DP World announced that its terminal at London Gateway has handled its 10 millionth container, just nine years after the smart logistics hub was opened.

In a statement, DP World noted that the milestone illustrates the "remarkable track record of growth" at London Gateway, which last year transported 1.8 million TEU, an increase of almost 650% compared with its first full year of operation in 2014.

 Source: DP World

DP World said a new £350million (US$376.6 million) fourth berth will further increase capacity by a third when it opens in 2024.

"After the disruption of recent years, shipping lines and cargo owners are looking for capacity, reliability and growth opportunities. We are providing it, enabling customers to move goods smoothly and efficiently in and out of the UK and across their supply chains," said Ernst Schulze, UK chief executive of DP World.

"Within a decade, London Gateway is likely to be handling up to 30% of the country's containerised trade. Its port-centric logistics park will be one of the largest in Europe, employing 12,000 people and underpinned by investment in a second rail terminal and a new fourth berth," Schulze added.

DP World operates some of the most advanced logistics hubs in the UK: two deep water ports at London Gateway and Southampton with access to freight rail terminals.

DP World announced in July that London Gateway handled more than one million TEU in six months between January and June, a record for the port.

This performance contributed to a record volume of cargo in the first half of the year for DP World's ports in the UK, with a combined total of 1,937,000 TEU when factoring in throughput at Southampton.

Over the last 10 years, DP World has invested £2 billion (US$2.15 billion) in the UK.

The terminal operator said over the next 10 years it has earmarked a further £1 billion (US$1.08 billion) of investment, to further boost its investments in the country.