London Gateway launches £350 million all-electric berth

A major UK logistics hub has set a new global standard in sustainable shipping with the launch of a state-of-the-art facility.

DP World has unveiled the world’s first all-electric berth at London Gateway, marked by the arrival of the MSC Sena, with bosses describing it as a “huge landmark for DP World’s ambitions”.

The £350 million fourth berth features innovative all-electric equipment, including Europe’s largest quay cranes and automated systems, enhancing capacity by over a third and supporting faster, more reliable global trade.

Part of the Thames Freeport, the new berth has created 200 permanent jobs and forms a key component of DP World’s goal to make London Gateway the UK’s largest container port by volume within five years.

The facility complements London Gateway Logistics Park, which offers 9.25 million square feet of warehousing and multimodal connectivity, alongside DP World’s broader UK operations, including its hub in Southampton.

Ernst Schulze, chief executive officer for ports & terminals at DP World in the UK, said: “The arrival of the first ship at our new all-electric fourth berth is a huge landmark for DP World’s ambitions in the UK.

“We have already invested more than £2 billion in the building of our modern and efficient facility at London Gateway in the last decade, connecting the UK with global supply chains and export markets.

“This new berth, alongside our £1 billion investment in the fifth and sixth berths, will further enable us to service the largest vessels in operation worldwide today, and the larger, future megaships currently under construction, while also advancing our goal to be net-zero by 2050.

“At London Gateway and across our UK operations, we are quickly building a unique array of assets and end-to-end supply chain capabilities, helping our customers stay competitive in a fast-changing trading environment, while serving the national interest.”

With operations spanning 78 countries, DP World handles 10 per cent of global trade and continues to invest in infrastructure, with plans for fifth and sixth berths to further boost capacity.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →