Solent Stevedores set to expand its container handling facility at DP World London Gateway

Solent Stevedores first opened the five-acre facility at London Gateway in 2016. The expansion will increase their site by 82% and will be fully operational by the end of 2020.

The empty container yard, located on berth 7 of London Gateway Port, provides associated container services such as: empty container and reefer storage; maintenance and repair; and shunting.

London Gateway’s deep-sea port handles the largest container vessels in the world and continues to open new trade routes to enable smarter trade.

Solent Stevedores has been running at capacity for some time and, with added shipping services calling at the port and increased requirements from both existing and new clients, this development was the natural next step to take.

The expansion of the site will increase Solent Stevedores capacity up to 4,300 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) allowing for further growth and continuing their high-quality services for their customers.

Construction will begin on Monday 22 June to expand the container yard on Berth 7, outside of the terminal’s ISPS perimeter and adjacent to the port’s main gate.

James Leeson, Head of Commercial – UK Ports, DP World, says:

“I am delighted that we have reached an agreement with Solent Stevedores to allow for the expansion of their empty container facility. In the four years since Solent Stevedores opened at DP World London Gateway, volumes handled at the port have consistently grown and this has opened opportunities to our customers based within the port. Having recently welcomed the world’s largest container ship, HMM Algeciras, and with our diverse mix of trade routes adding to the port’s resilience, I am confident that the expansion of the Solent Stevedores facility will help attract more business to DP World London Gateway.”

Ian Jacobs, Operations Director, Solent Stevedores, says:

“We are thrilled to be embarking on this depot expansion project with DP World London Gateway, particularly at this time.

“The commitment made by Solent Stevedores further demonstrates the significance we place on the long-term strategic importance of London Gateway and the ever-expanding range of services offered.

“It has been evident for some time that we needed to expand our footprint further to meet the growing business needs of our clients and we very much look forward to welcoming them into our new facility at the end of the year.”

Pictured left to right (Front) Stuart Cullen, Executive Chairman, Solent Stevedores; Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive Officer, DP World UK. (Back) James Leeson, Head of Commercial - UK Ports, DP World UK; Ian Jacobs, Operations Director, Solent Stevedores; Andrew Bowen, Port Operations Director, DP World London Gateway.