DP World’s $226.45 Million Investment Brings Dubai’s BOXBAY Technology to London Gateway
Dubai, UAE – October 2025:
Global trade enabler DP World is expanding one of Dubai’s most advanced port technologies to the United Kingdom, announcing a GBP 170 million (USD $226.45 million) investment to install the BOXBAY Empty Superstack system at London Gateway.
This move marks a major step in DP World’s strategy to globalize Dubai-developed innovation, transforming how ports store, move, and manage containers through automation and electrification.
Taking Dubai Innovation Global
The BOXBAY High Bay Storage (HBS) system — first pioneered at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai — was jointly developed by DP World and Germany’s SMS Group.
Unlike traditional container yards where boxes are stacked directly on top of each other, the BOXBAY system stores containers 16 tiers high in a steel-rack structure, enabling every container to be accessed directly without reshuffling. The process is powered by fully electric, automated cranes, cutting energy use and emissions while dramatically improving speed and safety.
“The expansion of BOXBAY to London Gateway shows how Dubai’s home-grown innovation can redefine global logistics,” said a DP World spokesperson. “It’s a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient way to manage ports.”
Boosting Capacity and Sustainability
At London Gateway, the new BOXBAY Empty Superstack facility will increase yard capacity by up to 300 percentcompared with conventional layouts.
It will also:
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Reduce truck turnaround times and vessel dwell time.
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Cut operating costs through automated scheduling and digital control.
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Lower carbon emissions by replacing diesel equipment with electric cranes.
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Support DP World’s global net-zero strategy, “Our World, Our Future.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with operations targeted for 2027.
Strengthening the UAE–UK Trade Corridor
The investment reinforces the strong economic partnership between the UAE and the UK, positioning London Gateway as one of Europe’s most technologically advanced and sustainable ports.
Handling cargo from more than 115 countries, London Gateway connects Asia, the Middle East, and Europe through DP World’s global network of 80+ marine and inland terminals. The deployment of BOXBAY will enhance its role as a critical gateway for global trade.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said:
“This GBP 170 million investment reflects our confidence in the UK market and our commitment to innovation. BOXBAY is the future of container handling — efficient, digital, and sustainable.”
Global Expansion of Smart Port Technology
DP World’s adoption of BOXBAY in London follows successful trials at Jebel Ali, where the system handled up to 1,000 container moves per day with minimal manpower and near-zero emissions.
By exporting this technology, DP World demonstrates Dubai’s growing influence as a global innovation hub for logistics and smart infrastructure — integrating AI, automation, and sustainability across its global operations.
Conclusion
With its $226.45 million BOXBAY investment, DP World is exporting the spirit of Dubai’s innovation to Europe.
The London Gateway project will stand as a landmark in smart port automation, proving that technology born in the UAE can reshape global logistics through efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability.
