Port of Tilbury Partners with Continental 

The Port of Tilbury, part of the Forth Ports Group and a key UK trade hub, has teamed up with tyre manufacturer Continental to boost performance, safety, and sustainability across its logistics operations.

With over 500 tyres in use across a fleet of Kalmar, Hyster, and Liebherr GB equipment, the port needed a high-performance, data-driven solution. Continental’s tyres and digital tools met the challenge, offering both durability and innovation.

“The exceptional performance of Continental’s tyres and their digital systems give us reliability and endurance in daily operations,” said Andy Darlington, Senior Procurement & Facilities Manager at the port.

Continental’s StraddleMaster tyres have delivered up to 30% fuel savings thanks to low rolling resistance. Their ContiConnect and ContiPressureCheck systems enable real-time, condition-based monitoring, helping prevent failures and cut downtime by 20%. Three YardReader stations installed on-site further enhance data-driven maintenance.

“Real-time data gives our team full visibility and helps us plan more effectively,” added Darlington.

To maintain operational continuity, tyre inspections, stock, and replacements are handled by Halfords Commercial Fleet Services (CFS). “Their expertise ensures our fleet remains on the move,” said David Housden, Head of Engineering & Procurement.

Sustainability is central to the partnership. Continental’s tyres are now available from its ISCC PLUS-certified Lousado plant in Portugal, where production is powered by renewable energy — supporting Tilbury’s environmental goals.

“This partnership 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.”