DP World Announces £1 Billion Expansion of London Gateway Port

DP World has secured all necessary permits and is set to commence work on a significant expansion of its London Gateway port in just a few weeks. The £1 billion investment will boost the UK’s logistics sector capacity by 50% upon completion.

The expansion project, scheduled to begin in May, will span four years and include the addition of two 400-meter all-electric berths and a second rail terminal. This expansion comes on the heels of recent investments in new cranes and logistics capabilities, positioning the container port as a key player in the Thames Freeport.

During a visit to London Gateway, DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem hosted UK Minister of State for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, to discuss the growth plans and the creation of 400 new permanent jobs at the logistics hub.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem expressed, “This investment further solidifies London Gateway’s role in British trade, enhancing capacity and connectivity between the UK and the global economy. DP World’s substantial investment in the UK, totaling over £5 billion and providing more than 5,500 jobs, underscores our commitment to supporting national economic growth and strengthening supply chain resilience.”

Following an agreement with the Gemini Cooperation (comprising Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd), London Gateway will serve as a key port for Gemini’s Asia-Europe and Middle East-Europe services. The expansion aligns with Gemini’s efforts to optimize port operations and enhance schedule reliability.

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, Minister of State for Investment, hailed DP World’s expansion as a catalyst for the UK’s logistics sector, fostering job creation and economic growth. She stated, “DP World’s significant investment underscores the strength of the UK economy, driving sustainable growth and reaffirming our commitment to progress.”

The expansion project is expected to generate over 1,000 construction jobs and create 400 permanent positions at the port. London Gateway, known for its innovative approach, opened the world’s first all-electric berth in 2024 and aims to enhance its container handling capacity with the completion of this project.

With DP World’s Gate and Southampton terminals collectively handling around 3.6 million TEUs annually, London Gateway has emerged as a pivotal player in the Thames Estuary. The port, inaugurated in 2013, witnessed remarkable growth in 2023, achieving double-digit expansion within DP World’s global portfolio.