Grain to Tilbury, Gravesend

Supporting Ferrovial on Two Large-Scale Continuous Shaft Pours Supporting the UK's Biggest Electricity Infrastructure Upgrade

Working in partnership with Ferrovial, Ramcrete played a key role in two of the largest continuous concrete pours we have undertaken, both forming part of the landmark £230m Grain to Tilbury electricity infrastructure upgrade for National Grid.

The Grain to Tilbury project, delivered by the Ferrovial BEMO JV, involves the construction of a new 2.2km high voltage (400kV) cable tunnel with two 35-metre deep shafts, forming a critical part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the UK’s electricity network in a generation. The shaft construction at both Tilbury and Gravesend required precise, uninterrupted concrete pours, demanding exceptional coordination, equipment reliability, and operator expertise across extended, time-critical windows.

At Tilbury, Ramcrete mobilised four concrete pumps, two Schwing 36 metre mobile booms, one Putzmeister 36 metre boom, and one Schwing 43 metre boom, alongside a full team of our incredible operators and a Team Lead. Working continuously in shifts for 24 hours, the fleet poured a total of 1,300m³ of concrete, maintaining a consistent, controlled flow throughout to meet the structural demands of the shaft build.

At Gravesend, the operation scaled even further. Ramcrete deployed four pumps, two Schwing 36 metre mobile booms and two Schwing 43 metre booms,  supported by a 10-strong team of operators. Over 29 hours of non-stop pumping, the team delivered 3,360m³ of concrete, making this one of the most significant single pours in Ramcrete’s history.

Across both sites, the combined volume of 4,660m³ was placed safely, accurately, and on programme, a reflection of the planning, teamwork, and expertise that Ferrovial demanded on a project of this national importance. Pours of this scale and duration leave no room whatsoever for error, and our multi-award-winning, fully accredited team rose to the challenge on both pours. With depots strategically located across the UK, Ramcrete was able to mobilise quickly and sustain operations throughout, ensuring the work kept pace with one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes the country has seen in decades.