New Deep Water Port and Logistics Park Sees New Services Begin as it Welcomes Another VIP

UK – WORLDWIDE – The steady growth of the UK’s latest deep water container shipping port and logistics park continues with DP World’s London Gateway project seeing new services in May as Hamburg-Sud and Hapag-Lloyd commence various services to and from the River Thames location. MOL, Maersk, Safmarine and DAL already operate a weekly call on their joint Southern Africa – Europe service. The port’s success was witnessed first-hand recently by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Fiona Woolf, on a visit to the site.

During her visit, the Lord Mayor climbed one of the world’s largest quay cranes to have an elevated view of the three square mile site, where work is underway for a Common User Facility and other proposed distribution centres which are intended to form Europe’s largest logistic park, a slightly surreal, indeed nerve testing experience for any who have attempted it, but one which is always worthwhile given the extent of vista upon reaching the top.

DP World Group CEO, Mohammed Sharaf told how pleased he was to have the Lord Mayor visit the sight and see for herself the investment being made with the resultant benefits for the capital whilst the Right Honourable Fiona Woolf, commented:

“The Port of London has a vital role in this country’s great trading history. As the Admiral of the Port of London, I am proud to say that the opening of DP World London Gateway has secured London as an international shipping and trading hub for the 21st century. This is a fantastic inward investment that will reduce cost for UK businesses and bring many new jobs and benefits to supply chains by bringing goods closer to consumers.”

The new export and import services which commence operations from the port in May include South American East and West Coast, Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand plus North America West Coast, India, Pakistan and Middle East routings as the Essex facility starts its challenge to other UK deep water facilities such as Felixstowe and Southampton.

Photo: DP World Group CEO Mohammed Sharaf and the Lord Mayor of the City of London Fiona Woolf stand before one of the port’s giant cranes.