DP World is spending £170m on what it described as a giant vending machine for containers at its London Gateway hub, which will ensure faster turnaround times for HGVs.
The Empty Superstack uses high bay storage technology to store 20- and 40-foot empty containers up to 16 tiers high inside a fully enclosed, automated facility.
The operator said the fully electric automated stacking crane (ASC) handles containers with precision, retrieving and delivering them automatically for onward transport.
By removing multiple tiers of empty containers from the ASC yard, the system reduces rehandling and housekeeping, allowing ASCs to operate more efficiently and dramatically improve yard capacity.
DP World added that the project would take just over two years to complete.
Stephen Whittingham, executive VP North Europe, DP World, said: “This £170 million investment underscores DP World’s commitment to innovation at London Gateway.
“The Boxbay Empty Superstack will boost reliability for our customers, minimise truck visit times in port, and create a safer, smarter working environment for our people.”
