Folkestone. There is a great deal to do over the next 12 months and we look forward to opening our new port in 2020.”

Michael Graham, executive chairman, said: “We are committed to delivering lasting impact and the Tilbury2 project is an example of a development programme that will not just enhance the Port’s offering to importers and exporters but will deliver long-term regeneration and create significant new employment opportunities.”