The first phase of DP World’s £1.5 billion London Gateway will open in the fourth quarter of 2013, sowing the seeds for the creation of Europe’s largest logistics park on London’s doorstep.
DP World, the world’s third largest port operator, has been busy laying the foundations for the new port since early 2010, creating more than 600 jobs in the process.
The first phase of the new global shipping port and logistics centre project will open with an initial capacity of 1.6 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units). Estimates predict that as many as 36,000 jobs will be created in the long term from the project, providing some £3.2 billion to the UK economy each year, according to UKTI.
DP World has announced ZPMC, the world’s largest port equipment maker, will provide eight quay cranes, which will be the largest in the world, able to handle the next generation container vessels of 18,000 TEU capacity.
ZPMC will also provide rail-mounted gantry cranes for the port’s rail terminal, while Cargotec will provide automated stacking cranes and straddle carriers to be used in the port.
Once complete, the new port and park facility will save UK business millions of pounds every year in land transport costs.
An estimated 65 million road freight miles every year will be saved as many goods will no longer need to be transported from deep sea ports to inland distribution centres. Instead, goods will be sent straight into the new London Gateway Logistics Park and then directly to shops and homes.
Commenting on the announcement, shipping minister Mike Penning said: “As an island trading nation, having the ability to handle the world’s largest ships efficiently and effectively is vital for Britain, and London Gateway will play a key role in delivering this.
“This major investment shows that Britain is open for business and is an excellent example of the type of investment we will be supporting through our Logistics Growth Review, where we are aiming to create the right conditions for private sector-led investment. It demonstrates how a focus on growth, innovation and encouraging private sector investment will help us to create the jobs that are so vital to the UK’s recovery.”
Mohammed Sharaf, chief executive of DP World, said: “London Gateway is a giant leap forward for the UK’s supply chains and will benefit our customers tremendously through more efficient transportation of goods; it will also support wider UK business and economic growth.
“London Gateway will provide the world-class service that our customers have come to expect from DP World across the globe, using the most advanced equipment and technology. London Gateway’s location is unique, bringing the world’s largest ships directly to Europe’s largest logistics park, providing long-term value for our customers and UK business.”
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