DP World is expanding container handling capacity at its UK terminals with the arrival of new quay cranes at London Gateway and Southampton.
Two cranes have arrived fully assembled at London Gateway following a journey from Shanghai. Each weighs more than 2,000 tonnes and stands nearly 150 metres high.
The cranes will be installed at the new all-electric Berth 5, which is currently under construction as part of DP World’s £1 billion expansion of London Gateway. The berth is scheduled to become operational in 2027.
A further two cranes are expected to arrive at Southampton next week. They follow the delivery of two cranes to the terminal in June, bringing the total number of quay cranes serving Southampton to 16.
New cranes designed for 24,000 TEU ships
The four cranes delivered to Southampton during 2026 represent an investment of £60 million.
The new equipment can perform consecutive tandem lifts, handling two 40-foot containers simultaneously. The cranes are also designed to serve container ships with capacities of around 24,000 TEU.
Meanwhile, another two cranes are scheduled to be delivered to London Gateway’s Berth 5 in the coming months.
“At both of our fantastic UK port operations at Southampton and London Gateway we are increasing capacity, improving efficiency for our customers and ensuring two of Britain’s most important gateways to global trade are equipped for the future,” said Kris Adams, CEO UK Ports & Terminals, DP World.
The London Gateway expansion includes two new all-electric berths, increasing the total number of operational berths to six, as well as a second rail terminal.
DP World said its London Gateway and Southampton terminals handled more than 5 million TEU in 2025. London Gateway alone handled a record 3 million TEU, representing a 50% increase from the previous year.
The company said the two terminals now account for 46% of the UK’s containerised trade.
