Global logistics company DP World has announced a £1 billion expansion of London Gateway, aiming to make it the UK’s largest container port within five years.

This investment is set to boost the volume and resilience of international trade, providing significant benefits to the UK economy.

The expansion will involve building two new shipping berths, bringing the total number to six, capable of receiving the world’s largest container ships.

Additionally, a second rail terminal will be added to accommodate the expected growth in containerised trade.

Once complete, the entire quayside will extend over 2.5km, allowing six vessels over 400 metres long to dock simultaneously. The site will also feature Europe’s tallest quay cranes, comparable to the height of Big Ben.

The project is expected to create 400 new permanent jobs, supplementing the 1,200 people already employed at the site.

It is part of a broader growth strategy for the Thames Estuary hub, which has been a driver of economic regeneration in south Essex since its opening in 2013.

The expansion will bring DP World's total investment at London Gateway to over £3 billion, transforming a former oil refinery into a critical logistics hub for the UK.

The logistics park at London Gateway, Europe’s largest, employs 1,500 workers and provides comprehensive storage, warehousing, and distribution services.

It is strategically positioned with excellent rail and motorway links, offering rapid access to London and the South East consumer market.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World, said: “DP World London Gateway will help make Britain’s trade flow in the future by connecting domestic exporters with global markets and delivering vital supply chain resilience for the whole economy.

“I am proud of this major investment which underlines DP World’s long-term commitment to the UK.”

Ernst Schulze, CEO for Ports & Terminals at DP World UK, added: “As this commitment demonstrates, London Gateway’s location and transport infrastructure are ideally placed for expansion.

With extra capacity comes the reliability and supply chain resilience so important to our customers and consumers, especially in uncertain times such as the pandemic and disruption due to geopolitical events.”

Subject to planning approval, the expansion is expected to significantly boost trade capacity, building on the port's current handling of nearly 2 million TEU annually.