Global logistics giant DP World has unveiled plans for a £1 billion expansion of its London Gateway facility, aiming to transform it into the largest container port in Britain within the next five years. This significant investment is set to enhance both the volume and resilience of international trade.
The expansion will involve the construction of two new shipping berths, increasing the total to six and capable of accommodating the world’s largest container vessels. Additionally, a second rail terminal will be established to manage the anticipated rise in containerized trade.
Once completed, the full quayside will extend over 2.5 kilometres, allowing the simultaneous docking of six vessels, each exceeding 400 meters in length. The site will feature the tallest quay cranes in Europe, rivalling the height of Big Ben.
This development is expected to generate 400 new permanent jobs, supplementing the 1,200 current positions at the site. The London Gateway, which opened in 2013, has been instrumental in the economic revitalization of south Essex, and this expansion marks a significant milestone in DP World’s rapid growth strategy for the Thames Estuary hub.
With this latest investment, DP World’s total commitment to London Gateway will rise above £3 billion as the company converts the former oil refinery site into one of the UK’s key logistics hubs. The facility recently welcomed the addition of a £350 million fourth berth, the first of its kind to be fully powered by electricity.
DP World has also established Europe’s largest logistics park, providing jobs for 1,500 workers and serving as a strategic alternative to the Midlands-based ‘golden triangle’ of UK logistics. Tenants at the park benefit from comprehensive warehousing and distribution services supported by excellent rail and motorway connections, ensuring quick access to the vital consumer markets of London and the South East. Fast-track planning permissions allow businesses to swiftly construct new facilities in response to demand.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at DP World, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “DP World London Gateway will help facilitate Britain’s future trade by linking domestic exporters with global markets and providing essential supply chain resilience for the entire economy.”
Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive Officer for Ports & Terminals at DP World UK, noted that the port’s strategic location and transport infrastructure are well-suited for expansion, reiterating the essential role of increased capacity in ensuring reliability and resilience in supply chains, particularly in uncertain times.
Pending planning approval and regulatory requirements, the expansion is projected to significantly boost trade volume at London Gateway, which currently processes nearly 2 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually.
As DP World continues to play a pivotal role in the UK economy, the company employs 5,500 workers across its diverse logistics portfolio. In addition to owning and operating London Gateway and Southampton’s container terminal, DP World provides bespoke services in warehousing, transport, and port-centric logistics across various sectors, including automotive and perishables. Notably, three-quarters of the UK’s imported containerized perishable goods pass through London Gateway and its sister port in Southampton.
With operations in 78 countries, DP World handles approximately 10 per cent of global trade, reinforcing its status as a key player in the international logistics sector.
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