Forth Ports has invested £20 million into 14 brand new straddle carriers, which will be used at its Port of Tilbury site.

Like the majority of the carriers that are already based at the port, the handling equipment will be provided by Kalmar.

Chief operating officer at Forth Ports Perry Glading said the firm has put together a substantial investment plan for its London Container Terminal and it will continue to upgrade both its deep sea and short sea operations at the facility.

"In addition to the new straddle carriers we have also invested in a single reception gate covering both security and container processing, new cranes, a bespoke ICT system and surfacing work," he remarked.

The London Container Terminal has grown in stature over the years and has become crucial to the UK's economy, handling more than half a million containers annually.

Forth Ports completed the acquisition of the site (which was previously known as Tilbury Container Services) for £95 million in January 2012.