Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 24, DP World has announced a £170 million ($227 million) investment in advanced container handling technology at its London Gateway logistics hub, marking a major step toward the digitalisation and automation of port operations.

The core of this investment is the Empty Superstack, an innovative system designed to revolutionize how empty containers are stored and managed. Utilizing High Bay Storage (HBS) technology, the system can handle both 20- and 40-foot containers stacked up to 16 tiers high within a fully enclosed, automated facility. This configuration promises enhanced yard capacity, improved safety, and higher operational efficiency, operating similarly to “a giant vending machine for containers.”

The BOXBAY system, developed through a joint venture between DP World and Germany’s SMS group, uses fully electric stacker cranes to automatically retrieve and deliver containers for onward transport. Its modular design allows seamless integration with existing terminal operations, requiring no adjustments to landside or seaside interfaces.

By moving empty containers out of the automated stacking crane (ASC) yard, the system reduces rehandling and routine yard maintenance, improving terminal performance and enabling faster truck turnaround times.

The BOXBAY Empty Superstack will be installed at London Gateway’s all-electric Berth 4 and will have a total storage capacity of up to 27,000 TEU. The project is expected to take just over two years to complete and is projected to deliver substantial benefits in safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

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.”

The BOXBAY technology has already proven its effectiveness in real-world operations. Extensive trials at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai demonstrated its capability, where nearly 500,000 TEU were successfully handled using the system.

Earlier this year, DP World received approval for a £1 billion expansion project at London Gateway, positioning it to become the largest container port in the United Kingdom. The addition of the BOXBAY system complements this expansion, reinforcing the port’s role as a key logistics hub that supports growing global trade and enhances operational resilience.

This latest investment highlights DP World’s continued commitment to innovation and sustainability in port management. By integrating advanced automation and electric technology, the company aims to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen London Gateway’s position as a model for the next generation of smart ports.