In order to secure a constant and diverse source of gas supply to the UK, a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal is required in the London area. A deep water site on the Isle of Grain was found to be suitable because of straightforward navigation and close proximity to the existing cryogenic gas strategic reserve tanks.

Beckett Rankine considered two options for the Front End Engineering Design (FEED). An assessment was made of the disused oil tanker jetties. The recommended solution was constructed with an approach trestle, jetty head and dolphins for the 145,000 cubic metre vessels.

The Isle of Grain is an estuary port location, which is surrounded by extensive areas of environmentally sensitive land. It was therefore essential to work closely with environmental specialists to ensure adequate mitigation for works that might affect wading bird and fish breeding populations.