New Container Handling Technology Unveiled at London Gateway

In a significant development for the maritime industry, DP World has announced a substantial investment of USD 226 million (£170 million) to enhance the container handling capabilities at its London Gateway logistics hub. This initiative represents a crucial step towards the digitalization and automation of port operations, which have become increasingly vital in an era characterized by rapid technological advancements and the growing demand for efficient supply chain solutions.

The centerpiece of this investment is the innovative Empty Superstack system, a cutting-edge approach to managing empty containers. This system utilizes Advanced High Bay Storage (HBS) technology to facilitate the storage of 20- and 40-foot empty containers, reaching heights of up to 16 tiers within a fully enclosed, automated environment. The implementation of this system is poised to significantly enhance yard capacity, safety, and operational efficiency at the port.

Developed through a strategic partnership between DP World and Germany’s SMS group, the BOXBAY Empty Superstack is characterized by advanced fully electric stacker cranes, which are capable of handling containers with exceptional precision. These cranes operate autonomously, efficiently retrieving and delivering containers for subsequent transportation. One of the system’s most notable features is its ability to seamlessly integrate into existing port operations, thereby necessitating no significant alterations to either the landside or seaside interfaces. By eliminating multiple tiers of empty containers from the automated stacking crane (ASC) yard, the Empty Superstack system minimizes the need for rehandling and housekeeping, thereby elevating the operational efficiency of the ASCs and improving overall performance across the quay.

Strategically installed at London Gateway’s new all-electric Berth 4, the BOXBAY Empty Superstack will possess the capability to store up to 27,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU). This project is not merely a technological upgrade; it embodies an evolution in safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing the competitive edge of the logistics operations at the London Gateway.

The timeline for this ambitious project is slightly over two years, during which DP World will be looking to fully implement the system and begin realizing its promised benefits. The BOXBAY technology has already demonstrated its potential through successful trials at DP World’s Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, where nearly 500,000 TEU have been efficiently managed using this groundbreaking approach. Such results serve to underscore the efficacy of the technology and its capacity to revolutionize container handling across various maritime facilities.

This investment aligns with broader trends in the global logistics and shipping landscape, where digitalization and automation have become focal points for companies seeking to improve performance and customer service. The adoption of advanced technologies in ports is not just a matter of choosing efficiency over tradition; it’s about reimagining how logistics can evolve to keep pace with an increasingly complex global economy.

In conclusion, DP World’s investment in the Empty Superstack system at London Gateway is not merely an upgrade in infrastructure but a strategic move poised to set new benchmarks in container handling efficiency and sustainability within the maritime sector. The logistics industry’s future appears increasingly intertwined with technological advancements, and initiatives like this will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the operational landscape for years to come.