New Cranes Boost Rail Capacity by 50% at DP World London Gateway

DP World has enhanced its London Gateway rail terminal with the arrival of two new Rail-Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes, increasing the logistics hub's rail capacity by 50 percent. These cranes, set to be operational by mid-August, address the rising demand for enhanced rail connections and sustainable supply chain solutions. By augmenting box handling capacity by 75 percent, the new cranes will facilitate more freight movement by rail, alleviating local road congestion, cutting carbon emissions, and helping customers maintain competitiveness.

This capacity expansion is part of DP World’s broader initiative to boost cargo movement by rail. Supported by the London Gateway-Southampton direct rail service and the Southampton Modal Shift Programme, the share of rail freight at the hub has grown to 30 percent since September 2023. Ahsan Agha, Vice President Port Operations at DP World London Gateway, emphasized that the expansion reflects the company's commitment to superior assets, capabilities, and customer service. Increased rail journeys between London Gateway and UK rail network connections will help customers achieve sustainability targets by reducing carbon emissions.

The newly arrived RMG cranes, weighing approximately 480 tonnes and boasting a lifting capacity of 41 tonnes, are part of a £12m investment. Delivered by ZPMC, these cranes feature advanced control systems and software to enhance operational efficiency and safety. This upgrade comes ahead of the launch of London Gateway’s £350m new fourth berth, set to be the world's first all-electric berth, where the RMG cranes will handle cargo.

DP World’s comprehensive offerings extend beyond Southampton and London Gateway to include logistics, forwarding, and European transport capabilities, integrating into the company's global network. Operating in 78 countries and handling 10 percent of global trade, DP World continues to strengthen its position in the logistics and transportation industry.