Gobion Construction has secured a £52m contract to deliver a major container storage yard expansion at London Gateway Port in Thurrock.

The job, awarded by London Gateway Port, will see the SME contractor build out a new automated container yard at Berth 5 as the port ramps up capacity.

The one-year programme is due to start at the end of March following the standstill period, with completion targeted by March 2027.

Works will deliver 10 automated stacking crane modules alongside heavy-duty pavements formed using high energy impact compaction to handle container loads.

The package also includes installation of crane rails and foundations, reefer and container plinths, substations, drainage systems and full utilities integration tying into existing berth infrastructure.

Gobion will also take responsibility for design and installation of electrical systems including 11kV power supplies to cranes and reefers, switchgear, SCADA systems and site-wide lighting.

It is the St Albans firm’s biggest project to date at the Essex deep-sea container port and forms part of DP World’s ongoing expansion of London Gateway.