THIS past weekend CLdN opened the new access gate to its London terminal in Purfleet.

This two-year, multimillion-pound project significantly improves access to the terminal for customers and delivers on commitments with the local authorities to divert terminal traffic away from residential areas.

The new access to the east of the terminal significantly reduces traffic along London Road – the road running along the north side of the terminal.

The investment included the construction of a new access road and roundabout, new freight access gates (including an automated camera system for checking the condition of trailers) and the improvement of access roads within the terminal.

CLdN's London terminal at Purfleet showing the new access gates bottom left. One of CLdN's ships and the QEII Bridge are in the background.

The new access will also enable CLdN to increase capacity at the terminal in line with planning permits.

Nigel Castle, Head of CLdN Ports UK said: "We are delighted with the outcome of this project. It's a real win-win as it brings benefits to the local community and to CLdN.

"It demonstrates our willingness and ability to invest in state-of-the-art port infrastructure and we will continue to invest in the future of the port.

"I would like to thank all the colleagues who were involved in the project, our partners ISC Contracting and Essex Electrical Services as well as the local authorities here in Thurrock."