The new jointly-operated Europe-to-East Coast South America service is set to transform global connectivity at DP World’s smart logistics hub, bringing together industry giants COSCO, Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), and Ocean Network Express (ONE).
The primary British export carried on the new service will be automotive parts for manufacture in South America, with frozen food and construction materials such as plywood being imported in the opposite direction.
The new service is the latest collaboration between DP World and COSCO, who recently announced the let-upon-completion of a new 120,000 sq. ft warehouse at London Gateway’s Logistics Park, which is one of the most sustainable buildings of its kind in the UK.
The first ship to arrive at London Gateway as part of the new service was the COSCO-operated Xin Chong Qing, via a rotation from Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Lisbon, Algeciras, Santos, Paranaguá, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Itapoá, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, and back to Algeciras and Rotterdam.
Ahsan Agha, Port Operations Director at DP World London Gateway, said: “This new service shows that London Gateway is continuing to grow its role at the heart of Britain’s trading future. We have a unique two port strategy offering customers a choice of deep-water entry and exit points to and from this country, meaning greater flexibility and choice for shipping lines, cargo owners and exporters.
“In the UK we are now able to combine our port, rail and Logistics Park infrastructure at London Gateway with our recent investments in logistics services. Our combined assets will increasingly provide an integrated supply chain to our customers, enabling them to move goods from the factory floor to the customer door.”
DP World, which operates in 78 countries and handles 10% of world trade, is currently investing in a £350 million (€505.2 million) new fourth berth at London Gateway which will lift capacity by a third when it opens next year.
In addition to its hubs at London Gateway and Southampton, DP World’s offer in the UK includes logistics, forwarding and European transport capabilities, all of which are being integrated into the company’s global network.