Local MPs support London Gateway

Local MPs Stephen Metcalfe and Jackie Doyle-Price visited London Gateway to see the construction work and offer their support for what is the largest employment creation project in the UK.

The two Conservative MPs met with Simon Moore CEO of London Gateway and witnessed the new jobs being created as part of the work to develop what will become the UK’s first deep-sea container port for over 20 years.

During the visit, the MPs discussed local impacts of the project on the surrounding infrastructure. Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon and East Thurrock, said: “I’m delighted to see the start of construction of the port take place and see first hand the real economic benefits being delivered to South Essex. I hope to ensure that the local community makes the most of the opportunities this development presents”.

Jackie Doyle-Price, Member of Parliament for Thurrock, said: “London Gateway is going to deliver massive economic benefits for the long term and is an excellent use of the former oil refinery site; it will provide many thousands of jobs for local people in Thurrock and I welcome DP World’s investment. This underlines Thurrock’s role as a major logistics hub for the UK.

She added: “I will be making representations to ministers to ensure that the future impacts on local highways will be well managed”.

Simon Moore, CEO for London Gateway, said: “I’m very pleased Jackie and Stephen were able to visit us and see for themselves our efforts to regenerate 1,500 acres of disused brownfield land. We are working with local and national government to ensure this area is returned to industrial activity and we will continue to work with local leaders and the wider community throughout construction and delivery”.

Standing on new land at London Gateway
From left: Simon Moore CEO London Gateway, Jackie Doyle-Price MP, Stephen Metcalfe MP

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About DP World:
DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 50 terminals and 11 new developments across 31 countries (1). 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 customer-centric 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 16 consecutive years. In 2009, DP World handled more than 43.4 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia. 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, in line with market demand.

www.dpworld.com

(1) As of 27 July 2010

Press Enquiries:
Xavier Woodward, Communications Manager, DP World London Gateway
xavier.woodward@dpworld.com 01375 648 340 or 07748 623423