SIMIC

During the 12-month period, a total of 1.80 million TEU passed through the company's port-centric logistics hub at London Gateway, a 15 per cent increase on the previous record set in 2020, reports London's Port Technology.

DP World Southampton handled 1.87 million TEU, contributing to a record combined UK total of 3.67 million TEU.

To support this volume growth, DP World made some key investments at both facilities. This included the funding of new equipment at the Port of Southampton, worth $54.67 million. This was recently completed as 11 sustainable straddle carriers were brought into service.

A further $415 million was also committed to adding a fourth berth at London Gateway's logistics hub in order to help strengthen the UK's supply chain resilience.

"These record UK numbers underline the fact that we have the capacity and capability to continue delivering first-class services for all existing customers whilst expanding customer choice by handling new sailings," said Ernst Schulze, chief executive of DP World UK.

"We also plan to continue our investment in rail interconnectivity at both hubs, easing congestion on the roads. Already, 30 per cent of containers at the Port of Southampton are moved by rail - the highest proportion in the UK."

The year's success was driven by strong throughput from existing customers and the arrival of six new major international shipping services at the two terminals.

Both Southampton and London Gateway have now been awarded freeport status as part of Solent Freeport and Thames Freeport respectively, reinforcing both ports' critical role in the UK's international trade.