DP World reports record first half volumes for UK

DP World’s two UK ports handled record volumes in 1H 2021 driven by new services and strong throughput from customers.

Between January and June 2021, DP World’s smart logistics hub at London Gateway saw throughput of 888,000 TEU, a more than 23% increase on the previous H1 record set in 2020.

At DP World Southampton, throughput in the first six months of the year was 995,000 TEU, which contributed to a record combined UK total of 1.88 million TEU.

The performance was driven by the arrival of five new major international shipping services at the two terminals in addition to increased throughput from existing customers, DP World said.

Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World in the UK, said, “These record 1H numbers for our UK business show that we have the capacity and capability to continue delivering first class services for all existing customers whilst also expanding customer choice by handling new sailings.

“We have invested in additional capacity and recruited more employees at London Gateway and earlier this year announced a £40m programme of investment at Southampton, designed to provide customers with speed, security, reliability and flexibility.

“In addition, London Gateway and Southampton this year became the first deep-water ports in Britain capable of handling Freightliner’s new 775 metre intermodal container trains, which are the longest in use on the national rail network and generate significant cost and environmental benefits.

“DP World will continue to invest in the UK’s transport infrastructure and our absolute commitment to solving customers’ supply chain challenges is expected to drive further strong performance in our port-centric logistics business throughout 2021.”

Along with the Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham plant, DP World London Gateway will form Thames Freeport after being awarded Freeport status by the government earlier this year.

DP World Southampton has also been awarded Freeport status as part of Solent Freeport, further cementing the critical role of both ports in the UK’s international trade.

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/dp-world-reports-record-first-half-volumes-for-uk/