London Gateway. Photo courtesy DP World
Global logistics giant DP World has unveiled plans for a £1 billion (US $1.3 billion) expansion of London Gateway, aiming to transform it into Britain’s largest container port within the next five years.
The ambitious project is set to significantly enhance the UK’s trade capabilities and economic resilience.
The expansion will see the addition of two new shipping berths, bringing the total to six, capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships. By the end of the decade, the port will boast a 2.5km quayside, able to simultaneously handle six vessels over 400 meters in length, and will feature Europe’s tallest quay cranes, rivaling the height of Big Ben.
This development is expected to create 400 new permanent jobs, adding to the 1,200 already employed at the site. The project represents a culmination of rapid growth for the Thames Estuary hub, which has been a catalyst for economic regeneration in south Essex since its opening in 2013.
“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,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO at DP World. “I am proud of this major investment which underlines DP World’s long-term commitment to the UK.”
The expansion will increase DP World’s total investment at London Gateway to over £3 billion, transforming a former oil refinery site into one of the UK’s largest and most important logistics hubs. The port recently added a £350 million fourth berth, notable for being the first to be powered entirely by electricity.
Ernst Schulze, CEO for Ports & Terminals at DP World UK, highlighted the strategic importance of the expansion: “As this commitment demonstrates, London Gateway’s location and transport infrastructure are ideally placed for expansion. With extra capacity comes the reliability and supply chain resilience so important to our customers and consumers, especially in uncertain times such as the pandemic and disruption due to geopolitical events.”
Subject to planning approval and regulatory requirements, the expansion is expected to significantly boost trade volume at the port, which currently handles nearly 2 million TEU annually. This development reinforces DP World’s growing role in the UK economy, where it employs 5,500 workers across various logistics services.
With its extensive global network spanning 78 countries and handling 10% of world trade, DP World’s expansion of London Gateway will mark a significant step in strengthening the UK’s position in global trade and logistics.
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