DP World has announced a $1.3bn expansion of London Gateway to become the UK’s largest container port within five years, boosting international trade.
The expansion includes two new shipping berths, bringing the total to six, capable of handling the world’s largest container ships. A second rail terminal will also be added to manage the expected rise in container traffic.
By the end of the decade, the 2.5km quayside will be able to handle six ships at once, each over 400 meters long, and feature Europe’s tallest quay cranes, as tall as Big Ben.
The expansion will add 400 permanent jobs to the 1,200 already employed, marking the next step in the rapid growth of the Thames Estuary hub, which opened in 2013 and has boosted economic growth in south Essex.
Key highlights of DP World’s initiative
- Investment milestone: DP World’s total investment at London Gateway now exceeds $3.9bn, transforming a former oil refinery into a major UK logistics hub.
- Sustainability with fourth berth: The newest addition, a $457m fourth berth, is the first in the UK to run entirely on electricity and will soon receive its first ship.
- Europe’s largest logistics park: London Gateway is home to Europe’s largest logistics park, employing 1,500 workers and balancing the Midlands’ ‘golden triangle’ of UK logistics.
- Logistics services and connectivity: Tenants benefit from excellent storage, warehousing, and distribution facilities, supported by strong rail and motorway links, with fast access to London and the South East.
- Quick expansion capabilities: Businesses can quickly build new facilities with fast-track planning consent, meeting rising demand efficiently.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO at DP World says: “DP World London Gateway will help make Britain’s trade flow in the future by connecting domestic exporters with global markets and delivering vital supply chain resilience for the whole economy.”
If approved, the expansion is expected to greatly increase trade at the port, which currently handles around 2 million TEU per year.
NOW READ: Surge in online product returns squeezes profit margins
Photo Credit: DP World
Share this article
About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
