Archaeology team recognised for landmark dig

Archaeologists who unearthed a 2,000-year-old saltmaking site at DP World’s London Gateway scheme have been presented with an Arabian sailing ship in
recognition of the completion of what was one the largest archaeological digs in the UK.

The model ship known as a ‘Dhow’ was presented by Simon Moore, CEO of London Gateway to thank the Oxford Archaeology team for ten months of onsite excavations, which uncovered roman remains at Mucking Flats in Stanford-le-Hope.

Other wooden structures found at the site include a boathouse and a pair of channel holding walls made of wattlework, or basket-woven roundwood panels. Both the boathouse and the roundhouse have been radiocarbon dated to between 40BC and AD240.

Simon Moore said: “The Dhow will remind the archaeology team of the important role they played in developing London Gateway as the premier 21st Century port hub.”

A new video documenting the historic findings has been made for people who have an interest in local archaeology and can be viewed by visiting www.londongateway.com.

Simon Moore continued: “The work carried out by the archaeology team has allowed us to record and protect historic roman findings. We will now construct new habitats for birds and other wildlife to ensure the new port is developed in balance with the local environment. We hope people with an interest in the area will watch the new video to find out what has been found.”

The archaeologists are now carbon dating and cataloguing artifacts and recording the whole site in line with the requirements laid down by the Planning Inspector during the London Gateway Public Inquiry held in 2003.

David Jennings, Chief Executive at Oxford Archaeology, said: “Working together as a team alongside London Gateway has been the key to success in unearthing archaeological finds in such a sympathetic way and we were honoured to be part of such a unique project.”

ENDS

Note to editors

The archaeological works were carried out as part of plans to create a protected area for wildlife and rare birds. The new wildlife area is part of a multi-million pound environmental scheme being undertaken by London Gateway, owned by international port operator DP World, in accordance with Government
recommendations laid down in 2003.

Photo caption 1: (left) Oxford Archaeology Chief Executive David Jennings is presented with a golden ‘Dhow’ in recognition of archaeological works at London Gateway by the project’s Chief Executive Simon Moore

Photo caption 2: The Oxford Archaeology team onsite at London Gateway

For more information, contact Rechenda Smith at Mosaic Publicity on 01206 548100 or email rechenda@mosaicpublicity.co.uk

About DP World:
DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 49 terminals and 12 new developments across 31 countries. Its dedicated, experienced and professional team of nearly 30,000 people serves customers in some of the most dynamic economies in the world. DP World aims to enhance customers’ supply chain efficiency by effectively managing container, bulk and other terminal cargo.

The company constantly invests in terminal infrastructure, facilities and people, working closely with customers and business partners to provide quality services today and tomorrow, when and where customers need them. In taking this customercentric approach, DP World is building on the established relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at its flagship Jebel Ali facility in Dubai, which has been voted "Best Seaport in the Middle East" for 15 consecutive years.

In 2008, DP World handled more than 46.8 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia – an increase of 8% on 2007. With a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East, capacity is expected to rise to around 95 million TEU over the next ten years.

www.dpworld.com

For more information on London Gateway please visit:
www.londongateway.com