Business Weekly - Cambridge, UK

The proposals for Shell Haven, based in Thurrock, Essex, anticipate that the first container berths will be operational by 2010 and the first business units occupied within 12-18 months.

The Government announcement was made at the same time as the Department for Communities and Local Government’s disclosure that planning permission for the adjacent London Gateway logistics and commercial centre and Business Park has been granted.

Global ports owner and operator, DP World, said the initiative will see the regeneration of the 1,500 acre former oil refinery site at Shell Haven, creating a world class UK infrastructure asset and delivering approximately 14,000 new jobs.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World, said: “This is important news and we are very pleased with the UK Government’s decision. DP World is planning to invest approximately £1.5bn to develop London Gateway over a 10 to 15 year timeframe.

“This is the single biggest investment project for DP World. It represents our long-term commitment to bringing benefits and value to our customers and to the UK economy.”

The lengthy planning and regulatory process for Shell Haven began in 2002 when P&O – acquired in 2006 by Dubai Ports World – first applied to the Department for Transport for a Harbour Empowerment Order to establish a new harbour authority and construct a deep water container port on the north bank of the Thames estuary.

Working in partnership with Shell, P&O also applied to the local planning authority for planning permission to develop an adjacent logistics centre and business park.

The promoters’ appeal against non-determination by the planning authority was considered by the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Commenting on the length of the delay, Transport Minister, Gillian Merron, said: “It has taken time to finalise this decision, but it was right to consider carefully and make appropriate provision for the significant impacts that this major development will have in the growth area.

“London Gateway will be able to provide much needed capacity for handling the UK’s growing international trade in containers.”

DP World has said it is now analysing the Government’s decision letters in more detail so that it can press ahead and work towards construction.

The group’s proposals for the London Gateway Port include a 2,300 metre long container quay with a fully-developed capacity of 3.5 million TEU (standard container units) a year, capable of handling the biggest container ships – meeting the UK Government’s identified need for increased deep-sea port capacity.

London Gateway Park is a Joint Venture between Shell and DP World and will cover a development area of 700 acres with the ability to accommodate buildings in excess of 1m sq ft.

It will provide a sustainable, integrated solution for the changing requirements of the distribution, manufacturing and hi-tech sectors.