DP World will invest £170 million in container handling technology at its London Gateway logistics hub, bringing the BOXBAY Empty Superstack system to the UK. The system was developed and tested at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
The High Bay Storage solution will use electric stacker cranes to store 20- and 40-foot containers up to 16 tiers high inside an enclosed, automated facility. The technology aims to increase yard capacity and efficiency in port operations.
BOXBAY is a joint venture between DP World and Germany’s SMS group. The electric stacker cranes handle containers with precision, retrieving and delivering them for transport. The modular Empty Superstack system integrates into port operations without requiring changes to landside or seaside interfaces.
London Gateway Port gets BOXBAY empty superstack system in £170 million deal
By removing multiple tiers of empty containers from the automated stacking crane yard, the system reduces rehandling and housekeeping. This allows ASCs to operate more efficiently and improves performance across the quay, leading to faster truck turnaround times.
The Empty Superstack will be installed at London Gateway’s new electric Berth 4 and will hold up to 27,000 TEU. The project will take just over two years to complete.
“BOXBAY technology represents a leap forward in how ports manage container storage. It is scalable, automated and sustainable. By bringing this ingenious design to London Gateway, we are introducing advanced technology that will unlock faster throughput and contribute to higher safety standards,” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World said in a statement.
“This £170 million investment underscores DP World’s commitment to innovation at London Gateway. The BOXBAY Empty Superstack will boost reliability for our customers, minimise truck visit times in port, and create a safer, smarter working environment for our people,” Stephen Whittingham, Executive Vice President, North Europe, DP World added.
The BOXBAY system has undergone trials at DP World’s Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, where nearly 500,000 TEU were handled using the technology. Its modular design and energy regeneration features make it one of the most advanced container handling systems in the world.
DP World invests £170 million in port automation at London Gateway hub
DP World’s investment demonstrates the company’s focus on logistics and efficiency across the port industry. The introduction of BOXBAY’s Empty Superstack at London Gateway represents the company’s vision to set standards for sustainability and safety.
The system was pioneered at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai before being brought to the UK. The trials handled nearly 500,000 TEU, proving the technology’s capabilities in port operations.
The facility will use electric stacker cranes to handle containers automatically. The enclosed system stores containers up to 16 tiers high, increasing storage capacity compared to traditional methods.
The technology aims to reduce truck visit times and improve safety standards for workers. The system integrates with existing port infrastructure without requiring modifications to current operations.
