London Gateway Throughput Surges as DP World Tightens Grip on UK Container Trade

London Gateway has cemented its position as one of Britain’s fastest-growing container ports, handling over 3 million TEU in 2025—a remarkable 52% increase from the previous year’s 1.9 million TEU. The milestone marks a turning point for DP World’s UK operations, which now move more than five million TEU annually across its London Gateway and Southampton terminals combined.

The surge in throughput at London Gateway comes on the heels of its newly operational fourth berth and the addition of Gemini Cooperation’s Asia-Europe vessel calls. Meanwhile, DP World’s Southampton terminal crossed the 2-million-TEU threshold, contributing to the company’s dominant position in a UK container market that totals just over nine million TEU.

“Every container that moves through our terminals at London Gateway and Southampton is moving goods that underpin British business and daily life, from food on our shelves to products keeping manufacturers and high streets running,” said Stephen Whittingham, Executive Vice President for North Europe at DP World. “Our UK infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping these supply chains running quickly and efficiently, especially during the busiest times of the year.”

The growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing. Construction is already underway on two additional all-electric berths at London Gateway as part of a £1 billion investment that will bring the total to six berths capable of accommodating the world’s largest containerships. The port also commissioned a second rail terminal in 2025, with plans to add a BOXBAY container handling system through a £170 million investment over the next two years.

Southampton’s modernization continues in parallel, with the terminal set to receive new quay cranes later this year that will form Europe’s tallest quay crane fleet—a £60 million investment designed to futureproof operations at the Solent facility.

Whittingham highlighted that the 5-million-TEU milestone “demonstrates how investment in capacity, technology and resilience is allowing DP World to move goods more reliably, sustainably and efficiently from ship to shop, continuing to raise the standard for end-to-end logistics.”

DP World, headquartered in Dubai, operates across more than 75 countries and enables over 9% of global containerized trade. With London Gateway on track to become Britain’s most important container port, the company’s UK investments signal confidence in the country’s trade infrastructure at a time of evolving global supply chain dynamics.

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