Understand
Southampton port receives four new mega cranes as part of a £60m investment
Overview
DP World has taken delivery of four of Europe's largest quay cranes at Southampton docks as part of a £60m investment designed to help the port handle the world's largest container ships. Weighing over 2,000 tonnes and standing nearly 150m high, the cranes are capable of tandem lifts to significantly increase productivity. The port, alongside London Gateway, handles 46% of UK containerised trade.
Key points
- Four new mega cranes have been delivered to Southampton docks following a £60m investment.
- Each crane weighs over 2,000 tonnes and stands nearly 150m high, making them among the tallest globally.
- The cranes can perform tandem lifts, allowing them to unload twice as many 40ft containers at once.
- DP World and London Gateway handle 46% of UK containerised trade, totaling over five million containers in 2025.
- A wider £1bn port expansion is scheduled to become operational in 2027.