Report
Jan 28th

P & O are progressing proposals for a new "one million container" terminal on the site of the Shell Haven Refinery on the River Thames at Stanford-le-Hope, in Essex.

The refinery site offers deep water on an extensive waterfront with existing rail links.

Shell and P & O are working together with third parties including The Port of London Authority.

Comment

Felixstowe made its fortune and name competing with and winning a battle against the cargo handling facilities on the River Thames.

P & O then bought successful Felixstowe

Some of Felixstowe's ex-executives set up Thamesport on the Kent side of the river.

P & O then sold Felixstowe.

Hutchison bought Felixstowe.

Hutchison bought Thamesport, creating a near monopoly of container facilities in the South East of England.

Now P & O, knowing that Felixstowe now has little room to expand, plans a new terminal to compete directly with Felixstowe and Thamesport.

The new site sits neatly between the two Hutchison terminals and is in a prime position to minimise expensive road haulage costs. It is nearer to the critical M25 London Orbital Motorway.

However, it does all seem a little like musical chairs.