DP World has announced a £170 million investment aimed at enhancing container handling technology at its logistics hub, London Gateway. This investment introduces the “BoxBay Empty Superstack” system to the UK, following its successful implementation at the Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
The revolutionary system for high-rise storage of empty containers on elevated platforms marks a significant advancement in the storage and transport of empty containers. It utilizes fully electric cranes to store 20 and 40-foot containers up to 16 stories high within a fully automated structure. This technology is expected to boost the storage capacity of container yards at the port, enhancing safety and operational efficiency while paving the way for a more digitized and automated future for global port operations.
The “BoxBay” system is being developed through a partnership between DP World and the German firm SMS Group. The electric cranes employed provide high precision in handling, allowing for automated retrieval and delivery of containers to subsequent transport stages. The system features a flexible modular design, which easily integrates into existing port operations without the need for significant modifications to land or sea infrastructure. By removing the accumulation of empty containers in automated crane yards, “BoxBay” helps reduce rehandling operations, improves crane performance, and shortens truck wait times, thereby enhancing the productivity and sustainability of the container terminal.
The “Empty Superstack” system will be installed at the fully electric fourth berth at London Gateway, offering a storage capacity of up to 27,000 standard 20-foot containers while achieving noticeable improvements in safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance. The project is expected to be completed in just over two years.
Pioneering Innovation in Global Ports
In this context, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated, “The ‘BoxBay’ technology represents a significant leap in container management and storage methods. It is scalable, automated, and sustainable. By implementing it at London Gateway, we provide advanced solutions and technologies that accelerate handling processes while significantly enhancing safety levels.”
Stephen Wettenhall, DP World’s Executive Vice President for Northern Europe, added, “This £170 million investment underscores DP World’s commitment to innovation at London Gateway. By adopting the ‘Empty Superstack’ system from ‘BoxBay,’ we will improve our service efficiency, reduce truck waiting times within the port, and create a smarter and safer working environment for our operational teams.”
A Reliable and Globally Applicable Technology
The “BoxBay” system has proven its effectiveness during extensive trials at the Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, where approximately 500,000 standard 20-foot containers have been handled using this technology. Featuring a modular design and energy recovery capabilities, it stands out as one of the most advanced and sustainable container handling solutions available worldwide.
As international trade continues to expand, the adoption of the “Empty Superstack” from ‘BoxBay’ at London Gateway marks a new step in DP World’s commitment to developing smart logistics infrastructure while supporting its vision to raise standards of efficiency, sustainability, and safety within the global port sector.