DP World Awards £36M Contract for London Gateway Automation System
DP World has begun procurement for a £36M construction package to install a high-bay automated storage system for empty containers at its London Gateway terminal. The system, known as Boxbay, will be built within the existing MT Park area while the port remains operational.
Project scope and location
London Gateway is the UK’s only deep-water port. It sits on the Thames at Stanford-le-Hope, about 45km from central London.
The Boxbay building will measure roughly 323m by 159m and reach about 55m in height. The work covers substantial substructure, superstructure and associated infrastructure.
Substructure requirements
The contract includes demolition of existing below-ground services where needed. Contractors must install new structural and services infrastructure.
- More than 5,000 precast piles, nominally 28m long.
- A 1.2m deep reinforced concrete raft.
- Stormwater drainage, electrical systems and earthing.
- Potable water and firewater networks and heavy-duty pavements.
Superstructure and mechanical works
Major steelwork and cladding form a large part of the scope. The notice specifies significant fabrication and erection works.
- Over 15,000 tonnes of structural steel.
- About 50,000m² of side cladding and roof sheeting.
- Two lift cores and drainage systems for the roof.
- Approximately 3km of rail for storage‑retrieval machines, to be supplied separately.
Cost, schedule and procurement
The works are valued at £36M including VAT. The figure is shown as £30M excluding VAT.
Work is planned to run for roughly two years. Activity is scheduled from mid‑July this year to mid‑July 2028.
Companies wishing to bid must submit requests by 29 April 2026.
Operational performance and rationale
DP World says the vertical high‑density system boosts waterside throughput per metre of quay. Published figures cite about 460 waterside moves per hour behind a 360m berth.
That rate is presented as roughly three times a typical automated stacking crane benchmark. Automated empty yards such as Boxbay are highlighted as a way to ease congestion at busy terminals.
Related works at London Gateway
Last month, DP World issued a separate tender for the port’s Second Rail Terminal Phase 2. That £18M package covers rail infrastructure for Rail Mounted Gantry Crane operations.
The rail scheme includes an 850m reinforced concrete crane rail beam with precast pile foundations and mechanical chambers.
Filmogaz.com will follow procurement developments and construction milestones for this major automation project.
