The Port of London Authority (PLA) is investing £3.5 million in new dry discharge system at CEMEX Northfleet Wharf, aimed to secure Thames river traffic and improve building materials throughputs at the site.
The development will enable CEMEX Marine dredgers to discharge sand and gravel more efficiently for processing at the Northfleet site.
CEMEX Marine dredgers bring sand and gravel from the North Sea and other off-shore locations into three wharves along the Thames including Northfleet, primarily for use in the London construction market.
The site currently handles approximately 500,000 tonnes of material a year, which will increase to approximately 800,000 – 850,000 tonnes with the system due to the faster turn round of vessels, said PLA.
“Our investment at Northfleet is the first under the Investment Plan and is a perfect example of what we are looking to achieve,” explained PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer.
“We are investing in the improved discharge systems that will marry up well with the new dredger that CEMEX has on order. In combination this will secure the long term future of cargo handling at this key site and generate a commercial return which we can re-invest in other river projects.”
The new dry discharge system will be completed mid to end June 2019.