DP World has partnered up with UK-based retailer Tesco to develop a multi-mn GBP distribution center at London Gateway Port, according to statements here and here. The center — which is set to focus on dry grocery distribution — is scheduled for operations in 2029. The exact investment ticket was not disclosed.

Who else is involved? Tesco is cooperating with German logistics firm Witron to equip the center with advanced automation tech, with the latter expected to deploy its smart automation systems to bolster throughput, reduce waste, and ensure a seamless distribution network.

DP World has been expanding its retail footprint: DP World acquired Hong Kong-based logistics firm Cargo Services Far East last year — adding to its war chest more than 200 freight forwarding offices. The move expanded DP World’s exposure to global trade flows to nearly 95% — which, in turn, would allow retail partners such as Tesco to have expanded access to global trade flows, the statement added.

Rail, sea, and lots in between: London Gateway is a multipurpose logistics hub boasting a massive logistics park and intermodal connections through trucking, rail and seaport services. The hub boasts a seaport with four operational deep berths and another two in the pipeline, according to a factsheet by DP World. The hub also boasts rail-mounted gantry cranes that move containers to the hub’s rail terminal where they onboard up to 45 freight services heading to destinations throughout the UK, Europe, and Asia.

DP World has so far developed half of its London hub — the largest of its facilities in the UK at an area spanning 9 mn sqft. The company is aiming to transform the hub to include the biggest container port in the UK in terms of trade volumes within the next five years. Earlier in March, the company received the green light to expand its London Gateway Logistics Park. The firm recently launched a construction works tender for a new GBP 72 mn container storage yard at its port terminal — with construction slated to begin in December this year and scheduled for completion in June 2027.

The firm’s latest banger: DP World has inked a 30-year concession agreement with Syria's General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate Tartus Port. Under the agreement, DP World will invest USD 800 mn to redevelop the port under a build-operate-transfer model and turn it into a trade node linking Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

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