Europe’s largest quay cranes have been welcomed by DP World at its flagship London Gateway logistics hub, signifying a significant investment in the UK’s trading capability. Weighing over 2,000 tonnes, these colossal cranes will be deployed at London Gateway’s new £350 million fourth berth, slated to commence operations this summer.
After a two-month voyage from China, the quay cranes arrived at London Gateway over the weekend and were successfully offloaded on Wednesday. With an operational lifespan of at least 25 years, these cranes are tailored to accommodate the largest vessels currently navigating global waters, including 24,000 TEU containerships and even larger vessels anticipated in the future.
Ahsan Agha, Vice President of Port Operations at DP World London Gateway, emphasized the strategic significance of this investment, stating, “DP World in the UK has been building a unique array of assets and suite of capabilities to help our customers stay competitive in a fast-changing and unpredictable trading environment.”
Equipped with automation technology, these cranes can execute ‘tandem’ lifts, enabling the simultaneous loading or unloading of two 40ft containers or four 20ft containers in a single operation. Furthermore, two additional quay cranes are scheduled to arrive at London Gateway in early summer, complementing the £56 million automated stacking cranes (ASCs) and £12 million electric straddle carriers set to operate at the new fourth berth.
DP World’s investment extends beyond the UK, encompassing logistics, forwarding, and European transport capabilities integrated into its global network spanning 78 countries. Handling 10 percent of world trade, DP World remains committed to enhancing trade efficiency and bolstering the UK’s position in the global marketplace.
