DP World London Gateway is to move ahead with plans to install a third berth, slated to enter operation in the latter half of 2016.
The new berth will bring online an additional 400m of quay with a 17m draft. Accordingly, DP World has ordered four new ZPMC quay cranes as well as contracting VolkerFitzpatrick for civil and electrical works.
The news coincided with a visit by UK transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin, who indicated: “The continued expansion of London Gateway Port proves Britain is a country where companies want to invest. The new third berth announced today will create many new jobs and is a signal that the UK maritime sector is continuing to grow. The maritime sector directly contributes £14bn ($21bn) to our economy every year and supports more than a million jobs.
“Having visited the port I have seen for myself what a fantastic piece of infrastructure it is and the opportunity that exists for even further growth and expansion at this site. Putting in place the right foundation to allow businesses like DP World to prosper in the UK is part of the government’s long term economic plan.”
London Gateway ceo Simon Moore said: “As the port continues to win new business, we are now announcing Berth Three in-line with our customers’ needs and we are delighted the Transport Secretary was able to visit the port and see for himself the facilities and infrastructure we have created to reduce supply chain costs.”
London Gateway engineering director Andrew Bowen added: “Last week we saw our busiest day since operations began with both our existing berths simultaneously handling ultra-large container vessels, the Maersk Edinburgh and Hamburg Süd’s Cap San class, with strong performance ship-side and landside.
“Our ability to compete with other UK ports is now well proven. We will continue to attract more services and deliver world-class efficiency, at less cost.”
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