DP World UK handled a record cargo volume of 3,675,952 TEU in 2021, while the terminal operator completed major investments in capability and capacity.
DP World's London Gateway saw a container throughput of more than 1.8 million TEU in 2021, an increase of 15% over the previous year, while DP World Southampton, Britain’s second-largest container terminal, exceeded 1.87 million TEU, which contributed to the record combined total.
The UAE-based global terminal operator claims that this strong throughput is mainly driven by the arrival of six new major international shipping services at the two terminals drove the 2021 performance.
"These record UK numbers underline the fact that we have the capacity and capability to continue delivering first-class services for all existing customers whilst expanding customer choice by handling new sailings," said Ernst Schulze, chief executive of DP World in the UK.
He also unveiled plans for further investment in rail interconnectivity at both hubs to ease congestion on the roads, and he noted that 30% of containers at the Port of Southampton are moved by rail, which is the highest proportion in the UK.
Imports and exports through London Gateway and Southampton included automotive parts, white goods and household furniture, as consumers spent more on physical products during the pandemic, while foodstuffs also remained important in the overall cargo mix.
Amid this strong performance, UK's tax warehousing company, London City Bond (LCB), has become the second business in three months to locate at DP World London Gateway’s logistics park.
The company that specialises in storage for renowned drinks trade customers will take the facility on a long-term lease from March, showing the strong demand for space at London Gateway.
Oliver Treneman, park development director at DP World in the UK commented on this new agreement, "With international trade changing fast as we emerge from the pandemic, DP World has the space, infrastructure and vision to support our customers at London Gateway as they grow."
"Our partnership approach, logistics expertise, digital solutions and intermodal connectivity, particularly rail, help us to solve logistical challenges and give our customers more control over their supply chains," added Treneman.
