Feature, Freight News, Sea


DP World handles five out of every nine UK containers as London Gateway sets container record

[ January 19, 2026   //   ]

DP World has set a new handling record at London Gateway, surpassing three million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) in 2025, thanks to the new fourth berth and additional Asia-Europe vessel calls by the Gemini Cooperation.

Growth has hit over 52% compared with 1.9 million TEU in 2024, and the port is on track to become Britain’s most important container port, says DP World.

Construction is underway at London Gateway on two further all-electric berths in a £1bn investment to take the total to six berths able to handle the world’s largest container ships. A second rail terminal started operations in 2025, while the site will also see the construction of a new BOXBAY high density container handling system, a £170m investment over the next two years.

DP World also saw growth at its Southampton terminal, which topped 2m TEU, taking the company’s UK container total to more than 5m out of a 9m TEU national market. DP World Southampton is scheduled to receive the first of its new quay cranes later this year, part of the tallest quay crane fleet in Europe, as part of a £60m investment.

Executive vice president – North Europe, DP World, Stephen Whittingham, said: “Every container that moves through our terminals at London Gateway and Southampton is moving goods that underpin British business and daily life, from food on our shelves to products keeping manufacturers and high streets running. Our UK infrastructure plays a critical role in keeping these supply chains running quickly and efficiently, especially during the busiest times of the year.

“Surpassing five million TEUs at our UK terminals demonstrates how investment in capacity, technology and resilience is allowing DP World to move goods more reliably, sustainably and efficiently from ship to shop, continuing to raise the standard for end to end logistics.”

Photos: Miru Visuals

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