DP World has planned to invest US$55 million in its Southampton container terminal, which is the second largest in Britain, in order to upgrade its infrastructure, port equipment and operations.
[s2If is_user_logged_in()]The new investment is designed to provide customers with speed, security, reliability and flexibility, according to a statement.
The investment programme will include the dredging and widening of the berths to ensure that DP World Southampton will be able to continue to accommodate the world’s biggest ships. This project, which was conducted in partnership with Associated British Ports, was completed before Easter and will improve flexibility for customers with immediate effect.
“We think ahead to create smarter trade solutions and this programme will ensure that our Southampton terminal continues to grow as a major freight and logistics hub,” commented Ernst Schulze, chief executive of DP World in the UK.
It is important to note that Southampton is one of DP World’s two UK deep water ports with freight rail terminals which were awarded Freeport status by the Government last month.
“Our aim is to partner in our customers’ business success and we are already seeing a surge of interest from companies which want to take advantage of the customs zone and tax benefits resulting from Southampton and London Gateway becoming Freeports,” added Schulze.
Additionally, the UAE-based operator has announced a US$14 million investment in a new class of eleven hybrid straddle carriers, which lift containers moved by the quay cranes and then service onward forms of transport via road and rail, they consume up to 40% less fuel than diesel-electric powered machines.
Furthermore, a planned US$4 million investment in the redevelopment of the yard for the storage and delivery of customers’ empty containers has been announced. With the completion of this project, the capacity will be expanded by 25%, leading to increased flexibility for port users.
Moreover, DP World has announced a new Border Control Post (BCP), including UK Border Force and port health inspection facilities, to enable multiple government agencies to expedite checks on cargo entering the country.
Last but not least, Southampton box terminal will see an extension of a quay crane rail by 120m to ensure that the world’s biggest cranes can service all berths at the terminal. In the meantime, other quay cranes will be relocated or decommissioned in order to maximise utilisation, speed up quayside cargo handling, and save customers’ time, said the announcement.
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