Sheikh Maktoum Explores DP World London Gateway's Expansion And Impact On UK Logistics

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, recently visited DP World’s Port and Logistics Park at London Gateway. He was accompanied by Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, along with Rashid Abdulla, CEO and Managing Director of DP World in Europe, welcomed them.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem provided a tour to H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, showcasing the newly completed Berth 4 at London Gateway. He explained DP World’s transformation over the past eight years from a global port operator to an end-to-end logistics company. Rashid Abdulla further briefed His Highness on DP World’s operations across Europe, which span over 30 countries.

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H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed expressed pride in DP World’s extensive projects in Europe. "The London Gateway logistics park, operated by DP World, is a landmark development that is adding significant new capacity to the UK’s logistics infrastructure," he said. The logistics park will be the largest in Europe, covering 9.5 million square feet.

The port currently handles 2.4 million containers annually but will expand its capacity to 3.4 million containers with the opening of Berth 4 later this month. This new berth will increase the total berth length to 1,680 metres and feature the highest gantry cranes in Europe.

London Gateway is set to become the UK’s largest seaport once Berth 4 opens, handling 55% of the UK’s cargo through the South East. The port is strategically located just 28 miles from central London and has a modern rail connection.

Rashid Abdulla highlighted the importance of Southampton and London Gateway to the UK economy during his briefing to H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed. He also discussed future plans for Berths 5, 6, and 7, which are expected to meet additional market demands from 2027 onwards.

Investment and Employment Growth

Dubai is investing AED2.1 billion in expanding the port and its logistics area at London Gateway. This investment will significantly boost employment in the region, with DP World expecting to double its workforce from 6,000 to 12,000 upon completion of the logistics park.

"Our longstanding trade relations with the UK are a testament to our enduring partnership," stated H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed. "DP World currently operates in 34 locations across the UK." The expansion aims to deepen economic cooperation between Dubai and the UK further.

The rapidly growing logistics park at London Gateway is part of a broader regeneration initiative prioritised by the UK government. This development underscores DP World's role as a catalyst for regional growth and economic development.

The visit concluded with an overview of future developments at London Gateway aimed at enhancing its capacity and efficiency further.

With inputs from WAM