DP World has announced a £170 million (approximately 1.6 billion RMB) investment to install a three-dimensional empty container storage yard at the London Gateway Port.

This three-dimensional yard will utilize high-rise storage technology to handle 20-foot or 40-foot containers within a fully enclosed automated facility, capable of stacking up to 16 levels high. DP World states that the capacity, safety, and efficiency of this yard will be significantly enhanced, operating like a giant container vending machine.

The project is being constructed by the company BOXBAY, a joint venture between DP World and the German SMS Group, who have built and operated three-dimensional storage yards at DP World's flagship port, Jebel Ali Port, for several years, handling close to 500,000 TEUs to date. In 2023, DP World had announced plans to establish a three-dimensional storage yard at the Port of Busan, but due to approval issues, that project might be delayed.

The three-dimensional storage yard at the London Gateway Port will be located on Berth 4, dedicated to handling empty containers, with a capacity of 27,000 TEUs. The project is expected to take over two years to complete. DP World mentions that this modular empty container storage system is designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing port infrastructure without the need for modifications to the waterside or landside. Once the three-dimensional empty container storage yard takes over the empty containers, the port's existing automated rail-mounted gantry cranes will be able to reduce container flipping, enhancing operational efficiency to boost overall port performance.