FM Conway’s bitumen storage site at Imperial Wharf in Gravesend. © 2025 Google
FM Conway spilled several tonnes of bitumen into the River Thames last month, it has been claimed.
The civils contractor runs a bitumen facility at Imperial Wharf, in Gravesend, where the oily black material is delivered by ship and stored in tanks before being distributed to projects.
On 17 August the firm “accidentally” released an unknown quantity of bitumen into the river, according to the Port of London Authority (PLA), which added that 15 tonnes of bitumen had been removed since then.
The spillage is now being investigated by the Environment Agency, while the PLA is warning people not to try and remove any bitumen they find, but instead report it to a local council.
“Our expert contractors advise that it is not harmful to human health, but it requires proper handling and disposal to avoid further contamination,” the PLA said in a statement.
John Whittingdale, the Conservative MP for Maldon in Essex, meanwhile said initial efforts aimed at containing the spill on the southern short of the Thames Estuary had failed.
“Changing weather conditions have led to small pieces of bitumen debris washing up along the Essex coast, from Thurrock to Clacton,” he wrote on Facebook.
A spokesperson for FM Conway said: “On 17th August a bitumen spill occurred at our terminal in Gravesend.
“We are working closely with the Port of London Authority, the Environment Agency and their expert partners on the clean up operation, as well as supporting the Environment Agency while it carries out its investigation.”
The Environment Agency has been contacted for comment.
Bitumen is a key material used in roadworks, with FM Conway — now owned by Vinci — being one of the leading roadwork contractors in London and the South East.
FM Conway has operated its site at Imperial Wharf for several years and in September 2023 gained planning permission for two more bitumen tanks, a load out gantry and an emulsion plant at the site.
