London, 23 October 2025 – BOXBAY, a joint venture between SMS group and DP World, has signed a contract with DP World for the implementation of its innovative high-bay storage system. The project is valued at €91.7 million and will be added to the ongoing €1,150 million expansion of DP World's London Gateway port, aiming to transform it into the UK's largest container port within the next five years. The BOXBAY installation will be dedicated to empty container handling, marking a significant milestone in the global transformation of container terminal operations. 

Christoph Roth, BOXBAY CEO: "This contract marks a pivotal moment for BOXBAY as we transition from concept to real-world application. For the first time we will implement our system specifically for empty containers.
We believe this segment holds enormous potential: almost every port in the world deals with empty containers, yet few have efficient solutions for them. Our Empty Superstack system is tailored to solve exactly this challenge—by saving space, cutting operating costs, and enabling full automation.
With this project, we are opening a new chapter for terminal design and setting a strong foundation for further growth.”

Stacking containers 16 high, compared to the conventional six level storage layout, the new installation of BOXBAY at London Gateway will have a storage capacity of 27,000 TEU fitting 20ft. or 40ft. containers. The project will reinforce DP World’s commitment to reshaping the future of trade through smart logistics solutions. By eliminating the traditional horizontal stacking of containers, BOXBAY allows terminals to handle more containers within a smaller footprint, while also reducing truck turnaround times, emissions, and energy consumption. 

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “BOXBAY represents a leap forward in how ports manage container storage. It is scalable, automated and sustainable. By bringing this ingenious design to London Gateway, we are introducing advanced technology that will unlock faster throughput and contribute to higher safety standards.”

For optimal space utilization, the BOXBAY installation at London Gateway will feature a 10-aisle BOXBAY system integrating 15 Storage and Retrieval Machines (SRMs) dedicated to handling containers within the high-bay storage. The HBS is capable of more than 200 container moves per hour on the waterside. Horizontal transfer capacity comprises 40 interface positions: 20 Landside Transfer Points for over-the-road (OTR) trucks and 20 Waterside Transfer Points for shuttle carriers.

Stephen Whittingham, Executive Vice President, North Europe, DP World, added: “This £170 million investment underscores DP World’s commitment to innovation at London Gateway. The BOXBAY Empty Superstack will boost reliability for our customers, minimise truck visit times in port, and create a safer, smarter working environment for our people.”