Construction work on the site the size of 70 football pitches could start in 2026 with a target of being fully operational by 2030.

Owner Forth Ports has submitted an outline planning application to Thurrock Council for a range of activities including general industrial storage, warehousing and processing; a construction material and aggregate terminal; container handling and storage and and vehicle storage.

Work on the T3 project will transform brownfield land which is part of the old Tilbury Power Station site and sits adjacent to the existing T2 port zone allowing it to share the same road access and access to the existing river and the rail freight network.

Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports Group, said: “This is an exciting time for the Port of Tilbury as we submit our plans for Tilbury3 which form part of our growth investment strategy to expand our operations in support of our customer’s growth markets in renewable power, recycling and logistics.

“T3 will sustain existing roles and create many new jobs; contribute to the local economy; and future proof the Port of Tilbury in supporting the economies of Greater London and the South East.”