DP World’s two UK ports handled a record volume of cargo in 2021, after the smart logistics solutions provider met customer demand with major investments. 

The company announced last year a further £300m investment in a new fourth berth at London Gateway on top of the ongoing £40m invested at Southampton. Globally, the company reported their financial results for the six months to 30 June 2021, with EBITDA growing 18.2 per cent year-on-year.

Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World in the UK, 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 per cent of containers at the Port of Southampton are moved by rail – the highest proportion in the UK.”

Imports and exports through London Gateway and Southampton included automotive parts, white goods, and household furniture, as consumers spent more on physical products during the pandemic, while foodstuffs remained important in the overall cargo mix.

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.