London Gateway to open 2013

Dubai-based DP World has been laying the foundations for the new port since early 2010 and is expecting to invest a further US$1bn in London Gateway over the next three years.

Co-inciding with the announcement, DP World also moved to award major port equipment contracts. Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co (ZPMC) will provide eight quay cranes, which will be the largest in the world capable of handling the next generation container vessels of 18,000 teu capacity. The company will also provide rail mounted gantry (RMG) cranes for the port’s rail terminal.

Port equipment manufacturer Cargotec has been chosen as the preferred partner also to supply 40 Kalmar automatic stacking cranes with related technology and 28 Kalmar shuttle carriers. Cargotec and DP World have signed a cooperation agreement and aim to finalise the contract shortly.