17.01.2013

Port of Tilbury recognised for Olympics logistics success

Port of Tilbury Media Release

The Port of Tilbury has been presented with an Olympic torch by LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games), in recognition of its essential logistics role during the 2012 Olympics.

Tilbury was chosen by LOCOG over three years ago for its key location, close to London, with the potential to help deliver the ‘Greenest Games in Modern Times’.  In addition to the ability to provide extensive warehousing facilities, it quickly became apparent that Tilbury had much more to offer the biggest peacetime logistics operation.  With a strong environmental track record in creating green solutions, Tilbury provided expertise in a variety of cargo flows including delivery of containers by water from the Far East straight to Stratford without the load ever touching a road vehicle.

The Port of Tilbury developed successful relationships, not only with LOCOG but with their key partners, UPS, and warehouse operators, Wincanton, due to the expertise and flexibility of service available.  With over 5 million square feet of warehousing, Tilbury was able to scale up the operation at short notice and take delivery of a diverse range of products – from sand for the equestrian events to bean bags for the athletes’ village.  By July 2012, millions of items and pieces of equipment had passed efficiently and cost effectively through the Tilbury site.

Additional services provided by the port:

• The Torch Relay preparations took place at the port, with all associated cars, lorries and vehicles being parked with maximum security at the Port, overseen by the Port Police. 
• Training and LOCOG forums took place regularly at the Cruise Terminal facility. #
• Over the entire contract period leading up to the Games, port staff, from specialist engineers to supply chain experts, became involved in assisting the Logistics Team on a daily basis.

Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer at Forth Ports, said: "We have been very proud of our association with the success of the London Olympics.  It’s a fantastic example of what Tilbury can offer – key location, flexible warehousing plus existing supply chains working together to provide environmentally friendly, cost effective logistics.  Everyone was committed to making the Games a success and it is the way we like to approach all business – listening to what is required and taking decisive action to deliver solutions.  I would like to thank LOCOG for choosing Tilbury as their Logistics Hub and congratulate the team on the innovation and the subsequent success of all they achieved.”

Mick Wright, Head of Logistics for LOCOG, said:  "Working with the Port has been a great experience.  Their values and ways of working have contributed enormously to the success of the Logistics programme and, in turn, the success of the Games.  It has been our pleasure to have this association with the Port and we have taken a tremendous amount of confidence in conducting this programme from the knowledge that we had such a loyal and committed partner in the shape of the Port of Tilbury."