DP World is bringing its world-leading BOXBAY High Bay Storage system to the UK as part of a £170 million investment in London Gateway’s new all-electric Berth 4
DP World has announced a £170 million investment to deploy its pioneering BOXBAY Empty Superstack system at London Gateway, introducing one of the most advanced high bay storage solutions in global port operations.
Originally developed and proven at DP World’s Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, the BOXBAY system uses fully electric stacker cranes to automatically store and retrieve empty containers stacked up to 16 tiers high inside an enclosed, automated facility. The innovation promises to increase yard capacity, improve operational safety, and enhance the overall efficiency of port logistics.
Developed through a joint venture between DP World and Germany’s SMS group, the BOXBAY system integrates seamlessly into existing port infrastructure without requiring modifications to landside or seaside interfaces. By removing multiple tiers of empty containers from the automated stacking crane (ASC) yard, the system reduces rehandling and “housekeeping” moves, allowing ASCs to operate more efficiently and improving quay-side performance.
The new installation, located at London Gateway’s fully electric Berth 4, will have the capacity to hold up to 27,000 TEU. Once operational, it is expected to deliver significant gains in safety, energy efficiency, and productivity, with project completion targeted in just over two years.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “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.”
Stephen Whittingham, Executive Vice President, North Europe at DP World, added: “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.”
BOXBAY has already proven its effectiveness through extensive trials in Dubai, where it handled nearly 500,000 TEU. Its modular, fully electric design, combined with energy regeneration features, makes it one of the most sustainable container handling systems in the world.
As global trade continues to evolve, the introduction of BOXBAY’s Empty Superstack at London Gateway reinforces DP World’s long-term commitment to intelligent logistics, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation across the port industry.
