London Gateway port shipping is the fastest-growing way into the UK for deep-sea containers: DP World's port on the Thames in Essex handled a record 3 million TEU in 2025, 50% more than the year before. It has four deep-water berths, a fifth due in 2027, an on-dock rail terminal and a large logistics park next to the quay. This guide covers what is specific to London Gateway and how we move your cargo there from Dubai. We ship both from Dubai to London Gateway and from London Gateway to Dubai.
London Gateway at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | North bank of the River Thames, Thurrock, Essex; about 28 miles from London |
| UN/LOCODE | GBLGP |
| Owner and operator | DP World |
| Opened | 6 November 2013, on the former Shell Haven refinery site |
| Berths | 4, rising to 5 and then 6 |
| Quay length | 1,690 m |
| Depth alongside | 16.5 m chart datum |
| Approach depth | 14.5 m to 21 m (tidal) |
| Quay cranes | 16, safe working load 80 tonnes under spreader |
| Terminal area | 460 acres |
| Full capacity | 3.4 million TEU |
| Containers handled in 2025 | 3 million TEU |
| Reefer points | Over 3,000 |
| Rail | 8 on-dock tracks, 775 m long; 22 daily services |
| Gate | 12 truck lanes; average truck turn time 45 minutes |
| Border control post code | GBLGP1 (London Port Health Authority) |
| Freeport | Inside the Thames Freeport |
| London Gateway to Dubai | Exporter with a GB EORI, or its agent, makes the export declaration; arrival at Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah, 5% UAE duty on CIF for most goods plus 5% VAT |
Where is London Gateway port, and is it the same as the Port of London?
London Gateway is on the north bank of the Thames estuary in Thurrock, Essex, near Stanford-le-Hope. DP World puts it about 28 miles from London. It is not in central London, and it is not the same port as Tilbury, which is also in Thurrock.
This matters on your paperwork. Bookings, bills of lading and tracking should show GBLGP. If a booking says only "London", ask the carrier which terminal it means, because a box landed at the wrong Thames terminal can mean a different haulier, a different border control post and a different free time.
The site has a long port history. It was the Shell Haven oil refinery until 1999. Construction of the container port started in 2010 and the first berths opened in November 2013.
Berths, depth and cranes at London Gateway
London Gateway was built for the largest container ships. DP World lists the following on its infrastructure fact sheet:
| Feature | Figure |
|---|---|
| Operational berths | 4 (the fourth opened in late 2024) |
| Quay length | 1,690 m |
| Depth alongside | 16.5 m chart datum |
| Depth in approach | 14.5 m to 21 m, tidal |
| Quay cranes | 16, twin, tandem and quad lift |
| Crane reach | 25 rows outreach, 11 tiers on deck |
| Yard equipment | Automated stacking cranes, 60 straddle carriers, 5 rail-mounted gantries, 4 reach stackers |
| Reefer points | Over 3,000 |
The yard is semi-automated. Automated stacking cranes hold the boxes in blocks, and straddle carriers move them between the quay and the stacks. For you, the practical effect is a booked, predictable truck slot rather than a queue.
Berth 5 and the next expansion
DP World is spending £1 billion to grow the port. The plan adds two all-electric berths, taking London Gateway to six, plus a second rail terminal. Berth 5 is due to start operating in 2027. In September 2026 two new quay cranes for Berth 5 arrived fully assembled by sea from Shanghai. Each weighs more than 2,000 tonnes and stands nearly 150 m high, and two more are due. DP World expects London Gateway to become Britain's largest container port before the end of the decade.
The growth has been fast. Throughput rose from 461,000 TEU in 2015 to about 3 million TEU in 2025, and DP World says its London Gateway and Southampton terminals together handle 46% of UK containerised trade.
What cargo can you ship through London Gateway?
