Ernst Schulze, UK Chief Executive of Dubai-based DP World, owners of the port, said: “I am delighted that we have taken the next step in delivery of the new fourth berth and made clear our commitment to investing in and regenerating the areas where we operate. Over the next 10 years we have earmarked a further £1bn of investment in this country.”
“The construction of the new fourth berth is creating 1,000 jobs and London Gateway’s rapidly growing logistics park will employ 12,000 people when it is completed in five years’ time. Our investment is a catalyst for the regeneration of one of the most deprived areas in the UK, which is currently in the top decile of deprivation.”
Seamus Devlin, McLaughlin & Harvey Civil Engineering Director, added: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract with DP World and to begin delivering this vital piece of national infrastructure. We bring with us extensive experience in the marine sector, and look forward to engaging with our local supply chain and creating jobs locally.”
The new berth is expected to be completed in 2024.
DP World recently announced London Gateway has handled its 10 millionth container, just nine years after the logistics hub opened for business.
The milestone illustrates the track record of growth at the port, which last year transported 1.8m TEU, an increase of almost 650% compared with its first full year of operation in 2014.
Schulze continued: “After the disruption of recent years, shipping lines and cargo owners are looking for capacity, reliability and growth opportunities. We are providing it, enabling customers to move goods smoothly and efficiently in and out of the UK and across their supply chains.”
“Within a decade, London Gateway is likely to be handling up to 30% of the country's containerised trade,” Schulze added.
The deep sea port, formerly home to a Shell oil refinery, is supported by its own international rail terminal and iequipped with top-of-the-range equipment including some of the largest quay cranes in the world, as well as automation in many areas, such as the truck handling process and stacking yard.
The site also boasts modern warehousing space within its logistics park which is equivalent in size to 400 football pitches – the biggest of its kind in Europe.
Situated 10 miles from the M25 and 28 miles from London, London Gateway benefits from being located close to the UK’s largest consumer markets in the capital and the South East.