A new bulk storage and handling facility has opened at Berth 43 at the Port of Tilbury for Cefetra, one of the United Kingdom’s major traders of grains and animal feed raw materials.
The purpose-built facility spans about 14,000 square meters, roughly the size of two full-sized football pitches. It will store and handle imported animal feed products, including soybean meal, holding up to 65,000 tonnes.
The facility uses direct vessel discharge operations, which improves efficiency and reduces cargo handling movements. This design choice streamlines the process of moving goods from ships to storage.
Forth Ports, which operates the Port of Tilbury, said the project represents a significant investment in modern port infrastructure. The facility strengthens Tilbury’s position as a leading UK gateway for agricultural commodities and bulk cargoes.
The new infrastructure supports UK agricultural supply chains through the efficient import, storage and distribution of animal feed products.
Forth Ports and Cefetra have maintained a long-standing partnership at the Port of Tilbury. Located on the Thames, the port provides Cefetra with access to customers across the South and East of England.
Stuart Wallace, chief executive at Forth Ports, said the facility demonstrates the company’s commitment to further investment across its UK port infrastructure.
“This is an exciting chapter in our partnership as Forth Ports and Cefetra continue to play a vital role in the UK agricultural supply chain,” Wallace said.
Andrew Mackay, chief executive at Cefetra, called the facility “a significant step forward” for the company’s UK operations.
“This investment builds on the strong foundations of our relationship at Tilbury and across their wider port network,” Mackay said.
The partnership extends beyond Tilbury. Cefetra also operates a major agri-hub at the Port of Rosyth, part of the Forth Ports network.