London Gateway is a container port. It does not run a Ro-Ro vehicle terminal like Southampton, and DP World lists no breakbulk berth there. Plan your cargo around boxes.
| Cargo | Fit at London Gateway | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| FCL, 20 ft, 40 ft and high cube | Core business | That the carrier's service discharges at GBLGP |
| LCL | Through consolidators who devan near the port or inland | Where the CFS is and its handling charges |
| Reefer | Over 3,000 reefer points | IPAFFS notice and port health hours |
| Dangerous goods in containers | Accepted subject to carrier approval and UK harbour rules | DG declaration and 24-hour notice by the carrier |
| Flat racks and open tops | Possible on container services | Carrier acceptance and lashing plan |
| Vehicles on Ro-Ro | Not a Ro-Ro port | Use a container, or a Ro-Ro port such as Southampton |
| Loose breakbulk | Not the usual choice | Compare a general cargo port |
From the UAE, the cargo that suits London Gateway best is containerised goods for London and the South East: consumer goods, packaged food, building products, furniture and stock for warehouses in the logistics park. If you are unsure whether to ship full or shared containers, read our guide to FCL vs LCL costs. Our sea freight service books both from Jebel Ali.
The logistics park and the Thames Freeport
The London Gateway Logistics Park sits directly next to the port. DP World calls it one of Europe's largest port-centric logistics parks, with flexible warehousing and direct links to road and rail. The land set aside is about 9.25 million sq ft, covered by a local development order that speeds up building approvals.
Port-centric means the container goes from the quay to a warehouse on the same site, without a long truck leg first. For an importer with a warehouse in the park, that cuts haulage and the time a box spends on the road. It also makes early return of empties easier, which helps with detention. Our article on demurrage and detention explains those charges.
The site is inside the Thames Freeport economic zone. HMRC has published maps of three Thames Freeport customs sites, added in December 2021, June 2025 and March 2026, where businesses can use simplified customs and VAT arrangements. These benefits belong to authorised businesses inside a customs site. If your UK buyer is not one of them, the cargo clears like any other import.
Rail and road from London Gateway
London Gateway has an on-dock rail terminal with eight tracks of 775 m, worked by rail-mounted gantry cranes. DP World lists 22 daily rail services, run by Freightliner, GB Railfreight and Maritime, and a second rail terminal is part of the expansion. Rail suits containers going to the Midlands, the North and Scotland, where a long truck run from Essex costs more.
By road, hauliers book every collection and delivery through DP World's Vehicle Booking System (VBS). The terminal has 12 truck lanes and reports an average truck turn time of 45 minutes.
DP World's export rule is that containers can be gated four hours before the nominated vessel berths, and a Special Service Request can relax this case by case. For imports, ask the line for the free time, and book the haulier once customs and port health release the box.
Dangerous goods through London Gateway
DG in containers is normal at London Gateway, but it runs through two filters. First, the carrier must accept the cargo under the IMDG Code, which depends on class, UN number, packing group and quantity. Second, UK harbour law: under the Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016, the ship's master, agent or operator must notify the harbour master and the berth operator at least 24 hours, and not more than 6 months, before dangerous goods enter the harbour area. The harbour master can ask for up to 14 days' notice.
The carrier files that notice, but it uses the data you give at origin. Wrong UN numbers or a missing DG declaration hold the box in Jebel Ali, not in Essex. Our dangerous goods shipping team checks the documents and carrier acceptance before you book, and our guide to dangerous goods classes explains the IMDG classes.
Customs and port health checks at London Gateway
Customs at London Gateway follow the same HMRC rules as every UK port. The importer needs a GB EORI number, the commodity code and a customs agent if it does not declare itself. Duty follows the UK Global Tariff, and import VAT is charged at the UK rate (20% standard), with postponed VAT accounting open to VAT-registered importers. The UK-GCC trade deal was concluded on 20 May 2026 but is not in force until ratified, so UAE goods pay standard rates for now.
Our Felixstowe guide covers the full UK customs steps. Here is what is specific to London Gateway: port health is run by the London Port Health Authority, which is managed from the City of London, not by the local council. Its office is in the London Gateway Logistics Centre.
| Item | London Gateway border control post |
|---|---|
| BCP code | GBLGP1 |
| Inspection centre | 1 London Gateway, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex |
| Approved for | Food and feed not of animal origin, plastic kitchenware, products of animal origin for human and non-human use |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday 7:00 to 19:00; Saturday 8:00 to 14:00 |
| Authority | London Port Health Authority |
Food, feed and animal products must be pre-notified on IPAFFS, naming GBLGP1 as the border control post. Do not confuse it with Tilbury (GBTIL1), a separate post run by the same authority. Pallets and crates must meet ISPM 15.
