Port operator DP World says £60m investment will boost capacity and future-proof operations at one of UK’s largest container terminals
DP World has welcomed two of Europe’s largest quay cranes to Southampton in its latest investment to ensure the container terminal can meet growing demand from UK trade.
The quay cranes weigh more than 2,000 tonnes each and stand nearly 150 metres high, over 50 metres taller than Big Ben. They arrived fully constructed by sea and will be offloaded directly onto the Southampton container terminal quayside in the week commencing 22 July.
This is the first of two pairs of quay cranes set to arrive in Southampton in 2026, with a second pair due to arrive later this year, bringing the total number of cranes servicing the port to 16.
The new cranes will boost handling capacity and volumes at DP World Southampton and are able to service the largest container ships currently in operation, including 24,000 TEU megaships, as well as future larger vessels not yet built.
Capable of consecutive ‘tandem lifts’ of two 40ft containers at once, the new quay cranes will support an increase in efficiency and productivity, improved reliability for customers, and help to futureproof operations at the terminal, DP World said.
The investment is also expected to support faster vessel turnaround times and enhance Southampton’s ability to accommodate growing trade volumes.
Kris Adams, DP World’s CEO of UK ports and terminals, said: “Trade powers the UK’s growth and prosperity, and today’s arrival of two fantastic new quay cranes is a landmark moment for Southampton and for our long-standing operation in this vital port.
“DP World’s investment is equipping our terminal here in this major trading city for the future, ensuring we can handle the next generation of large container vessels, boosting our capacity and efficiency. Upgraded infrastructure at Southampton will allow us to better serve customers across the UK and strengthen our terminal’s contribution to the national economy.”
Satvir Kaur, the MP for Southampton Test, added: “Southampton has a proud maritime history, and our port continues to play a vital role in supporting local jobs, trade and economic growth across the city and beyond. This significant investment by DP World demonstrates confidence in the port’s future and will help strengthen Southampton’s position as one of the UK’s most important trading gateways.”
Southampton is the UK’s third-largest container port, and the investment forms a central part of DP World’s long-term strategy to enhance operational capability and strengthen its role as a key gateway for UK trade.
With strong connections to Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, the terminal plays a critical role in connecting Britain to international shipping and trade.
In 2025, DP World Southampton handled more than two million TEUs, one of the highest annual throughput figures in the terminal’s history. This contributed to DP World’s UK container total of more than five million TEUs in a national market handling over nine million TEUs.
