New gantry cranes expand London Gateway port’s rail capacity
DP World London Gateway port has taken delivery of two additional rail-mounted gantry (RMG) cranes for its rail terminal, which will increase rail capacity at the logistics hub by 50%.
The £12m (US$15.2m) RMGs, which were delivered by ZPMC, weigh approximately 480 tonnes with a lifting capacity of 41 tonnes and are equipped with the latest control system and software, which will significantly enhance operational efficiency and safety at the terminal. The gantry cranes will be operational by mid-August.
The arrival precedes the launch of London Gateway’s £350m (US$444m) new fourth berth later this year, which will be the first all-electric berth at a port in the world, and the cranes will operate and handle cargo from the berth when it is opened.
Ahsan Agha, vice president port operations at DP World London Gateway, said, “Customers choose us for our assets, our capabilities and the quality of our customer service.
“The expansion of capacity at the London Gateway rail terminal is testament to that service, with the increase in rail journeys between London Gateway and our UK rail network connections ensuring that our customers stay competitive while reducing their carbon emissions in order to meet their key sustainability targets.”
He added, “After the disruption in supply routes in recent years, shipping lines and cargo owners are constantly looking for new capacity and sustainable solutions and we are delighted that the increased rail capacity at London Gateway will help us deliver on both fronts.”
The new cranes will also increase box handling capacity at the terminal by 75%, enabling more freight to be carried to and from the terminal by rail, reducing congestion on local roads and removing carbon emissions from the supply chain.
The new capacity is part of DP World’s commitment to increase the cargo movement by rail which has been supported by the London Gateway-Southampton direct rail service and the Southampton Modal Shift Programme trial, which has increased the share of rail freight at the hub to 30% since September 2023.