DP World has announced a significant £1 billion investment to expand London Gateway, making it Britain’s largest container port within five years. This expansion will bolster the UK’s international trade capabilities and enhance supply chain resilience.
This is inclusive of a second major rail terminal, built to accommodate increased trade.
Key Expansion Plans:
- Additional Berths: The port will add two new shipping berths, increasing the total to six.
- Enhanced Rail Terminal: A second rail terminal will be built to accommodate increased containerised trade.
- Increased Capacity: The expanded quayside, stretching over 2.5 kilometers, will be capable of handling six ultra-large container ships simultaneously.
- Job Creation: The expansion is expected to create 400 new permanent jobs, bringing the total workforce at the port to 1,600.
Strategic Importance of London Gateway
London Gateway, strategically located on the Thames Estuary, has become a vital logistics hub for the UK. The port’s expansion will further solidify its position as a key gateway for international trade, offering:
- Efficient Operations: State-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technology
- Excellent Connectivity: Seamless access to major road and rail networks
- Strong Customer Focus: Dedicated services to meet the needs of diverse industries
DP World’s investment in London Gateway underscores the company’s commitment to the UK economy. The expansion will not only create jobs but also contribute to the growth of UK businesses by facilitating efficient import and export operations.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at DP World said: “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. I am proud of this major investment which underlines DP World’s long-term commitment to the UK.”
Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive Officer for Ports & Terminals at DP World UK, said: “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.”
