Giant £60m Crane Investment Set To Boost UK Trade Through Southampton

DP World has welcomed two of Europe’s largest quay cranes to Southampton in a major £60 million investment designed to boost capacity, improve efficiency and future-proof operations at one of the UK’s biggest container ports.

Image: DP World

The two cranes, which arrived at DP World Southampton on 19 June 2026, each weigh more than 2,000 tonnes and stand almost 150 metres high — more than 50 metres taller than Big Ben.

They arrived fully constructed by sea and are expected to be offloaded directly onto the Southampton container terminal quayside early next week.

The arrival marks the first of two pairs of quay cranes due to reach Southampton this year, with a second pair expected later in 2026. Once all four are operational, the terminal will have 16 cranes servicing the port.

DP World said the new cranes will increase handling capacity and allow Southampton to serve the largest container ships currently in operation, including 24,000 TEU megaships, as well as larger vessels that have yet to be built.

The cranes are capable of consecutive tandem lifts, enabling them to move two 40ft containers at once. This is expected to improve efficiency, productivity and reliability for customers, while also supporting faster vessel turnaround times and strengthening Southampton’s ability to manage growing trade volumes.

Kris Adams, DP World CEO UK Ports & Terminals, described the arrival as a landmark moment for Southampton and for DP World’s long-standing operation at the port.

He 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 MP, Member of Parliament for Southampton Test, said the investment underlined the continuing importance of the city’s maritime role.

She said: “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 plays a key role in connecting Britain with international shipping routes, including strong links to Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

For the fresh produce and wider food supply chain, investment in port infrastructure remains critical as the UK continues to rely on fast, efficient and reliable international logistics to keep goods moving.

In 2025, DP World Southampton handled more than 2 million TEU, one of the highest annual throughput figures in the terminal’s history. This contributed to DP World’s UK container total of more than 5 million TEU, within a national market handling more than 9 million TEU.

The latest investment forms part of DP World’s wider long-term strategy to strengthen Southampton’s operational capability and reinforce its position as a key gateway for UK trade.