Freight News

Record UK cargo for DP World

[ February 7, 2022   //   Chris ]

London Gateway saw throughput of 1.81m teu, a 15% increase on the previous annual record set last year. At DP World Southampton, Britain’s second largest container terminal, throughput in the 12 month period was 1,87m, which contributed to a record combined UK total of almost 3.7m teu.

Strong throughput from existing customers and the arrival of six new major international shipping services at the two terminals drove the 2021 performance.

Southampton and London Gateway have both been awarded freeport status as part of Solent Freeport and Thames Freeport respectively, further cementing the critical role of both locations in the UK’s international trade.

DP World is investing £300m in a fourth berth at London Gateway on top of the ongoing £40m invested at Southampton.

Chief executive of DP World in the UK, Ernst Schulze, said: “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. We also plan to continue our investment in rail interconnectivity at both hubs, easing congestion on the roads. Already, 30% of containers at the Port of Southampton are moved by rail – the highest proportion in the UK.”