Unlocking China-UK Trade: A Vision for growing supply chains & sustainable logistics

CBBC speaks to Aart Hille Ris Lambers, Vice President Commercial - Ports & Terminals Europe North – DP WORLD, to hear more.

Aart joined DP World Southampton in 2009 after five years in business development at APM Terminals in Panama, where he was responsible for the development of new port projects in Central & South America. Aart is from The Netherlands and he built his career in shipping there with roles at NedLloyd Lines and Van Ommeren Shipping. He holds a Masters degree in Maritime Business Studies from Delft University of Technology; completed a leadership program at Columbia Business School; and speaks five languages. In November 2018, Aart was appointed UK Commercial Director and is responsible for developing and executing the commercial strategy across the UK.

1.    Can you tell us a bit more about DP World?

DP World is a global provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions. We’re best known for our port and marine terminal operations across more than 40 countries, and our increasing footprint now spans 75 countries and six continents with over 125,000 employees. 

Our primary purpose is to make trade flow. This involves managing the movement of goods from origin to destination, ensuring seamless connections across various modes of transport. 

By expanding our logistics solutions, we have become increasingly involved in freight forwarding, warehousing, e-commerce fulfilment which extends beyond the port gate and offer more integrated services across an entire supply chain. 

In addition, we continue to be at the forefront of sustainable thinking both when considering our own operations and also the businesses that sit within our unique ecosystem. Sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do.

As an example of our level of commitment, in the UK we launched our Modal Shift Programme Trial in Sept 2023. This was an opportunity for shippers moving goods through Southampton to transition a proportion of their shipments to rail services and gain a financial incentive when utilising a railhead terminal within 140 miles of the port. To date we have moved over 150,000 incremental containers moved from road to rail, increasing our proportion of rail from our Southampton port from 21% to 29%. 

We are growing at pace to build a robust, interconnected and increasingly sustainable global logistics infrastructure. Not just as a port operator, but as a vital enabler of global trade capable of navigating and mitigating supply chain complexities through enhanced operational and digital capabilities.

2.    We know there are exciting developments at DP World UK & CN. Also, with new trade calling at London Gateway what does that mean for Chinese companies. Can you share some insights?

In 2024, according to the Department for Business and Trade the total trade in goods and services between the UK and China was £98.4bn, making the UK and China strong trade partners in a relationship that will continue to boost both economies. DP World London Gateway and DP World Southampton are both directly connected to various ports in China along multiple shipping routes, further strengthening trade efficiency between the two nations.

The new Gemini Cooperation agreement has meant that DP World London Gateway and DP World Southampton are welcoming higher volumes of traffic than ever before. Our investment in both ports has been significant, with an additional £1bn expansion at London Gateway announced last year to make it on course to becoming Britain’s largest container port in a boost to the resilience of our international trade services. The expansion will include two new shipping berths, taking the total to six, which already includes a fully electrified fourth berth, alongside a now-operational second rail terminal.

DP World London Gateway’s customers benefit not only from utilising the services of the most advanced UK port but also London Gateway Logistics Park. Companies benefit from proximity to Europe's largest and most economically important consumer market, with 18 million people on its doorstep, and extensive rail and road services to distribute goods to areas further afield. Being part of Thames Freeport also brings unrivalled global connectivity to 130 ports in over 65 countries and the option to utilise the freeport’s duty and tax exemptions.

3.    What specific services do you have to support Chinese companies looking to enter the UK market?

In today’s fast-paced and competitive market, staying ahead is crucial and our industry-tailored solutions are here to help businesses achieve just that. Our end-to-end supply chain solutions are able to support any size business with a range of requirements. 

We are particularly proud of our new Incubator programme. Recently launched in China, Incubator is the ideal solution for companies new to the UK and looking to start small but potentially scale at pace over the coming years. It offers companies access to an expert team that works with start-ups who can in essence hold their hand when navigating a new destination.

As mentioned, our London Gateway Logistics Park and its location as part of the Thames Freeport make us well-positioned to support Chinese companies looking to enter the UK market by offering unparalleled access to London, rail and road services for distribution across the UK, and the freeport’s customs benefits.

4.    Are there particular sectors that you are seeking to work with?

At DP World we have the ability to support any sized business across multiple sectors. The trade flow between the UK and China remains buoyant and we are well placed to work with all organisations that are shipping goods. Core verticals that we have a high level of expertise in include automotive, retail, manufacturing, ecommerce and renewable energy. 

We are particularly keen to work with organisations that are looking for a logistics partner who can deliver ongoing efficiencies, resilience, and increasing sustainability across their supply chain with significant reliance on the UK - China trade corridor.

5.    What does the future hold for DP World in the coming months?

Supply chains need to be resilient. From geopolitical conflicts to economic fluctuations, our priority is to meet our customer’s requirements for resilient, integrated supply chain solutions from end-to-end.
Our future investment commitments will ensure we can continue to integrate logistics solutions at a global scale and make significant strides towards our decarbonisation objectives.

6.    One of CBBC's strengths is our network of members and partners. Are there particular brands you would like to connect with? 

CBBC members are aligned to our values in supporting the smooth movement of goods between China and the UK. 

Whether as a direct partner in helping to manage supply chain activity, or indirectly as a strategic partner with mutual interests in encouraging trade flows between the UK and China, we are keen to connect with all CBBC members over the coming months.