Gravesend to Tilbury ferry

Update June 2025

Since the ferry service stopped on 1 April 2024, we have been actively involved in discussions led by the Thames Estuary Growth Board to explore how the ferry service might be reinstated.

This dedicated working group – which includes other local councils, stakeholders, and potential ferry operators – has been looking into whether the service could return without public funding. This has included exploring commercial models based on increased passenger numbers and higher fares. However, the findings so far show that even with these changes, a significant subsidy would still be needed to make the service viable.

This level of funding is beyond what we (KCC) or any single organisation can provide alone. The group is now focused on identifying alternative funding sources that could help support the reintroduction of the service.

While there is no guarantee that the necessary funding will be found or the service will return, positive discussions are continuing. We remain fully engaged in this process and committed to working with partners to explore all viable options.

Find out more information and full details of the 2024 public consultation.