British firm Laing O’Rourke on Wednesday signed a £400m contract with The Dubai government-controlled DP World to build the first phase of a new port at London Gateway, in south Essex. Ultimately, London Gateway will be the most technically advanced container port in the world, handling an estimated 3.5 million container units per annum, along a completely new 1.2 kilometre quay.

Laing O’Rourke won the contract through competitive tender, and will be working in a joint venture with Dredging International. London Gateway is the UK’s first deep sea container port for over 25 years, and will be a major benefit to the UK economy. The port, together with a major adjoining logistics park, will create up to 12,000 jobs.

© 2008 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)