The development includes a state-of-the-art in-river vessel berth and floating pontoon, designed to accommodate larger vessels exceeding 230 meters in length overall (LOA).
Set to commence construction in March 2025, the project is currently in its design and manufacturing phase. The new infrastructure will significantly enhance the port's capacity to handle RoRo cargo, benefiting sectors such as automotive, construction, paper, steel, and agribulk industries.
The berth and pontoon will streamline operations for vessels carrying a wide range of commodities, including automotives, paper reels, timber, construction machinery, and building materials. This upgrade reinforces Sheerness's pivotal role in national supply chains, particularly for the automotive sector, where 300,000 vehicles are processed annually.
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The construction process will begin with the removal of existing infrastructure, followed by piling and the installation of the pontoon. The facility is projected to be operational by the summer of 2025. Designed to accommodate Quarter Ramp vessels on both sides and Stern Ramp vessels on an adjacent berth, the new pontoon will also provide enhanced flexibility for cargo handling.
Volkswagen and CEVA Logistics, key customers who use Sheerness as their primary hub in Southern England, are set to benefit from the expanded capacity. This development aligns with Peel Ports' broader strategy to deliver a comprehensive automotive service, including plans for a proposed rail siding connected to the main port estate via the Wildfire Bridge.
Beyond the automotive industry, the new berth will free up adjacent berths, allowing for increased volume capacity for various cargo types, while providing critical infrastructure to support the paper and construction industries.
The Port of Sheerness continues to cement its position as a cornerstone of UK logistics, and this latest investment underscores Peel Ports' commitment to supporting the evolving needs of its customers and driving economic growth.
Richard Goffin, Port Director, Peel Ports Great Yarmouth and London Medway, said: "The Port of Sheerness plays a hugely important role in the handling and processing of a broad range of commodities, whether it is automobiles, paper, or construction materials, ensuring that they reach their destination without delay.
"This £30 million project not only shows our ambition to grow our offering to a range of industries, it also represents the next stage of significant investment into the port's infrastructure which will bolster our position as a leader in handling RoRo vessels."
