Construction work to expand London Gateway and establish the facility as the UK’s largest container port will begin in May after DP World was given approval for the £1bn project.
The global logistics giant said it would take just four years to complete the expansion, adding two further 400m-long all-electric berths and a second rail terminal in a major infrastructure project that boosts the UK’s trading capability. The expanded container port, part of the Thames Freeport, will be able to accommodate six of the world’s largest container ships, which will be served by Europe’s tallest quay cranes.
DP World has worked at pace to gain regulatory approval for the investment, which was first announced by CEO and Group Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem at the UK Government’s International Investment Summit in October 2024. Today, the chairman hosted UK Minister of State for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, at London Gateway to discuss the investment, growth plans, and 400 new permanent jobs that will be created at the logistics hub.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO and Group Chairman of DP World, said: “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. 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.”
Baroness Poppy Gustafsson OBE, Minister of State for Investment, said: “The UK is open for business and DP World’s major investment is the latest vote of confidence in our economy, delivering economic growth and showing our Plan for Change is working.
“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.”
Over 1,000 construction jobs will be created during the £1bn expansion, plus 400 permanent new jobs at the port. Approvals for DP World’s project were secured following close collaboration with officials at Thurrock Council and the UK Government’s Marine Management Organisation.
The start of construction follows the 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, which saw the first ship arriving earlier this week.
In addition to its ports at Southampton and London Gateway, DP World’s offer includes logistics, forwarding and European transport capabilities, all of which are being integrated into the company’s global network. Operating in 78 countries, DP World handles 10 per cent of global containerised trade.
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