The Port of Tilbury, part of the Forth Ports Group and one of the UK’s most strategically important trade gateways, has partnered with Continental, with a plan to improve operational performance, sustainability and safety across its logistics operations.
Port of Tilbury: Forward-Thinking Solutions
With over 500 tyres in use across their fleet of Kalmar, Hyster, and Liebherr GB cranes, reachstackers, forklifts, and straddle carriers, the Port of Tilbury required a robust and forward-thinking solution to meet the demands of its high-intensity environment. Their choice was Continental.
“We have partnered with Continental for our tyre requirements for a number of reasons,” said Andy Darlington, Senior Procurement & Facilities Manager at the Port of Tilbury. “The exceptional performance of their tyres, combined with their advanced digital solutions, gives us reliability and endurance in our day-to-day operations.”
Continental StraddleMaster tyres are designed to deliver durability and fuel efficiency, with low rolling resistance helping reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%. ContiConnect and ContiPressureCheck provide condition-based monitoring, allowing the port to detect issues before failure and prioritise maintenance using real-time data.
Three YardReader stations have been installed across the site to support data-driven decision-making, while predictive maintenance has helped reduce downtime by 20%.
“The real-time data from Continental’s tyre sensors is accessible both on-site and remotely,” added Andy Darlington. “It gives our team full visibility and helps us plan more effectively.”
The port also partners with Halfords Commercial Fleet Services (CFS), who manage tyre inspections, stock, and replacements to ensure operational continuity. “Halfords CFS expertly manages our tyre husbandry,” said David Housden, Head of Engineering & Procurement. “This, combined with Continental’s innovation, supports us to keep our fleet moving.”
Sustainability is a shared priority. Continental’s tyres can now be produced CO₂-neutrally at its ISCC PLUS-certified Lousado plant in Portugal, powered by renewable energy. This aligns with the Port of Tilbury’s environmental goals and supports its long-term commitment to responsible operations. “This partnership with the Port of Tilbury is about more than tyres,” said Mike Leedham, OTR Sales Manager at Continental. “It’s about powering the future of ports through innovation and sustainability.”
