DP World and Dubai World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem inspected the first section of reclaimed land at the UK’s newest port and logistics development, London Gateway.

Currently one of the largest inward investments into the UK, the London Gateway will become the single largest job creating project offering some 36,000 jobs when complete, said a statement from the DP World.

Reviewing the progress of the DP World’s newest development, Bin Sulayem said the project will be a major positive contribution to UK business.

“Seeing new ground here at London Gateway is an excellent achievement for DP World and the London Gateway team," said bin Sulayem, who became the first person to step on the land created at London Gateway.

"I’m very pleased to be able to stand on the land where the world’s largest cargo ships will once again visit London and bring goods straight into the heart of the UK markets," he added.

The dredge and reclamation programme is a key element in the £1.5 billion project at London Gateway, sai the statement.

The deepening of the River Thames for the project will allow the world’s biggest trading vessels to once again deliver goods to the heart of the UK consumer market.

This will save UK companies significant transportation and distribution costs as well as improving carbon footprints. Over 65 million freight miles will be saved every year and 140,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

Simon Moore, CEO of London Gateway said: “We are progressing with the project very well and we are on course to deliver an exceptional piece of infrastructure for the UK.”

The Logistics Park will offer over nine million sq ft for the distribution, manufacturing and high-tech sectors. The port, which will be one of the most automated and efficient in the world, will add an additional 3.5 million TEU to the UK’s port capacity.

DP World has invested in a major hi-tech scheme, unprecedented in scale, to ensure the dredging is carried out safely and responsibly. The dredging work at London Gateway has triggered one of the most comprehensive marine and wildlife monitoring projects ever recorded.

"Work carried out, in order to meet some of the toughest environmental laws in the world, includes assessments of the impact of the dredge to wildlife including internationally significant wading bird populations, fish and marine life, as well as to fishing communities, local habitats and resources of historic and archaeological significance," he added.-TradeArabia News Service