Thames Freeport supports investment into clean energy, advanced manufacturing and modern logistics, underpinned by strong global connectivity and proximity to London and the South East. Businesses based here benefit from direct access to international markets, integrated transport infrastructure and the UK’s largest consumer economy.
The area is well suited to advanced manufacturing across food and drink, automotive, construction and related supply chains. Established operators in ports, logistics and FMCG are already investing and expanding, supported by development ready sites and a growing local skills base.
The UK logistics market is valued at around £130 billion annually and is undergoing rapid change, driven by the need for efficiency, resilience and lower carbon operations. Thames Freeport provides a practical platform for this transition, supporting the adoption of new technologies and modern operating models.
Investment at Thames Freeport is supported by a collaborative delivery model that connects businesses with partners across industry, innovation and skills. This creates a location where companies can invest with confidence, scale sustainably and access the workforce and infrastructure needed for long term growth.
Innovation & Infrastructure
State-of-the-art infrastructure
Our partners are world leaders in making trade flow and have invested over £2.5 billion in port and logistics infrastructure over the past 10 years, with over £3 billion of further investment planned.
The Thames Freeport offers modern infrastructure tailored to the unique needs of manufacturers, including temperature-controlled storage, distribution facilities, and advanced production spaces.
Investment in hydrogen and alternative fuel infrastructure will spur the development of a green logistics cluster with enormous growth potential.
Research and
Innovation
Thames Freeport Innovation Labs are a delivery focused way of turning innovation into real outcomes. They bring businesses, public sector partners and technology providers together to solve practical challenges using live environments, data and infrastructure.
The labs focus on applying AI, digital and operational innovation across logistics, construction, manufacturing and health. The emphasis is on testing what works, scaling proven solutions and supporting faster adoption that delivers commercial value and public benefit.
Key Sector Opportunities
Advanced Ports, Logistics & FMCG
Thames Freeport provides a port centric logistics platform serving London, the South East and national supply chains. Anchored by major ports with rail, road and river connectivity, it supports high volume, time critical and temperature controlled operations at scale.
Companies investing here benefit from modern infrastructure, development ready land and Freeport incentives in designated areas. Proximity to the UK’s largest consumer market enables faster distribution, lower operating costs and resilient FMCG and food and drink supply chains.
Sustainable Construction
Thames Freeport provides a strong base for sustainable construction businesses serving London and the South East. Demand is driven by net zero targets, urban regeneration projects, large scale mixed use development and the long term programme to retrofit around 4,000,000 homes across London by 2050.
Anchored around Tilbury’s Construction Hub, the area offers port access, logistics connectivity and development ready land for the manufacture, movement and assembly of construction materials. Investors benefit from long term demand, skills provision and an established ecosystem focused on lower carbon construction.
Technology & Manufacturing
Thames Freeport provides an industrial platform for technology led and advanced manufacturing businesses serving UK and international markets. Its port connectivity, rail and road access support efficient inbound materials, outbound distribution and integrated supply chains.
Companies investing here benefit from industrial scale sites, modern infrastructure and access to a skilled workforce. Freeport incentives in designated areas support lower operating costs, while proximity to London and the South East strengthens access to customers, partners and talent.
Artificial Intelligence - AI
Thames Freeport offers a place for AI and digital companies to locate, grow and deploy solutions at scale. Businesses benefit from proximity to major ports, logistics, construction, manufacturing and health activity, providing immediate commercial use cases and routes to market.
Companies setting up here gain access to live environments, industry partners and applied Innovation Labs that support testing, deployment and adoption. This is a location for AI businesses focused on real world application, scale and long term commercial impact.
350000000
A £350m investment has created an all-electric and autonomous fourth berth – operational in 2024.
80
Tilbury generates 80% of electricity usage through investment in renewables (wind).
2040
By 2040, an estimated 25.5 million EVs and hybrids on the road in the UK and Thames Freeport is well-positioned to facilitate automotive component manufacturers.
