How DP World’s London Gateway Expansion will Boost Trade

Seeking to secure the UK’s position as a leading logistics and trade hub, DP World is set to begin work on its £1bn (US$1.3bn) expansion of London Gateway in May after being given the green light. 

The project, which will make London Gateway the UK’s largest container port, will help to enhance the UK’s trading capacity and strengthen national and international supply chains. 

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO and Group Chairman of DP World, first announced the need to gain regulatory approval for the project at the UK Government’s International Investment Summit in October 2024.

This week, Sultan bin Sulayem explored the investment and growth plans with Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, the UK's Minister of State for Investment. 

Project approval was ultimately gained after DP World worked alongside the UK Government’s Marine Management Organisation and officials at Thurrock Council.

"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," comments Sultan bin Sulayem.

“DP World has invested more than £5bn (US$6.5bn) 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.”

A strategic investment in infrastructure

London Gateway is part of the Thames Freeport and, once expanded, will have the capacity to accommodate six of the world’s biggest container ships. 

Expanding the container port represents a strategic investment in infrastructure aimed at improving supply chain resilience, modernising UK trade infrastructure and supporting long-term economic growth. 

London Gateway’s proximity to the South East and England's capital makes it an ideal location for national distribution and last-mile delivery. It gives businesses greater access to one of the biggest consumer markets in Europe. 

The Thames Freeport is also attractive for exporters, importers and logistics providers as the site offers simplified customs procedures, tax incentives and government support for innovation. 

DP World's expansion project will add further 400m-long all-electric berths and host Europe’s tallest quay cranes, helping to enhance the decarbonisation of port operations and craft greener supply chains. 

More than 1,000 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs at the port will be created, supporting wider regional development appealing to international manufacturers and investors.

History of London Gateway

London Gateway is a leading logistics and deep-sea container port that opened in 2013. 

The port achieved a key milestone in October 2024 by opening the world’s first all-electric berth, highlighting DP World's commitment to sustainability and improving its capacity. 

In March 2025, Thurrock Council approved a 10-year Local Development Order to catalyse job creation and expansion at London Gateway’s Logistics Park. New construction projects will be built to a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ level and have their planning processes streamlined, attracting further investment and development.

Alan Holland, CEO at DP World London Gateway Logistics Park, adds: “Our new 10-year Local Development Order, combined with our fantastic access to transport connections and important markets, makes London Gateway Logistics Park well placed to continue our rapid growth.

“I am delighted to continue our strong partnership with Thurrock Council, ensuring we can support the creation of hundreds of new jobs by DP World and our customers, boost prosperity across the local area and offer market-leading levels of sustainability and innovation.

"This planning milestone reinforces London Gateway as a world-class logistics and technology hub. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the local authority, which sees public and private sectors working together to unlock the full potential of this site to support customers, key UK markets and the local community in Thurrock.”

DP World London Gateway also received Gemini Cooperation’s first vessel in March 2025, helping to improve UK supply chain efficiency, global connectivity and sustainability.

The Gemini Cooperation was launched in February 2025 and is a shipping alliance between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. Not only will it help optimise shipping routes and enhance global connectivity but it will also help set a benchmark for resilient and sustainable supply chains and maritime logistics. 

Ernst Schulze, UK Chief Executive Officer for Ports & Terminals at DP World, comments: “The arrival of the Maersk Stadelhorn is a testament to the Gemini Cooperation’s confidence in DP World’s UK container terminals and global supply chain solutions network.

“The Asia-Europe service will enhance vital international trade routes at London Gateway, advancing our ambition to make the logistics hub the UK’s largest container port within the next five years."

These developments mean DP World London Gateway has become a prominent hub for enhancing the UK’s global connectivity. 

How will London Gateway impact the UK’s supply chain?

The investment in London Gateway’s expansion empowers the UK to handle future disruption and sustainability demands while effectively competing in global markets. 

Not only will the new berths help enhance container handling capacity and meet growing trade volumes, but the second rail terminal will help to improve freight capacity and faster distribution. 

London Gateway’s strategic expansion is set to help the UK’s trade infrastructure meet changing customer expectations, rising global demand and geopolitical uncertainty. 

Baroness Gustafsson concludes: “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.”

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