Port of Tilbury & Continental's Sustainable Port Logistics
The Port of Tilbury, London’s principal maritime gateway, has strategically joined forces with Continental, a global leader in manufacturing.
This partnership aims to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency within the port's logistics operations.
Through this alliance, Tilbury is prioritising tyre performance and embracing digital innovation to streamline its supply chain operations, ultimately advancing its sustainability initiatives.
The collaboration not only promises improved operational performance but also marks a commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
Supply chain requirements
The Port of Tilbury is the largest within the Forth Ports Group, which is the third largest port group in the UK.
The port covers more than 1,000 acres with 56 operational berths and 31 working terminals. It takes up 10.2km of quay and five million square feet of warehouse space.
It is the largest port on the Thames, with an output of 16 million tonnes every year.
To maintain its extensive operations, the port relies heavily on a consistent supply of automotive parts.
With a large fleet that includes Kalmar, Hyster and Liebherr GB cranes, more than 500 tyres are in use across the port, this collaboration with Continental ensures a steady supply of tyres and facilitates digital innovation across the gateway.
Andy Darlington, Senior Procurement & Facilities Manager at the Port of Tilbury, says: “We have partnered with Continental for our tyre requirements for a number of reasons.
“The exceptional performance of their tyres, combined with their advanced digital solutions, gives us reliability and endurance in our day-to-day operations.”
Streamlining productivity
The partnership has already yielded positive results in terms of port efficiency.
Continental’s StraddleMaster tyres, known for their durability and efficiency, play a pivotal role.
The port has also adopted ContiConnect and ContiPressureCheck, Continental’s digital tyre management systems, providing real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
This proactive approach allows for early issue detection and preemptive maintenance, significantly reducing potential disruptions.
The installation of three Continental YardReader stations, which have a 65 foot sensor radius, supports informed decision-making and predictive maintenance, cutting downtime by 20%.
Additionally, a service partnership with Halford Commercial Fleet Services (CFS) is in place, overseeing tyre inspections, stock and replacements to ensure operational continuity.
David Housden, Head of Engineering & Procurement at the Port of Tilbury comments: “Halfords CFS expertly manages our tyre husbandry.
“This, combined with Continental’s innovation, supports us to keep our fleet moving.”
Sustainable commitments
Continental’s StraddleMaster tyres contribute to fuel efficiency due to their low rolling resistance, reducing fuel consumption by up to 30%.
Mike Leedham, OTR Sales Manager at Continental adds: “This partnership is about more than tyres.
“It’s about powering the future of ports through innovation and sustainability.”
The port is dedicated to reducing its energy footprint by continuously investing in fuel, power and water-saving solutions.
The alliance with Continental aligns with this commitment to responsible operations.
Continental’s capacity to produce CO₂ neutral tyres, thanks to its ISCC PLUS-certified Lousado plant powered by renewable energy, further complements Tilbury’s sustainability goals.
