Thames Freeport - Britain's Trading Future

[ 96 ] B R I G G S E Q U I P M E N T The first of these enhancements is the Stage V-compliant diesel engines, which are now fitted as standard to all trucks with a capacity above 18 tonnes. Thames Freeport businesses therefore now have access to a high quality machine that reduces fuel consumption without compromising on productivity and lifting speeds. Most importantly, this also helps reduce the overall cost of transporting each load and allows the resources and time saved to be redirected elsewhere. Thames Freeport is powered by the employees of the partners and businesses that work within the sites, which means that Briggs- supplied products need to guarantee a comfortable and safe working environment. Hyster’s 18–48 tonne lift truck series has, for example, introduced a cockpit style operating cab that features a greater expanse of glass and provides operators with excellent visibility during driving, reversing and manoeuvring. There’s also a new seating design with integrated heating and cab ventilation options to suit changing weather conditions. Operationally, the new controls layout puts all of the crucial truck information at the driver’s fingertips, facilitating greater efficiency and productivity throughout the Freeport. Some of the key aims of Thames Freeport include the adoption of greener working and an overall ambition to introduce electric and autonomous vehicle technology both locally and nationally. The concept of electrification, especially within a port environment, has been worked on and developed over time by Briggs Equipment and its manufacturing partners. Hyster has developed port specific, zero-emission container handling machines that incorporate lithium-ion and fuel cell technology. The electrification of the Hyster product fleet extends into its Big Trucks range and, as environmental regulations become stricter, customers have peace of mind that they are operating equipment that’s not just compliant today but is also future-proof. Port of Tilbury handles 16 million tonnes of cargo each year. The 1,100 acre site primarily handles containers, ro-ro, wood, paper, recycled products and grain. The Port is a multi-modal hub that employs over 3,500 people and is a significant contributor to the local and UK economy. With such a range of products passing through the port, handling equipment goes beyond the merely specialist and has to be bespoke. However, to ensure the continual running of vital equipment, it’s also crucial that the port has its own on-site resident engineers, which Briggs has been able to successfully provide over a number of years. The Port previously operated with over 200 handling vehicles, which had suffered from extensive downtime due to age, inefficient use and ongoing breakdown. Taking on the contract for Port of Tilbury in 2002, Briggs Equipment was able to respond to these challenges, initially completing a full logistics study to establish the optimum fleet requirements in terms of size, specification and age profile. By creating a new and unique type of service embedded on site, Briggs has been able to swap ageing machines for new, bespoke equipment that is capable of greater productivity with less cost. With this ongoing input and support, Port of Tilbury and Briggs are able to work together as a team rather than adopting the traditional supplier- to-customer relationship. As the port’s business has grown, the fleet at Port of Tilbury has expanded to currently over 300 pieces of equipment. Briggs Equipment continues to support the Port of Tilbury with its materials handling requirements Helping to manage operations and expansion at Port of Tilbury