London Gateway Strengthens Position As UK Hub, Leading Latin America Services
London Gateway is rapidly consolidating its position as one of the UK’s most important container hubs and is now widely expected to overtake Felixstowe as the country’s largest port within the next couple of years.
In 2025, the Essex-based facility recorded its highest-ever throughput, handling more than 3 million TEU, a dramatic increase of over 50% compared with the previous year.
This growth has been driven by the commissioning of a fourth deep-sea berth and the addition of new mainline services, including Asia–Europe loops under the Gemini Cooperation. The expansion of Maersk’s presence at London Gateway, combined with supplementary calls from MSC, has significantly reduced the long-standing volume gap with Felixstowe, which is believed to have handled around 3.6 million TEU in 2024.
London Gateway is conveniently situated just 9 miles from Envío’s head office in Basildon and has established itself as the UK’s premier port for Latin American container services, offering shippers reliable connections and modern infrastructure tailored to long-haul trades. This has further strengthened its appeal to global carriers seeking efficient and scaleable UK gateways.
DP World’s investment strategy remains central to the port’s long-term ambitions. London Gateway is partway through a GBP 1 billion expansion programme that will increase the terminal from four to six berths by the end of the decade, substantially boosting capacity and resilience.
However, rapid volume growth has not come without a few hiccups. Congestion and extended vessel waiting times were an ongoing theme throughout 2025, highlighting the challenges that can accompany accelerated expansion.
