£1bn London Gateway expansion approved

The expansion is expected to take four years and will add two 400-metre-long, all-electric berths and a second rail terminal, significantly enhancing the UK’s trading capacity.

“This investment enhances London Gateway’s position at the heart of British trade, creating new capacity and new connections between the UK and the global economy,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chief executive and group chair of DP World.

“DP World has invested more than £5bn in its UK operations, providing more than 5,500 jobs, and is proud to be supporting national economic growth by enabling businesses to thrive and increasing resilience in the supply chain.”

Once completed the expanded port, part of the Thames Freeport, will be able to accommodate six of the world’s largest container ships and will play host to Europe’s tallest quay cranes.

The project is set to create over 1,000 construction jobs and 400 new permanent roles at the port. DP World has closely collaborated with Thurrock Council and the UK government’s Marine Management Organisation to secure approvals.

“DP World’s expansion in London Gateway will turbocharge the UK’s logistics sector and help deliver the long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK,” said Baroness Poppy Gustafsson OBE, Minister of State for Investment.

The start of construction follows an agreement between DP World and the Gemini Cooperation (Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd) for Gemini’s Asia-Europe and Middle East-Europe services to call at London Gateway, with the first ship arriving earlier this week.