London, UK: The first ship has called at DP World London Gateway, Britain’s new shipping port and Europe’s largest logistics hub.
The first ship has called at DP World London Gateway
After more than a decade of planning and construction across three square miles of development, DP World London Gateway deep-sea port is now open, providing British exporters and importers with a more efficient way to ship globally, at less cost, the port operator says. The new port will reduce transport costs for exporters and importers by reducing trucking miles from supply chains.
The first scheduled vessel, the ‘MOL Caledon’ from South Africa called at the port last week carrying a variety of cargo, including fruit, which will be distributed across the country over the coming days.
The MOL Caledon is part of the South African Europe Container Service made up of a consortium of shipping lines including MOL, Maersk, DAL and Safmarine.
UK importers and exporters attended a ceremony held on the quayside while the ship was unloaded. Chingford Fruit, one of the largest importers of fresh fruit from South Africa, uses MOL’s services to the UK.
Gavin McNally, managing director of fruit importer Chingford Fruit said: “We ship thousands of tonnes of fruit into the UK for some of the most demanding retailers. We are always exploring opportunities for improvements to our already high levels of efficiency and I believe that London Gateway has the potential to deliver that for us. Therefore it’s great news to see the first MOL ship dock at London Gateway.”
The port is now operating with its first berth open. When fully developed, London Gateway will operate six berths, with 24 quay cranes and be able to handle 3.5m TEU a year. Over 30% of the containers moving through the port are planned to go by rail. DB Schenker Rail UK and Freightliner serve the new port.