New flood defence gates for Port of Tilbury in £34 million scheme Construction work has started on an innovative scheme to improve Tilbury’s flood defences with the installation of new dual function flood lock gates. From: Existing flood barrier and current lock gate system at The Port of Tilbury In a project of national importance, the existing port lock gates will be replaced with pioneering dual function lock gates, and the Environment Agency’s tidal barrier will be removed. This is a major joint project between the Environment Agency and The Port of Tilbury that will safeguard thousands of homes and businesses in the local area.