DP World announced that it will invest £170 million (approximately RMB 1.6 billion) to install a three-dimensional empty container yard at the London Gateway Port.
This yard utilizes elevated storage technology to handle 20-foot or 40-foot containers within a fully enclosed, automated facility, capable of stacking up to 16 layers high. DP World stated that the yard’s capacity, safety, and efficiency will be significantly improved, operating like a giant container vending machine.
The project will be constructed by BOXBAY, a joint venture between DP World and Germany’s SMS Group. BOXBAY has already built and operated a three-dimensional yard for several years at DP World’s home port, Jebel Ali Port, having handled nearly 500,000 TEU to date. In 2023, DP World announced plans to build a three-dimensional yard at Busan Port, but the project may be delayed due to approval issues.
The three-dimensional empty container yard at London Gateway Port will be built on the port’s fully electric Berth 4. It will exclusively handle empty containers, with a capacity of 27,000 TEU, and the project is expected to take over two years to complete. DP World stated that the modular empty container storage system is designed for seamless integration into existing ports without requiring modifications to the seaside or landside. Once the three-dimensional empty container yard takes over the empty containers, the terminal’s existing automated rail-mounted gantry cranes will experience less re-handling, operate more efficiently, and improve the overall performance of the entire terminal.
