River Thames to be deepened to handle world's largest cargo ships
for new London Gateway port

11.02.2010

Work to make the River Thames deeper to allow the world’s largest container ships to call at the UK’s new global port and logistics park will start in the coming weeks. The work, commissioned by port operator and developer DP World, has triggered one of the most comprehensive marine and wildlife monitoring projects ever recorded to meet some of the toughest environmental laws in the world. Dredging at London Gateway, the UK’s first deep-sea port in over 20 years - situated just outside the M25 in Thurrock, South Essex - is due to start in March. To comply with strict Government and European law and following the project’s Public Inquiry in 2003, millions of pounds have been invested in a futuristic marine monitoring plan. The project is being undertaken by London Gateway’s contractors, a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and Dredging International.

World-leading marine scientists have created a network of buoys that scan the water column to ensure marine life is closely monitored in real-time. This effectively makes a marine cordon around the dredging activity. Extensive monitoring of the surrounding inter-tidal mudflats is also being carried out.

Over 20 environmental organisations including the Environment Agency and the Port of London Authority have formed an Environmental Advisory Group. Together, with DP World London Gateway, they manage ecological and marine issues on what is one of the largest and most complex engineering projects currently in the UK. When completed, the new shipping lane will allow the world’s largest container ships to dock closer to London than existing ports, cutting out millions of road freight miles on the UK’s road network. This means less heavy goods vehicle emissions and fewer truck miles needed in the future, making logistics and supply chains more cost effective and better for the environment.

Marcus Pearson, London Gateway’s Environment Manager, said: “DP World takes environmental responsibilities very seriously. We have invested in a major hi-tech monitoring programme, unprecedented in scale, to ensure the work is carried out safely and responsibly.”

Simon Moore, CEO of London Gateway, said: “The dredging operation is an essential part of the project and will create a world-class shipping lane and port that will become the primary sea trading route for British commerce. Quite simply, London Gateway will allow the UK to deliver its substantial deep-sea trade as close as possible to the primary points of consumption. That will be a positive change to the UK’s efficiency.” Dredging has been carried out in the Thames for many years and is closely monitored by the Environment Agency, the Port of London Authority and the Marine Fisheries Agency, all of which have provided London Gateway with the required permits to carry out the work after many years of rigorous planning and investigation.

About London Gateway

London Gateway will be the UK’s first 21st Century deep-sea container port integrated with Europe’s largest logistics park. The port will be one of the most automated and efficient in the world, adding an additional 3.5million TEU to the UK’s port capacity. The vast majority of the material created from the dredging process will be used beneficially to reclaim land to develop the new port and logistics park. The dredging is expected to start in early March. For the first six weeks the dredging will take place adjacent to the new port site. Dredging will take place over the next three to four years in some parts of the Thames Estuary. All licences and conditions required by law have been obtained and are in line with UK and EU regulations. Local fishermen who operate in the vicinity of the port reclamation area have been compensated in full through an Advanced Payments Scheme. More information about this scheme is available at www.londongateway.com.

About DP World:

DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 49 terminals and 12 new developments across 31 countries. Its dedicated, experienced and professional team of nearly 30,000 people serves customers in some of the most dynamic economies in the world. DP World aims to enhance customers’ supply chain efficiency by effectively managing container, bulk and other terminal cargo.
The company constantly invests in terminal infrastructure, facilities and people, working closely with customers and business partners to provide quality services today and tomorrow, when and where customers need them. In taking this customer-centric approach, DP World is building on the established relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at its flagship Jebel Ali facility in Dubai, which has been voted "Best Seaport in the Middle East" for 15 consecutive years.
In 2008, DP World handled more than 46.8 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia – an increase of 8% on 2007. With a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East, capacity is expected to rise to around 95 million TEU over the next ten years. www.dpworld.com.

DP World