Front row: DP World Group Chief Executive Mohammed Sharaf; Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill; DP World Chairman HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem; Westbound Shipping Services Co-Director Ryan Clark; DP World London Gateway Chief Executive Simon Moore; DP World London Gateway Port General Manager Cameron Thorpe; DP World London Gateway Supply Chain Manager Charles Meaby; Import Services Limited Managing Director John Eynon.
Back row: DP World London Gateway Park Development Director Graeme Clarke; Import Services Limited Client Services Director Mike Thomas; Westbound Shipping Services Co-Director Danny Horne.
The first distribution centre at London Gateway Logistics Park opened with UK shipping minister
London, UK, 20th July 2015:– Robert Goodwill, Minister for Transport, has visited DP World London Gateway to mark the official opening of the first distribution centre at what is set to become the largest logistics hub in the UK.
Mr Goodwill was joined by DP World Chairman, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, to formalise the opening of the centre during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The first phase of this high tech unit, which comprises 16, 800m² (180, 000 sq ft) of distribution and logistics space and 2, 400m² (25, 000 sq ft) of office space, has been finished to BREEAM “very good” standard, the world’s foremost environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings.
Based on market demand, DP World is now planning to increase the size of the centre to 36, 000m².
In partnership with DP World, the centre is being operated by Import Services Limited, a leading UK logistics services provider, offering a variety of activities on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Robert Goodwill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, said: “I am delighted to have been able to open the London Gateway Logistics Centre, which is the next step in this ground-breaking development on the north-bank of the River Thames which is breath-taking in its size, scale and attention to detail.
“DP World London Gateway is an excellent example of the benefits inward investment brings to UK infrastructure and the economy.
“Any project that gives the country an edge, whether it be generating supply chain efficiency or leading the way in environmental sustainability, should be commended.”
HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said: “Our new DP World London Gateway Logistics Centre is the next landmark in this unique development for the UK and I am delighted to be here today with the Minister for Transport.
“DP World London Gateway is transforming UK supply chains and this new logistics hub has been constructed to the highest quality and environmental standards. It is the perfect example of how retailers and cargo owners can achieve cost savings by positioning themselves strategically, here, in the right location for trade.
“Our team has worked hard to deliver the first building at the London Gateway Logistics Park. I would like to congratulate them on producing a world-class edifice, fit for the challenges of 21st Century logistics.
“Our next building, in joint venture with Prologis, is progressing well and we expect it to be ready in September.
John Eynon, Managing Director, Import Services Limited, said: “In just two months of operations at the new London Gateway Logistics Centre, the strong demand for our services means we are already approaching capacity of phase one and now seeking to accelerate development of additional warehousing space at London Gateway.
“Services, such as cross-docking, high volume order processing, pre-retailing, distribution to the Majors, Multiples, Indies and direct to consumer, are all in demand at this unique location, which combines the supply chain benefits gained from both port-centric and market-centric logistics.”
The DP World London Gateway Logistics Park is located adjacent to the UK’s newest deep-sea terminal, with its excellent location, on the door-step of the largest consumer market in Western Europe.
The London Gateway container port combines new technology to bring previously unseen reliability and efficiency to supply chains by safely operating non-stop through adverse weather conditions.
The DP World London Gateway Logistics Park is set to become one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
About DP World London Gateway:
Opened Q4 2013, DP World London Gateway is the UK’s newest, major deep-sea container port adjacent to Europe’s largest logistics park. Owned and operated by DP World and situated on the north bank of the River Thames, London Gateway provides unrivalled deep-sea shipping access to the largest consumer markets in the UK.
The port’s location, with its superior operational systems and service, ensure ships load and unload as fast as possible, making London Gateway a world class asset for the UK.
DP World has a portfolio of more than 65 marine terminals across six continents, including new developments underway in India, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Container handling is the company’s core business and generates more than three quarters of its revenue. In 2013, DP World handled 55 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units). With its committed pipeline of developments and expansions, capacity is expected to rise to more than 100 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand.
