Investment in new British Freeport
This year, DP World is launching a major infrastructure programme in one of its two UK deep water ports. Southampton’s container terminal with its freight rail terminals was awarded Freeport status by the British government in March 2021.
The first step of the infrastructure investment totalling GBP 40 million focused on the dredging and widening of the berths to ensure that ULCV may be accommodated. This project, which was conducted in partnership with Associated British Ports, was completed before Easter.
Almost GBP 12 million will be invested in a new class of eleven hybrid straddle carriers and the extension of a quay crane rail by 120 m, further GBP 3 million in the redevelopment of the yard for the storage and delivery of customers’ empty containers.
A new border control post (BCP), including UK border force and port health inspection facilities, to enable multiple government agencies to expedite checks on cargo entering the country, round up the programme. (cd)