Kalmar provides the automated heart of DP World London Gateway

The challenge

The challenge was to develop a brand-new port and logistics park with a focus on automation to deliver maximum productivity, reduce operational costs and also be environmentally friendly. Currently, there are few port facilities in the UK that can handle the new larger container vessels. DP World is designing a facility specifically to handle the largest vessels that are coming on line now and in the future.

"It is of utmost importance for us to have equipment and a terminal operating system that are fully integrated and make our operations as efficient as possible," says Andrew Bowen, Engineering Director, DP World London Gateway.

The solution

Kalmar provided a turnkey solution of 40 automated stacking cranes (ASCs), automated truck handling – which automates the landside operation in the terminal – and 28 straddle carriers, integrated with the Navis N4 terminal operating system and supported by Kalmar reachstackers. The Navis N4 TOS also manages the transfer of containers to and from the adjacent logistics park, and runs automated processes at its gate, the container yard and the rail terminal.

The result

The end-to-end automation, achieved by integrating the ASCs and straddle carriers with N4 TOS, delivers added stacking density and scalability for increased volumes, as well as proven safety, economy and security. Productivity is also enhanced through the equipment's ability to operate in high winds. With a focus on high-performance equipment and automated systems, the port is well set to meet its 3.5 million TEU annual capacity when completed.