“DB World” invests 833.2 million dirhams in “London Gateway”

Yesterday, Dubai Ports World Group (DP World) announced an investment worth 170 million pounds sterling (833.28 million dirhams) to enhance container handling technologies at its logistics complex (London Gateway).

The group stated in a statement that this investment comes through the introduction of the “Box by Empty Superstack” system to the United Kingdom, after its remarkable success in Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, explaining that this special system for floor storage of containers on elevated platforms (HPS) is a qualitative shift in how empty containers are stored and transported, as it relies on fully electric cranes to store 20 and 40 containers. feet, up to 16 stories high, inside a fully automated, enclosed facility.

She added that this technology would enhance the storage capacity of the container yards in the port, and improve levels of safety and operational efficiency, paving the way for a more digital and automated future of port operations globally.

The “Box Bay” system is being developed within a joint project between “DB World” and the German “SMS” group, as the electric cranes used provide a high capacity for precise handling, allowing containers to be retrieved and automatically delivered to the next stages of transportation.

The system features a flexible, modular architecture that allows it to be easily integrated into existing port operations, without the need for any modifications to the onshore or offshore infrastructure.

By removing accumulated layers of empty containers within automated crane yards, BoxBay contributes to reducing rehandling operations, improving crane performance, and reducing truck waiting times, which enhances the container terminal’s productivity and sustainability.

The Empty Superstack system will be installed at London Gateway’s fully electric fourth berth, where it will provide storage capacity of up to 27,000 20-foot TEUs, while achieving tangible gains in safety, operational efficiency and environmental performance. The project is scheduled to be completed in just over two years.

Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of DP World Group, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said: “BoxBay technology represents a qualitative leap in the way ports are managed and the way containers are stored. It is scalable, automated and sustainable. By implementing them at London Gateway, we provide advanced solutions and technologies that speed up handling operations and significantly enhance safety levels.”

For his part, Executive Vice President of Northern Europe at DB World, Stephen Whittingham, said: “This £170 million investment confirms DB World’s commitment to innovation at London Gateway. By adopting the Empty Superstack system from BoxBay, we will enhance the efficiency of our services, reduce the waiting time for trucks inside the port, and provide a smarter and safer working environment for our operational teams.”

Universally applicable technology

The BoxBay system has proven its effectiveness in operational operations through extensive testing at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, where approximately 500,000 20-foot TEUs were handled using this technology. The system is characterized by its modular design and ability to recover energy, making it one of the most advanced and sustainable container handling solutions in the world. With the continued expansion of international trade, the adoption of the Empty Superstack system from BoxBay at London Gateway represents a new step in DB World’s commitment to developing a smart logistics infrastructure and supporting its vision to raise standards of efficiency, sustainability and safety in the global port sector.

• “Box Bay” technology relies on electric cranes to store 20- and 40-foot containers, at a height of up to 16 floors.