EUROPE

DP World gains approval for London Gateway

19 years ago

DP World says the first phase of its London Gateway container terminal should be operational in 2010, following approval of the development by the British government at the end of May. Construction of the first container berths is due to start later this year, although DP World must still wait for the formal Harbour Empowerment Order decision, a process likely to take a few months.“ Our plan is to start construction towards the end of this year and the target remains to have phase one of the port operational by 2010,” said London Gateway chief executive Simon Moore.

The London Gateway plans, first put forward by P&O Ports, which was taken over by DP World in 2006, went through a public inquiry four years ago.

DP World would be making “substantial investments in infrastructure and environmental enhancements across a number of areas”, he added. He did not give a precise figure but said the cost was “an amount we feel the project can absorb”. DP World is to invest £1.5bn in the facility over ten to 15 years, making it the company’s single biggest investment project ever.