CEMEX and Walsh agree new five-year partnership

Companies agree new river Thames freight contract to reduce transport CO2 by 75%

CEMEX have agreed a new five-year partnership with Walsh, a leading provider of river, road and rail freight solutions in London, that will see aggregates transported from CEMEX’s wharf at Dagenham to their ready-mixed concrete plant at Fulham.

The use of barges on the river Thames to transport the aggregates will result in a 75% CO2 saving compared with road transport, further demonstrating CEMEX’s Future In Action commitment to net-zero CO2.

Marine aggregates are processed at Dagenham and the site also receives limestone by sea from the company’s Raynes Quarry in North Wales. Both materials are used in the Fulham plant to produce concrete for the London construction market.

Under the new contract, one barge service will be completed every day, helping to ease congestion and reduce emissions; each loaded barge carries 400 tonnes, which will save the equivalent of 20 HGV lorries travelling across the centre of London.

The contract with Walsh has been agreed as CEMEX prepare to invest in their Fulham ready-mixed concrete site to ensure it can continue to meet demand for construction materials in the capital in the long term. Opportunities for further development of the partnership with Walsh, including the identification of additional flows, are also being explored.

Dave Hart, CEMEX’s supply chain director for the UK and France, commented: ‘We are pleased to have agreed this new partnership with Walsh, who are perfectly placed to support us with the supply of materials into our Fulham site.

‘We are always looking for ways to enhance the sustainability of our logistics operation, and the use of river freight supports our drive to be a responsible business by reducing congestion and air emissions in our great capital city.’

Lex Russell, materials director at CEMEX UK, added: ‘Our Fulham ready-mixed concrete plant is a vital part of our London operation, so it’s important that it receives a consistent and reliable flow of materials from our Dagenham Wharf.

‘Using the Thames provides a congestion-free, sustainable route through the centre of London, and maximizing the opportunities for river freight was encouraged in the Greater London Authority’s strategic plan for the city.’

Joe Gifford, managing director of Walsh, said: ‘This is a win-win, not just for CEMEX and Walsh, but also for freight transport, construction and the environment.

‘Moving essential materials via the river Thames has numerous advantages – fewer lorry miles, less congestion, lower emissions – whilst at the same time helping to meet London’s demand for materials for redevelopment and regeneration. We’re proud to be working with the team at CEMEX to deliver that.’