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l Tilbury Container Services (TCS) has completed a significant investment phase that covered the purchase of 2 new super-postPanamax gantry cranes, the totarefurbishment of 2 Panamax cranes and the refurbishment of the terminal’s original “in dock” berths.

In order to mark this significant achievement, especially during a period of economic austerity, TCS wanted to showcase the investments to their customers and other key stakeholders and so decided upon a river cruise along the River Thames from Tilbury.

After months of planning and a team effort from several staff at Tilbury, the day finally arrived and on 30th September 118 people, boarded the Silver Barracuda.

About a third of the guests were TCS employees including all senior managers, administrative staff, crane and straddle carrier drivers and engineers from all departments.  The rest of the guests comprised of representatives from all three shareholders (DP World, Associated British Ports and Forth Ports), major shipping lines, hauliers, importers, exporters, trade associations, Port of London Authority, government health inspectors and media etc…

Departing from TCS’ inside berth, the riverboat sailed past the refurbished cranes, through the lock gates and onto the River Thames, giving everybody on board the chance to view the new facilities from the water, with a commentary provided.  In the company of a background jazz ensemble, guests enjoyed a reception on board followed by a four course lunch as the boat cruised up river into Central London.  It was a rare opportunity for people to see the “working areas” of the River Thames, in addition to the more famous tourist sights.  Five hours later, guests disembarked close to the historic site of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

The development is a major expansion for TCS, giving the terminal a significant increase in its berthing capacity as well as more reliable craneage for customers.  With many UK terminals delaying investment due to the global economic downturn, TCS is one of the few UK terminals who were able to complete such a project on schedule.  The improvements means that TCS can a) attract new services to the terminal, b) handle more ships when they arrive off slot (that may otherwise be lost to a competitor) and c) offer improved crane reliability and therefore guaranteed service to our customers.

As a special part of the cruise, some cheques were presented to selected local charities. Liebherr, the crane manufacturer donated £30,000 as part of the contract.  This sum was distributed amongst charities covering areas such as a local children’s hospice, cancer care, the local lifeboat station and seafarers charity, to name just a few.

Barry Dyer, Head of Engineering at TCS Said, "An excellent event.  It is not often that TCS does something like this, but I have to say it went very well - everybody I spoke to had a wonderful time".

“As Lou Reed wrote and still sings 'Such a perfect Day'!", said Mike Gillespie of New Zealand Farmers.

And finally, from James Leeson - Business Development Director at TCS, "It was a great day. After months of planning, it was also a relief that it all went so well!".