Global logistics firm DP World has unveiled plans for a £1bn expansion of its London Gateway port, aiming to establish it as the UK’s largest container port within five years.
This development on the north bank of the River Thames in Thurrock is poised to enhance the capacity and resilience of international trade, according to the company.
The expansion project involves constructing two new shipping berths at London Gateway, increasing its total to six berths to accommodate the world’s largest container ships. Additionally, a second rail terminal will be built to support the expected uptick in containerised trade.
By the end of this decade, the expanded quayside, stretching over 2.5km, will be capable of simultaneously hosting six vessels, each over 400m long. This will include the tallest quay cranes in Europe, rivalling the height of Big Ben.
This development is also set to generate 400 permanent new jobs, supplementing the current workforce of 1,200 at the facility. Since its opening in 2013, the Thames Estuary hub has spurred economic revitalisation in south Essex and is part of a broader growth strategy.
This expansion will bring DP World’s total investment at London Gateway to over £3bn, which has seen the transformation of a former oil refinery site into a pivotal UK logistics hub.
The newly added £350M fourth berth, powered entirely by electricity, will soon accept its first ship.
DP World has also established Europe’s largest logistics park as a counterbalance to the Midlands-based ‘golden triangle’ of UK logistics. This park employs 1,500 people, offering tenants storage, warehousing, and distribution services with robust rail and motorway links. The site’s proximity to London and the South East consumer market and the availability of fast-track planning consent further enhance its appeal.
Pending planning approval, the expansion is expected to substantially boost the port’s trade volume, which currently processes nearly 2M TEU (20ft equivalent units) annually.
DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem expressed pride in this significant investment, underscoring DP World’s ongoing commitment to the UK by facilitating future trade and bolstering supply chain resilience.
DP World UK CEO for ports and terminals Ernst Schulze highlighted that London Gateway’s strategic location and infrastructure make it ideal for expansion, promising increased reliability and supply chain resilience amid global uncertainties.
DP World, employing 5,500 people across the UK, is a crucial player in the nation’s economy. In addition to London Gateway, DP World operates Southampton’s container terminal and provides bespoke logistics services across various sectors, including automotive and perishables. Together, London Gateway and its sister port in Southampton handle three-quarters of the UK’s imported containerised perishable goods.
Beyond the UK, DP World offers integrated logistics, forwarding, and transport services across Europe as part of its global network, operating in 78 countries and handling 10% of the world’s trade.
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