Fleete Begins Construction at Tilbury Port

Greetings, Net Zero News Community,

In a pivotal moment for the UK’s logistics and freight sector, Fleete has officially commenced construction on its flagship commercial vehicle electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at the bustling Port of Tilbury in Essex. This significant milestone heralds a promising advancement in the ongoing quest to decarbonise the logistics industry, aiming to do so at an unprecedented scale.

On-site to witness this historic event were a host of stakeholders and industry leaders, including the Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Sue Shinnick, who participated in the ceremonial first dig and plaque unveiling. This occasion not only marked the beginning of construction but also celebrated the fruitful public-private partnership that has enabled the establishment of one of the UK’s largest dedicated charging facilities specifically designed for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and commercial fleets.

Fleete’s ambitious project features a 5 megawatt (MW) shared user charging hub, which has received partial funding of £1 million from the UK government as part of the Thames Freeport seed capital programme. This hub is the inaugural installation in a growing network of commercial charging sites that are strategically positioned along key freight and logistics routes, designed to meet the surging demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.

Scheduled to launch in December 2025, the Fleete hub will be equipped with 16 rapid chargers, enabling simultaneous use. Twelve of these chargers will be supplied by Heliox, while the remaining four will come from Voltempo, funded through the eFREIGHT 2030 initiative. This state-of-the-art hub is designed to cater to large fleet operations around the clock, providing the essential infrastructure needed for a sustainable transition to electric transport in the logistics sector.

Situated within one of the UK’s busiest multimodal ports, the Port of Tilbury site is perfectly positioned to facilitate low-carbon freight corridors across the Thames estuary and beyond. The strategic location of the hub reflects a broader commitment to transitioning to green transport solutions and reducing emissions in the freight sector.

Chris Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of Fleete, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, stating, “Breaking ground at Port of Tilbury is more than a construction milestone; it’s a clear demonstration of how government seed funding capital can attract multiple additional investments from private sources to build the sustainable infrastructure the UK desperately needs.”

Morrison added, “By collaborating with the Port of Tilbury and Thames Freeport, this high-capacity shared user hub directly addresses some of the key challenges related to fleet electrification, and we are thrilled to see this vision coming to fruition.”

Echoing these sentiments, Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety, Alex Norris, remarked, “I am excited to hear that spades are getting in the ground at Port Tilbury with the help of funding from the Freeports programme. This pioneering EV hub will be an invaluable asset to Thames Freeport, which is emerging as one of the UK’s leaders in green transport innovation. It’s a fantastic example of how we can enhance local growth and create job opportunities across the nation, aligning with our Plan for Change.”

Martin Whiteley, CEO of Thames Freeport, highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “This is a strong testament to what Freeports were established to achieve—unlocking investment, accelerating innovation, and delivering infrastructure that supports both economic and environmental objectives. Fleete’s shared user commercial vehicle charging hub exemplifies the kind of high-impact project that will help future-proof the UK’s logistics network. We are proud to contribute to making zero-emission freight a reality at the Port of Tilbury.”

Furthermore, Shaun Wood, Senior Asset Manager at the Port of Tilbury, remarked, “Breaking ground on this hub signifies a crucial turning point in how we support the future of freight at Port of Tilbury. As the volume of goods flowing through the port continues to increase, so does the necessity for smart, sustainable infrastructure. This partnership with Fleete ensures that we are not only meeting the operational demands of today’s logistics sector but are also proactively preparing for the zero-emission supply chains of tomorrow.”

This groundbreaking initiative at the Port of Tilbury is not merely about erecting a charging station; it represents a broader vision for a sustainable future in the logistics and freight industry. As the UK strives to meet its net-zero targets, projects like Fleete’s charging hub will play a crucial role in transforming the landscape of commercial transport, enhancing efficiency, and minimising environmental impact.

As we continue to follow this exciting development, it is essential to recognise the collaborative efforts that have made this project possible. The synergy between public funding and private investment exemplifies a model that other regions can adopt to accelerate the transition to cleaner transport solutions. The implications of such infrastructure extend beyond mere emissions reductions; they promise to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and pave the way for innovative technological advancements in the logistics sector.

As we look forward to the completion of the Port of Tilbury charging hub in December 2025, it is clear that this initiative is a significant leap toward achieving a more sustainable and resilient logistics sector. The ripple effects of this project will resonate throughout the industry, inspiring similar ventures and encouraging a collective commitment to decarbonisation.

In conclusion, the establishment of Fleete’s EV charging hub at the Port of Tilbury is a testament to the power of collaboration between public and private sectors. It sets a precedent for future projects aimed at decarbonising the logistics industry and achieving net-zero goals. As we continue our journey towards a sustainable future, initiatives like this will be pivotal in shaping a cleaner, greener, and more efficient transport network.

Thank you for joining us in this exploration of a vital development in the world of sustainable logistics. Together, we can champion the cause of net-zero emissions and foster a future where clean transport is not just an aspiration but a reality.