THERE has been a significant increase in trade at DP World''s London Gateway port in the first half of 2021.

Between January and June this year DP World's logistics hub at London Gateway saw throughput of the equivalent of 888,000 20 foot containers (TEU), a more than 23 per cent increase on the previous half year record record set in 2020.

Imports and exports through London Gateway included automotive parts, white goods and household furniture, as consumers spent more on physical products during the pandemic.

Similar successful figures have been reported at the company's sister port in Southampton.

Chief Executive of DP World in the UK Ernst Schulze said: "These record numbers for our UK business show that we have the capacity and capability to continue delivering first class services for all existing customers whilst also expanding customer choice by handling new sailings."

"We have invested in additional capacity and recruited more employees at London Gateway and earlier this year announced a £40m programme of investment at Southampton, designed to provide customers with speed, security, reliability and flexibility.

"In addition, London Gateway and Southampton this year became the first deep-water ports in Britain capable of handling Freightliner's new 775 metre intermodal container trains, which are the longest in use on the national rail network and generate significant cost and environmental benefits."

"DP World will continue to invest in the UK's transport infrastructure and our absolute commitment to solving customers' supply chain challenges is expected to drive further strong performance in our port-centric logistics business throughout 2021."

Along with the Port of Tilbury and Ford's Dagenham plant DP World London Gateway will form Thames Freeport after being awarded freeport status by the Government earlier this year.