DP World will break ground in May on a £1 billion expansion of London Gateway, which will position the Thames-side port as the UK’s largest container facility.
The four-year project promises to unlock new capacity and improve supply chain efficiency—news that will be welcomed across the fresh produce sector.
The global logistics group will add two new 400-metre all-electric berths and a second rail terminal as part of the development. Once complete, the port will be able to berth six of the world’s largest container ships simultaneously, all serviced by Europe’s tallest quay cranes.
As a central part of the Thames Freeport, London Gateway is already a critical entry point for imported produce. The planned expansion is expected to deliver faster, more resilient routes to market for fresh food suppliers and retailers—especially important amid ongoing pressures to maintain availability and freshness.
DP World said it moved swiftly to gain planning consent for the expansion, working closely with Thurrock Council and the UK government’s Marine Management Organisation. The project was first announced by group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem at the UK government’s International Investment Summit in October 2024.
Hosting UK Minister of State for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, at the port on 21 March, bin Sulayem said: “This investment enhances London Gateway’s position at the heart of British trade, creating new capacity and new connections between the UK and the global economy.”
She added: “DP World has invested more than £5bn in its UK operations, providing more than 5,500 jobs, and is proud to be supporting national economic growth by enabling businesses to thrive and increasing resilience in the supply chain.”
The expansion is also expected to create over 1,000 construction jobs and deliver 400 new permanent roles at the port—strengthening local employment and skills.
Gustafsson welcomed the news, saying: "The UK is open for business and DP World’s major investment is the latest vote of confidence in our economy, delivering economic growth and showing our Plan for Change is working.
“DP World’s expansion in London Gateway will turbocharge the UK’s logistics sector and help deliver the long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the UK.”
With importers and exporters under pressure to meet changing consumer demands, reduce lead times, and cut carbon, the investment at London Gateway could mark a turning point for fresh produce logistics in and out of the UK.
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