DP World is set to enhance UK logistics with a £1bn expansion at London Gateway.
- The project will include two new shipping berths and a second rail terminal.
- This expansion aims to accommodate larger vessels, boosting international trade capacity.
- 400 new jobs will be created, adding to the current workforce of 1,200.
- DP World has already invested over £3bn in transforming the site.
Global logistics company DP World has unveiled an ambitious £1bn expansion plan for its London Gateway terminal. This project is focused on transforming the location into the United Kingdom’s largest container port within the next five years. Located on the north bank of the River Thames in Thurrock, the expansion is expected to significantly bolster the capacity and resilience of international trade.
The expansion plan features the construction of two additional shipping berths, increasing the total number to six. This development will enable the port to accommodate the world’s largest container ships. A second rail terminal is also planned to handle the anticipated rise in containerised trade. By the end of the decade, the quayside will extend over 2.5km and will be equipped to host six vessels each over 400m long, supplemented by the tallest quay cranes in Europe, rivaling the height of Big Ben.
The introduction of 400 permanent new jobs at the facility will augment the existing workforce of 1,200, as the site continues to play a pivotal role in the economic revitalisation of south Essex since its opening in 2013. This development aligns with DP World’s broader growth strategy, which has already resulted in a total investment of over £3bn into the London Gateway project. The conversion of a former oil refinery site into a key logistics hub underscores the transformative impact of this investment.
A noteworthy addition to the site is the £350M fourth berth, which is completely powered by electricity and set to receive its first ship shortly. In conjunction with the expansion, DP World has developed Europe’s largest logistics park nearby, designed to serve as a counterbalance to the Midlands-based ‘golden triangle’ of UK logistics. Employing 1,500 people, this park offers tenants comprehensive storage, warehousing, and distribution services, with robust connections to rail and motorway networks.
The strategic location of the London Gateway, along with the availability of expedited planning consent, further enhances its appeal for expansion. Once planning approval is secured, the extension is anticipated to considerably increase the port’s trade volume, which currently processes nearly 2 million TEUs annually. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, expressed pride in this substantial investment, highlighting DP World’s enduring commitment to enhancing the UK’s trade capacity and supply chain resilience.
Ernst Schulze, CEO of DP World UK for ports and terminals, emphasised the strategic significance of the London Gateway’s location and infrastructure, which are ideal for expansion. He underscored the promise of heightened reliability and supply chain resilience amid global uncertainties. Employing 5,500 people across the UK, DP World plays a vital role in the UK’s economic framework, managing facilities like the Southampton container terminal and offering tailored logistics services across sectors including automotive and perishables.
London Gateway, along with its sister port in Southampton, is responsible for handling three-quarters of the UK’s imported containerised perishable goods. Beyond the UK, DP World extends its integrated logistics, forwarding, and transport services throughout Europe as part of its global network, operating across 78 countries and handling 10% of the world’s trade.
The London Gateway expansion underscores DP World’s commitment to strengthening UK logistics and international trade.
