Dubai, United Arab Emirates – DP World Group DB World announced on Thursday a £170 million investment of AED 833.28 million to enhance container handling technologies at its London Gateway logistics complex.
The group said in a statement that this investment comes through the introduction of the “Box by Impty Superstack” system to the United Kingdom, after its remarkable success in Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
She explained that this special system for floor storage of containers on high-altitude platforms, “HBS”, represents a qualitative leap in how empty containers are stored and transported.
It relies on fully electric cranes to store 20- and 40-foot containers, up to 16 floors high, inside a closed, fully automated facility.
She added that this technology would enhance the storage capacity of the port’s container yards and improve safety levels and operational efficiency.
This paves the way for a more digitalized and automated future for port operations globally.
The Box Bay system is being developed as part of a joint project between DB World and the German SMS Group.
The electric cranes used provide a high capacity for precise handling, allowing containers to be retrieved and delivered automatically to the next stages of transportation.
The system features a flexible modular structure that allows it to be easily integrated into the port’s existing operations.
This is without the need for any modifications to land or marine infrastructure.
By removing accumulated layers of empty containers within automated crane yards, Box Bay contributes to reducing re-handling operations.
In addition to improving crane performance and reducing truck waiting times, this enhances the container terminal’s productivity and sustainability.
The Impty Superstack system will be installed on the fully electric fourth pier at London Gateway.
It will provide a storage capacity of up to 27,000 20-foot TEUs.
With tangible gains in safety, operational efficiency and environmental performance.
The project is scheduled to be completed in just over two years.
Globally applicable technology
The Box Bay system has proven its effectiveness in operational operations through extensive testing at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
About 500,000 20-foot TEUs were handled using this technology.
The system features a modular design and energy recovery capability, making it one of the most advanced and sustainable container handling solutions in the world.
With the continued expansion of international trade, the adoption of Box Bay’s Impty Superstack system at London Gateway represents a new step in DB World’s commitment to developing a smart logistics infrastructure.
In addition to supporting its vision to raise standards of efficiency, sustainability and safety in the global port sector.




