Communities and local government minister Brandon Lewis has hailed the work that has gone into building the London Gateway logistics site.

The massive freight hub is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2013 and experts believe it will contribute £3.2 billion to the British economy every year once it is in full operation.

Mr Lewis was on site to see the 138-metre quay cranes being installed and he said it was great to get a first-hand idea of the sheer size of the facility.

"This project is a great example of how business, the government and local communities can work together to successfully bring a complex project to fruition," he remarked.

London Gateway has created 2,300 construction jobs and up to 36,000 new employment opportunities will arise once it is up and running.

Figures released by the Department for Transport showed that port activity has been steadily declining in the UK in recent months and it is hoped the brand new London Gateway complex - which will boast the largest logistics park in Europe - will lead to more imports and exports.