A Kent port is playing a key role in the creation of a multi-billion pound system, known as Thames Tideway , designed to upgrade London's sewer network.

London Thamesport , on the Isle of Grain , has started to take deliveries of what are known as 'primary tunnel precast rings' - which when constructed will form the main tunnel system for what has been dubbed the capital's new 'super sewer'.

Arriving on train from their manufacturing plant in Lincolnshire, a total of 6,000 rings will then be transported by a combination of barge and road destined for the main east and Greenwich sections of the project.

Work on the ambitious project started in 2018 and is not expected to be complete for at least another four years.

Once complete, the new sewer system is designed to transport all the raw sewage and rainwater that currently flows into the Thames.

It will run from Acton in the west through to a sewage processing plant in Newham in the east.

The main works contractor for the Tideway East project, CVB, is a joint venture comprising, Costain, VINCI Construction Grands Projets and Bachy Soletanche.

Neil Grosset, deputy project director CVB on Tideway East, said: “With approximately half the rings being loaded to barges using the port’s ship to shore quay cranes for final delivery to the tunnel boring machine site in Greenwich, this will enable us to provide an efficient, reliable, robust and cost effective solution whilst simultaneously delivering a significant reduction in the CO2 levels generated from the project.

“We look forward to working in partnership with the excellent London Thamesport team who have demonstrated their experience and capabilities in successfully handling similar major infrastructure and construction related projects across London and the South East."

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