A TASK and finish group has been established to explore the potential return of the Tilbury to Gravesend ferry, almost two years after the long running service was withdrawn reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Thurrock councillors agreed the move as part of ongoing efforts to assess whether the pedestrian crossing across the Thames can be reinstated on a sustainable basis. The group will carry out a ten week review, with findings due to be reported to the place overview and scrutiny committee by the end of March or at the first meeting of the next municipal year.
The ferry, which carried around 10,000 passengers a year, stopped operating in March 2024 after Kent County Council withdrew funding and the operator, JetStream Tours, ended the service. It had provided an alternative river crossing for commuters, school pupils and leisure users travelling between Essex and Kent.
The new group follows a motion approved by Thurrock Council in July 2024, calling on the authority to work with central government, Kent County Council and other partners to find a way of restoring the “vital historic” Thames crossing and securing long term funding.
Since then, work has been undertaken with public and private sector partners to assess the feasibility of reintroducing the ferry. A study commissioned by the Thames Estuary Growth Board was presented to council officers in February 2025, with further commercial modelling carried out to examine whether a viable operating model could be developed.
However, subsequent reviews highlighted a number of challenges, including the likely need for new vessels and uncertainties around future passenger numbers. The Growth Board has since been developing a revised commercial study based on a “do minimum” scenario, including the possible use of alternative propulsion technologies such as electric-powered boats.
The task and finish group will consider those findings alongside opportunities to boost demand, including links to major employers, growth sites and cruise terminals on both sides of the river.
Councillors have previously been told that any future ferry would need to operate on a largely commercial basis, with limited public subsidy. Interim director Paul Crick told members last year there was strong public demand but no available public funding to run the service.
Independent councillor Roy Jones, who originally proposed the motion, said the ferry remained an important strategic link between Thurrock and Kent.
The ferry’s return is not guaranteed, but councillors say the review is intended to provide a clear roadmap on whether — and how — the service could be brought back.
Categories: Transport
Authorities: Thurrock Council
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