Forth Ports’ chief operating officer
Perry Glading said the port has a long and fruitful relationship with UPM going back more than 15 years.
He added: “During that time both organisations have created a valued supply chain through Tilbury that fully meets UPM customers’ expectations.

This further consolidation will place Tilbury at the forefront of handling imported paper into the UK as a place of performance excellence in this sector of our business.”

A new trust, set up to provide training for ex-servicemen and women, has received a £750,000 government grant.

The programme for logistics training, created by Tilbury on the Thames, will launch in April next year and is aimed at helping ex-servicemen and women gain skills to work in the logistics industry.

The £750,000 Libor Grant will go towards developing a bursary and training scheme and is supported by charities and the Port of Tilbury. Kate Green, East Anglia and Essex Manager of Royal British

awards raised by fines implemented following the Libor banking scandal. Perry Glading chief operating officer Forth Ports said: “The Port of Tilbury is rooted in our community, having seen successive generations generate a sense of belonging and shared endeavour.

“Our port family echoes the feeling of comradeship within the Armed Forces, confirmed by our current veterans who enjoy successful careers. We want to develop this further and are fully committed to making any LIBOR investment work to support those who embody the best of values.”

Legion, said: “This project can only be a great success. Every week we have young soldiers who have settled in Essex seeking employment and re-training. At the present time we struggle to find enough placements and training opportunities for them. The Port of Tilbury can offer allof this.”

Tilbury’s Grade II Listed cruise terminal will be the focal point for the training, which means expanding the port’s award-winning Logistics Training Academy.

Funding comes from the Libor Grant scheme, which has invited good causes to apply for cash

Jukka Holsa of UPM Logistics said: “By employing the most modern fleet, Transfennica will increase the cargo carrying capacity substantially and
ensure the highest transport quality.

This will enable the Port of
Tilbury to maximize the operational efficiency in port operations and simultaneously respect UPM’s cargo care principles.”

Plans by one of Europe’s biggest paper suppliers to double shipments to the UK, via the Port of Tilbury,
will add greater reliability to the service – according to paper chiefs.

In the early New Year, all paper
and plywood shipped from Kotka
and Rauma in Finland by UPM
will be direct to Tilbury on the tidal Thames.

It will mean two weekly arrivals
on the tidal Thames by Transfennica ships, instead of one.