DP World has welcomed two of Europe’s largest quay cranes to its Southampton container terminal as part of a £60 million investment aimed at increasing capacity and supporting future growth in UK trade.
Each crane weighs more than 2,000 tonnes and stands almost 150 metres high, making them more than 50 metres taller than Big Ben. Delivered fully assembled by sea, the cranes will be installed directly on the terminal quayside and are the first of four new quay cranes scheduled to arrive at Southampton during 2026.
Once all four cranes are operational, the port’s total quay crane fleet will increase to 16 units, further strengthening Southampton’s position as one of the UK’s leading container gateways.
The new cranes are designed to handle the world’s largest container vessels, including 24,000 TEU megaships, while also being capable of servicing future generations of even larger ships. Their tandem lift capability allows them to simultaneously lift two 40 foot containers, improving efficiency, productivity and vessel turnaround times.
“Trade powers the UK’s growth and prosperity, and today’s arrival of two fantastic new quay cranes is a landmark moment for Southampton and for our long standing operation in this vital port,” said Kris Adams, CEO UK Ports & Terminals at DP World. “This investment is equipping our terminal for the future, ensuring we can handle the next generation of large container vessels while boosting our capacity and efficiency.”
Satvir Kaur, Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, welcomed the investment, noting its importance for local jobs, trade and economic growth. “This significant investment by DP World demonstrates confidence in the port’s future and will help strengthen Southampton’s position as one of the UK’s most important trading gateways,” she said.
In 2025, DP World Southampton handled more than two million TEU, contributing to DP World’s UK total of over five million TEU and reinforcing the terminal’s strategic role in global trade.
