London Gateway Port Set for £1 Billion Expansion Project

London Gateway, a deep-sea port situated 48 kilometers east of Central London and operated by UAE-based logistics giant DP World, is gearing up for a significant expansion project worth £1 billion ($1.3 billion). The ambitious endeavor is poised to commence in May 2025 and is projected to span four years.

DP World anticipates that the expansion will substantially boost the port’s capacity and fortify the UK’s maritime infrastructure. The development aims to position London Gateway as a pivotal hub for enhancing the UK’s trade capabilities.

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson OBE, Minister of State for Investment, emphasized that the project holds the potential to deliver long-term, stable growth, supporting employment opportunities and local economic prosperity.

“The UK is open for business, and DP World’s significant investment underscores confidence in our economy, fostering economic growth and showcasing the success of our Plan for Change,” she added.

DP World has been diligently pursuing regulatory approvals for the investment since CEO and Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem unveiled the expansion plans during a summit in the UK in October 2024.

The £1 billion investment will focus on enhancing London Gateway’s infrastructure, including the addition of two 400-meter-long, all-electric shipping berths. Furthermore, a second rail terminal will be constructed to manage the anticipated surge in container traffic. By the project’s completion, the port’s 2.5-kilometer quayside will accommodate six of the world’s largest container vessels simultaneously.

DP World also disclosed that the expanded container port will be serviced by Europe’s tallest quay cranes, enhancing operational efficiency.

Having invested over £5 billion in its UK operations, DP World has established a strong presence in the country, demonstrating its commitment to growth and development. In January 2025, DP World surpassed handling 100 million TEUs of containers across its global portfolio, with plans for further expansion in the pipeline.

The company attributes this milestone to strategic investments and infrastructure projects valued at a total of $11 billion, underscoring its dedication to enhancing global trade networks.

London Gateway recently celebrated a milestone with the arrival of the container vessel Maersk Stadelhorn, marking the initiation of the Gemini Cooperation established by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. This strategic partnership aims to optimize ocean network connectivity, schedule reliability, and sustainability on key East-West trade routes.

Ernst Schulze, DP World Ports & Terminals Lead for Northern Europe, noted that the Asia-Europe service at London Gateway has the potential to revitalize international trade routes and propel the port towards becoming the UK’s largest container port within the next five years.

Maersk Stadelhorn’s call at London Gateway follows DP World Southampton’s welcome of the MV Leonidio, signaling the company’s commitment to enhancing trade connectivity and operational efficiency across its global network.