Global logistics provider DP World is spending £12 million on two new Rail Mounted Gantry cranes at London Gateway.
The cranes – used for the quick, safe, automated handling of containers – will help increase rail capacity there by 50 per cent and are needed to meet growing demand from customers.
DP World runs the UK’s most advanced logistics hubs at London Gateway and Southampton: two deep water ports with access to freight rail terminals.
It also operates ports, terminals and logistics businesses on six continents.
Andrew Bowen, port operations director at London Gateway, said: “After the disruption of recent years, shipping lines and cargo owners are looking for capacity, reliability and growth opportunities and DP World will deliver on all three fronts.
“This is the latest step forward in our journey to becoming an end-to-end logistics provider.”
The firm had already launched a new train service to connect the container terminals at London Gateway and Southampton, enabling customers to switch volumes easily.
The DP World-operated round service carries cargo including fresh fruit, beverages and consumer goods in less than five hours, taking up to 120 lorries a week off the roads.
It is thought that the project will support 1,000 jobs.
DP World has also earmarked a further £1 billion of investment in the UK over the next decade.
