Record cargo volumes

Between January and June this year, DP World 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, the second best first half ever, which contributed to a record combined UK total of 1,883,000 TEU.

Ernst Schulze, chief executive of DP World in the UK, said: “These record H1 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.”

Performance was driven by the arrival of five new major international shipping services at the two terminals in addition to strong throughput from existing customers. Imports and exports through London Gateway and Southampton included automotive parts, white goods and household furniture, as consumers spent more on physical products during the pandemic.

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.

By Rebecca Jeffrey