The future for multimodal connections for bulk cargo in the south east of England has been given a major boost in a new deal between London Thamesport and UK shipping agent The Armitt Group for a specialist steel handling facility at the Kent port. 

The facility, for which construction of the first phase of 60,000 square feet is now underway, will allow the Armitt Group and its customers to take advantage of London Thamesport’s deep-water berths and excellent rail links to London, the south east, the midlands and north west.

Leading specialists

Clemence Cheng, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports Europe, owners and operators of London Thamesport, said: “We welcome this partnership with The Armitt Group at our London Thamesport facility. The investment demonstrates the port’s advantages for multi-purpose, as well as containerised cargoes. As well as a renowned ship’s agency, the Armitt Group is one of the UK’s leading specialists in the handling of steel products. The excellent combination of deep-water and multimodal rail and road connections at London Thameport will provide it with a platform from which to develop its business.”

Supply chain

Charles Gray, Managing Director of Armitt, added: “We see this new relationship with London Thamesport as a great opportunity to open up a new supply chain corridor for The Armitt Group to service European and Far Eastern markets and is a critical link in our plans to develop a fully integrated supply chain across the UK.”

The new facility will be operated by the Armitt Group and has been designed specifically for the handling of high quality steel products. The investment is the first in a three stage plan by the Armitt Group to develop similar multimodal facilities in the midlands and north of the UK within the next three years.

London Thamesport’s on-site, multi-user rail terminal offers a range of reliable and environmentally friendly rail solutions. Daily rail services connect the port to key regional hubs in the north west, the midlands, and Yorkshire. High-cube capability is provided through the use of ‘low-liner’ wagons allowing the port to manage today’s logistic challenges within a sustainable transport environment.