P&O has agreed with Shell to convert the 607ha (1,500 acre) Shell Haven refinery at Thurrock, Essex, into Britains largest container port at an initial cost of £100m.
The Thames Estuary development would regenerate the area, attracting businesses to the region.
Planning permission is expected within 18 months. Opening is envisaged by 2002.
Financial Times 05/09/00 page 6
The Daily Telegraph 05/09/00 page 31
The Independent 05/09/00 page 8
The Guardian 05/09/00 page 23
