The London Gateway 'super-port' in Thurrock, Essex, has opened for business after welcoming its first shipping containers on Thursday.
Built 32km down the River Thames from London, it is forecast that the development will create 27,000 jobs in London and the South East and contribute £2.4 billion a year to its economy.
London Gateway has been built by the Dubai-owned company DP World at a cost of £1.5 billion. The company says the Gateway will cut the cost of transporting goods to the South East significantly.
The port will be the UK's second largest when fully operational and will be capable of accommodating the largest cargo ships in the world.
The super-port was described as "an emblem of ambition" by prime minister David Cameron during a visit to London Gateway near Thurrock earlier this year.
To see a wonderful time-lapse of the ports construction via BBC News and DP, click here.
© 2013 - European Supermarket Magazine by Enda Dowling
