Boxbay revolutionises London Gateway storage

The installation forms part of DP World’s ongoing €1.15 billion expansion project to make London Gateway the UK’s largest container port within the next five years.

“This contract marks a pivotal moment for Boxbay as we transition from concept to real-world application,” said Christoph Roth, chief executive of Boxbay.

“For the first time, we will implement our system specifically for empty containers. Almost every port faces the challenge of storing empties efficiently. Our Empty Superstack system tackles that by saving space, cutting operating costs and enabling full automation.”

Unlike conventional terminals, which typically store containers six high, the London Gateway Boxbay installation will stack containers up to 16 high with a capacity of 27,000 teu handling both 20- and 40-foot units.

The 10-aisle facility will integrate 15 storage and retrieval machines capable of over 200 container moves per hour, with 40 interface points for landside and waterside operations.

“Boxbay changes how our port will run every day,” said Ernst Schulze, DP World’s Ports and Terminals lead for North Europe.

“By allowing direct access to any container – like a vending machine – it reduces reshuffling, cuts turnaround times and lowers emissions. That means greater reliability, safety and capacity.”

The system has been successfully piloted at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.