Race intensifies for £30m automated container facility at London Gateway

A major construction opportunity is emerging at London Gateway, with contractors preparing to compete for a £30m scheme that will deliver one of the UK’s most advanced container storage facilities.

The project centres around a new automated stacking structure at the Thurrock-based port, designed to significantly increase capacity and efficiency for empty container handling.

📦 Next-generation storage system

The development will see the creation of a 12-storey high-tech storage facility using the BOXBAY system — an automated solution that allows containers to be stacked and retrieved without manual handling.

Once complete, the structure will stand at approximately 55 metres tall, spanning around 323 metres in length and 159 metres in width within the port’s MT Park area.

🏗️ Major structural and civils package

The scheme presents a substantial engineering challenge, combining heavy civil works with a large-scale structural steel frame.

Key elements of the build include:

• Over 15,000 tonnes of structural steel

• Around 50,000m² of cladding

• A 46,500m² roof structure

Groundworks will also be significant, with more than 5,000 precast piles — each reaching depths of roughly 28 metres — required to support a 1.2 metre thick reinforced concrete base.

⚙️ Complex infrastructure and live environment

In addition to the main structure, the appointed contractor will be responsible for delivering full supporting infrastructure, including:

• Drainage and utilities

• Power and firewater systems

• IT and operational systems

• External works and heavy-duty surfacing

One of the biggest challenges will be executing the build within a live port environment, where logistics, sequencing and safety will be critical throughout the programme.

The facility itself will accommodate 15 automated stacking cranes operating across approximately 3km of rail, although these systems will be installed separately.

📑 Tender process underway

Procurement for the project is now live, with the client adopting a competitive flexible procedure.

The process will begin with a selection stage, followed by a tender and negotiation phase for shortlisted contractors. Final submissions will be assessed on a 60:40 weighting between price and quality.

A contract award is expected in July, with construction anticipated to begin shortly after. The overall build programme is expected to run for approximately two years.

📊 Industry impact & opportunities

This scheme highlights continued investment in UK logistics infrastructure, particularly around automation and port efficiency.

For contractors and supply chain businesses, the project presents opportunities across:

• Structural steel and fabrication

• Ground engineering and piling

• Cladding and roofing packages

• MEP and infrastructure delivery

With a build of this scale, demand for skilled labour and specialist subcontractors is expected to increase as the project moves towards mobilisation.

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