DP World has handled record amounts of containers in both its UK ports in 2021 after investing £340 million ($459 million) in national infrastructure.
During the 12-month period, a total of 1,804,871 TEU passed through the company’s port-centric logistics hub at London Gateway, a 15 per cent increase on the previous record set in 2020.
DP World Southampton also handled 1,871,081 TEU, contributing to a record combined UK total of 3,675,952 TEU.
To support this volume growth, DP World made some key investments at both facilities. This included the funding of new equipment at the Port of Southampton, worth £40 million ($54.67 million). This was recently completed as 11 sustainable straddle carriers were brought into service.
A further £300 million ($415 million) was also committed to adding a fourth berth at London Gateway’s logistics Hub in order to help strengthen the UK’s supply chain resilience.
“These record UK numbers underline the fact that we have the capacity and capability to continue delivering first-class services for all existing customers whilst expanding customer choice by handling new sailings,” said Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World UK.
“We also plan to continue our investment in rail interconnectivity at both hubs, easing congestion on the roads. Already, 30 per cent of containers at the Port of Southampton are moved by rail – the highest proportion in the UK.”
“We believe in the UK market and have the ambition and the resource to boost growth, support businesses, create jobs and improve living standards. By focusing on solving complex logistics challenges for our customers, we aim to be a partner in their business success, providing fast reliable and flexible links to international supply chains and markets.”
The year’s success was driven by strong throughput from existing customers and the arrival of six new major international shipping services at the two terminals.
Both Southampton and London Gateway have now been awarded freeport status as part of Solent Freeport and Thames Freeport respectively, reinforcing both ports’ critical role in the UK’s international trade.