How to ship from Dubai to London Gateway: step by step
- Share the cargo details: commodity, HS code, weight, volume or dimensions, pickup address in the UAE, UK delivery address and Incoterm. Our article on Incoterms 2020 for sea freight helps you split costs with the buyer.
- Confirm the UK side: GB EORI, customs agent, and IPAFFS for food naming GBLGP1.
- Pick the service. We check which carrier services from Jebel Ali discharge at London Gateway, and compare them with Southampton or Felixstowe priced to the door.
- Book space. For DG, reefer and out-of-gauge cargo we get carrier acceptance first.
- Prepare documents and packing: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, ISPM 15 pallets and any DG declaration.
- Export from Dubai. We collect, file the Dubai Customs export declaration and gate in before the cut-off. Our Jebel Ali port shipping guide covers that side.
- Release the bill of lading as agreed with the buyer.
- The UK agent files the import declaration before or on arrival, and port health clears any food.
- The haulier collects on a VBS slot, the box goes by rail, or it moves straight into a warehouse in the logistics park.
- The empty goes back to the depot the line names, within free time.
[AMIR-FACT: the carriers or services we actually book from Jebel Ali to London Gateway, whether direct or transshipped and where, and our typical port-to-port days]
How to ship from London Gateway to Dubai
We also handle the other direction: shipping from London Gateway to Dubai, with arrival at Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah port. We book the space with the carrier and run the UAE side. The UK export filing stays with the shipper or its UK agent.
The UK export side
- EORI. The exporter needs an EORI number that starts with GB to export goods from England, Wales or Scotland.
- Export declaration. The exporter makes it itself, or the person it has appointed to deal with UK customs makes it.
- Licences. Some goods need a licence or certificate to leave the UK, including animals, drugs, chemicals, firearms and military goods. Check this before booking.
The UAE import side
On arrival, the declaration goes to Dubai Customs with the commercial invoice, the packing list, the certificate of origin and any permit from the authority that controls restricted goods. The carrier then releases the cargo against the bill of lading with a delivery order. Customs duty in Dubai is 5% of the CIF value for most goods, with 50% on alcohol and 100% on cigarettes. Import VAT is 5%, charged on the customs value including freight, insurance and customs fees. A VAT-registered importer that meets the Federal Tax Authority conditions accounts for it on its VAT return instead of paying at the border.
- Send us the shipper's details in London Gateway, the cargo, the HS code and the UAE delivery address.
- We book space from London Gateway to Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah and send the booking and cut-offs to the shipper.
- The shipper or its haulier delivers the container to London Gateway, by road or by rail to the on-dock rail terminal, before the cut-off.
- The shipper or its UK agent files the UK export declaration before the cut-off.
- We check the draft bill of lading against the invoice and packing list before it is issued.
- We file the UAE declaration before the vessel arrives, so clearance can start when it berths.
- We arrange payment of the duty and VAT and collect the delivery order from the carrier.
- We truck the cargo to your site and return the empty container inside the free time.
[AMIR-FACT: the carriers we actually use from London Gateway to Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah, direct or transshipped and where, and our real port-to-port transit days in this direction]
Checklist before you ship to London Gateway
- Booking and bill of lading show GBLGP, not only "London".
- UK importer has a GB EORI number and a customs agent with the data.
- Commodity code and duty checked in the UK Trade Tariff.
- IPAFFS notice names GBLGP1 for food, feed and animal products.
- Reefer arrival planned against port health hours.
- ISPM 15 marks on pallets and crates.
- DG declaration and carrier acceptance in place for hazardous cargo.
- Haulier registered on VBS, a rail booking, or a warehouse slot in the logistics park.
- Container free time agreed with the line.
Common mistakes with London Gateway shipments
- Treating "London" as one port. London Gateway and Tilbury are different terminals with different port health posts.
- Sending a car on a Ro-Ro booking. London Gateway has no Ro-Ro vehicle terminal.
- Planning loose breakbulk into a container port. Use a flat rack, or a general cargo port.
- Food arriving on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday, when the border control post is closed.
- No VBS slot for the haulier, so the truck is turned away.
- Choosing London Gateway for a consignee in the South West without pricing Southampton.
