DP World London Gateway Port is the first port in the world to be awarded ‘The Planet Mark’ – a new sustainability rating backed by the Eden Project.

The eco-award was presented to the deep-sea container terminal after the port kept their commitment to reduce carbon emissions by a minimum of 2.5 per cent per TEU in 2016.

Methods the port used to achieve the stellar environmental result include: data and carbon measurement, automated stacking cranes, LED lighting throughout the port, and zero waste to landfill.

The port will now work towards its baseline target to reduce carbon emissions caused by energy use, water use and waste disposal.

So far, two deep-sea berths and landside areas of the port development have been certified to The Planet Mark™.

New eco-initiatives planned for Berth Three, once it is up and running, include electric hybrid shuttle carriers and sustainability workshops across the terminal.

Planet Mark is a new certification programme owned by Planet First, a sustainability service provider which works with the iconic Eden Project in Cornwall.

Other recipients of the new eco-credibility rating include VolkerFitzpatrick, a civil works contractor.

Cameron Thorpe, CEO, DP World London Gateway, said: “We’re extremely proud to have become the first port in the world to achieve Planet Mark certification from Planet First in partnership with the iconic Eden Project.

“Minimising impacts on the environment have shaped our planning, construction and the way we operate the port’s berths and distribution centres on our Logistics Park.

“Indeed, a key value proposition for having a logistics hub in this location, closer to consumers, is to reduce CO2 emissions in UK supply chains, making this a particularly pleasing achievement.

“We have now set the standard for ourselves in terms of reducing our carbon footprint year-on-year for every container passing through this hub – I look forward to London Gateway continuing to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in UK supply chains.”