Case Study: London Container Terminal

Project Overview 

The Port of Tilbury, located on the River Thames in London, is one of the UK’s leading ports, renowned for its strategic location and rich history. Established in the late 19th century to meet the increasing demands of the London docks, it has transformed into a modern hub that handles a diverse range of cargo, including containers, bulk goods, cars, and building products. Its proximity to London and major transport routes makes it essential for trade and logistics, supporting both the UK economy and global supply chains.

The Solution

Abacus Lighting has successfully completed a landmark LED retrofit project at the Port of Tilbury, enhancing the port’s operations with energy-efficient Challenger 1 floodlights. The Tilbury Port is one of the highest retrofit projects, undertaken by Abacus Lighting to date.

The retrofitting of Challenger 1 (CH1) LED floodlights on high masts and towers included:

  • 4 x CH1 on a 38m fixed lattice tower
  •  6 x CH1 on a 47m fixed lattice tower
  • 4 x CH1 on a 47m fixed mast
  • 4 x CH1 on a 40m fixed mast 
  • 4 x CH1 on a 35m fixed mast
EX Gantry Photo 6

The floodlights, which are mounted on masts equipped with internal climbing ladders for safe maintenance access, provide excellent illumination. This ensures improved visibility and operational efficiency across the port’s critical areas, even in challenging weather conditions.

The upgrade offers significant benefits to the port, including enhanced safety for workers and drivers, reduced energy consumption, and a lower carbon footprint due to the superior efficiency of the Challenger 1 technology. Additionally, the system’s reliability minimises maintenance disruptions, further supporting the port’s busy operations.

With a projected payback period of just two years, this investment aligns with the port’s long-term sustainability goals, providing both immediate and future cost savings while reinforcing its commitment to modern, eco-friendly infrastructure.

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