Which UK port fits: London Gateway, Southampton or Felixstowe?
| Your situation | Port to check first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Consignee in London, Essex or Kent | London Gateway | Short truck leg into London and the South East |
| Warehouse in the port's logistics park | London Gateway | Quay to warehouse on one site |
| Consignee in the South or South West | Southampton | Shorter truck leg from the south coast |
| Vehicles on Ro-Ro | Southampton | Main UK vehicle port |
| Consignee in East Anglia | Felixstowe | Shorter truck leg |
| Midlands, North, Scotland | Any of the three with rail | Depends on the carrier's rotation and the rail price |
The carrier's rotation decides which ports you can use. We price the realistic options so you compare the full cost to the door.
Frequently asked questions
What is the port code for London Gateway?
The UN/LOCODE for London Gateway is GBLGP. Make sure your booking and bill of lading use it, not a general London code.
Who owns London Gateway port?
DP World owns and operates London Gateway. It also runs the container terminal at Southampton, and the two together handle 46% of UK containerised trade.
What is the water depth at London Gateway?
DP World gives 16.5 m alongside at chart datum and 14.5 m to 21 m in the approach, depending on the tide.
How do I ship from Dubai to London Gateway?
Send us the cargo, the commodity code and the UK importer's details. We book a service that calls London Gateway, handle UAE trucking, export clearance and the bill of lading, and the importer or its customs agent makes the UK import declaration. London Gateway has four berths now, with Berth 5 due in 2027.
How many containers does London Gateway handle?
London Gateway handled a record 3 million TEU in 2025, up 50% on 2024. DP World lists full capacity at 3.4 million TEU before the new berths.
Is London Gateway the same as Tilbury?
No. Both are on the Thames in Essex, but they are separate ports with separate operators and separate border control posts (GBLGP1 and GBTIL1).
Can I ship a car from Dubai to London Gateway?
Only in a container. London Gateway has no Ro-Ro vehicle terminal, so cars on Ro-Ro ships go to ports such as Southampton.
Is London Gateway in a freeport?
Yes, it is inside the Thames Freeport. Freeport customs benefits apply only to authorised businesses in a customs site, so most imports clear normally.
Can containers leave London Gateway by rail?
Yes. The on-dock rail terminal has eight tracks and DP World lists 22 daily services by Freightliner, GB Railfreight and Maritime.
How do I ship from London Gateway to Dubai?
The exporter, with a GB EORI number, or its agent makes the UK export declaration and delivers the box before the cut-off. We book the space, file the Dubai Customs declaration before arrival, arrange payment of the 5% duty and 5% VAT, and deliver to your site.
Get a quote for London Gateway port shipping
Send us your cargo details and UK delivery address, and we will come back with a routing and price from Dubai to London Gateway. Use our freight rate inquiry form, or contact our team about DG, reefer or out-of-gauge cargo. You can also read about our Dubai freight forwarding team.
Sources
- DP World London Gateway: Infrastructure facts (berths, quay, depths, cranes, yard, reefer, rail, gate, capacity, export cut-off)
- DP World London Gateway: Ports and terminals (distance to London, logistics park, Thames Freeport, VBS)
- DP World: Four of Europe's largest quay cranes arrive at DP World's UK ports (1 October 2026)
- DP World: London Gateway and the rebalancing of UK trade (throughput, fourth berth, expansion)
- DP World: Why London Gateway works for mega container ships
- Wikipedia: London Gateway (location, UN/LOCODE, opening date, Shell Haven, logistics park area)
- GOV.UK: Border control posts at ports in the UK (London Gateway GBLGP1, Tilbury GBTIL1)
- HMRC: Map of Thames Freeport customs sites
- legislation.gov.uk: Dangerous Goods in Harbour Areas Regulations 2016, regulation 6
- GOV.UK: Import goods into the UK, step by step
- GOV.UK: VAT rates
- GOV.UK: Postponed VAT accounting
- GOV.UK: UK-GCC trade deal conclusion summary
- GOV.UK: Export goods from the UK, step by step (EORI, declarations, licences)
- Dubai Customs: Submit customs declaration (invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, permits)
- Dubai Customs: FAQ (5% of CIF value, alcohol and cigarettes)
- UAE Government portal: Clearing customs and paying customs duty (5% of CIF in Dubai)
- Federal Tax Authority: VAT guide, section 3.5 on import VAT (5%, customs value, registered importers)
Reviewed: 10 November 2026