"For private sector seaport operators like DP World and Forth Ports, you are only as good as your weakest link"

EAST Thurrock's MP has called for a significant improvement in rail links to the region to help its port grow the economy by being able to move more goods by rail.

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, says the 'Achilles' heel' that will hold growth back is a poor transport infrastructure.

Writing in the 'The House' - a weekly publication for parliamentarians, Mr Metcalfe is inviting the government to adopt a new 'laser-like focus' backed by accelerated, targeted and sustained investment in digital and public infrastructure.

He says: "Trade will be crucial to our Covid economic recovery – but we'll need a strategic approach to regional connectivity and transport links for freight.

"So, as the country emerges from lockdown and approaches the end of the transition period to Brexit, it's critical that the Government refocuses its energy on trade.

"We must adopt a new laser-like focus backed by accelerated, targeted and sustained investment in digital and public infrastructure to boost existing industrial clusters and strengthen coastal communities that have been economically left behind.

"I'm proud to represent a thriving maritime business cluster, which is home to the newest container port at London Gateway and, in the neighbouring constituency, a brand new freight ferry terminal, Tilbury2.

"These two logistics complexes are at the heart of a port that employs 49,000 people and, alone, have driven over £2 billion of foreign direct investment into their facilities over the past decade.

"The scale of their operations is impressive and their embrace of new technology is a good example for any business secretary looking at how an industrial strategy, combined with a commitment to modernisation, can drive up productivity.

"For private sector seaport operators like DP World and Forth Ports, you are only as good as your weakest link.

"As truly multi-modal operations – barge, rail and road – the Achilles' heel is often the capacity in the strategic rail and road networks connecting their assets to key business and consumer markets in Greater London, the South East and beyond.

"For example, both operators are driving more freight from road to rail. Yet to transit across London, you need to negotiate the congested North London rail line.

"Should priority be given to freight over passengers as we seek to reduce urban congestion, abate climate change and tackle poor air quality? Without substantial investment, the bottleneck soon becomes a rail-block; a drain on the growth potential of the port."

You can read the full article here.