Construction work to expand London Gateway and establish the facility as the UK’s largest container port is now beginning, following approval given for the £1 billion project being given to DP World

All-electric
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 chief executive and group chair Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem (interviewed by LBM earlier this year) at the government’s International Investment Summit in London last autumn.

Open for business
In March, the chair hosted Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, UK Minister for Investment, at London Gateway to discuss the investment, growth plans, and 400 new permanent jobs that will be created at the logistics hub. She commented: “The UK is open for business and DP World’s major investment is the latest vote of confidence in our economy.” She added that the expansion would “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.”

Resilience
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said that his company had invested more than £5 billion in its UK operations, providing more than 5,500 jobs, and was proud to be supporting national economic growth by enabling businesses to thrive and increasing resilience in the supply chain.

www.dpworld.com

 

Lower Thames Crossing

The benefits of DP World’s investment will have been boosted by the recent government ‘go- ahead’ for the Lower Thames Crossing which will link Tilbury, Essex and Gravesend in Kent by two tunnels running underneath the River Thames.

The £9 billion project will be the largest road tunnel in the UK and is expected to be operational by 2032. The concept of such a crossing has been around for a while, first mooted in 2009, and has cost over a billion pounds in planning to date. However, it is forecast to reduce traffic at the Dartford Crossing and make a worthwhile environmental contribution. Funding for the project is likely to be through a public-private partnership.

Connectivity
Government consent for the project has been welcomed by the Port of Tilbury (owned by Forth Ports) whose 400-acre development area will gain improved connectivity. A spokesperson for the port commented: “Boosted by Thames Freeport Tax Site status, this land will now benefit from fast access to the strategic highways network through a dedicated connection.” The port plans to bring forward its planning application for the first phase of their development this spring, a new 100-acre port terminal – Tilbury3 – as they continue to grow their low carbon distribution network for Greater London and the South East of England. The site will also benefit from a connection to the strategic rail network and marine access.

www.forthports.co.uk