Essex Port To Create 1000 Jobs

The Thames Gateway port being built in Essex will open in two years' time and create a further 1000 jobs in the coming months.

Developer DP World, the ports arm of Dubai World, said the £1.5 billion site on the Thames Estuary will be ready by the end of 2013 and that it is poised to hire some 700 construction workers and 300 port staff.

Work started in January 2010 at the site near Thurrock with around 600 people already involved in the project.

Overall it is expected to create 36,000 jobs - 12,000 in the short term - and potentially boost the UK's economy by £3.2 billion a year.

London Gateway is being designed as a national hub port for the UK, accommodating the world's largest container ships and providing shipping access for businesses to an integrated road, rail and sea network.

The developers claim it will be the UK's most environmentally friendly port because it will improve transport efficiency.

In addition to the major deep sea facility, London Gateway will also combine with Europe's largest logistics park, with plans for 9.5 million square feet for distribution, manufacturing and hi-tech sectors.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "The opening of London Gateway in just two years' time will transform the UK's maritime port infrastructure and play an important role in helping Britain's economy grow in coming years.

"It will help Britain maintain its competitiveness, drive, productivity, and, crucially, strengthen our links with Asia and beyond.

"The announcement of these 1,000 new jobs today is a welcome boost to the UK."

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