Specialist vehicle shipping agent — UK to 190+ destinations worldwide
If you’re looking for reliable, affordable vehicle shipping from London Gateway, Ascope Shipping has you covered. We are a specialist UK shipping company with over 15 years of hands-on experience moving cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, and cargo from UK ports to destinations worldwide and London Gateway is one of our primary departure points.
Whether you’re shipping a single car to Nigeria, a container of household goods to Australia, or a fleet of trucks to Ghana, our team handles every step. UK collection, export documentation, customs clearance, and destination delivery all under one roof, with no hidden fees.
London Gateway is one of the most advanced deep-water container ports in the UK, and one of the most strategically positioned for international shipping. Operated by DP World, a Dubai-based global ports giant, it sits on the north bank of the River Thames in Thurrock, Essex, just 28 miles east of central London and 10 miles from the M25.
Opened in November 2013, London Gateway was purpose-built to handle the world’s largest container ships and to give UK exporters and importers direct access to global trade lanes with maximum efficiency.
Key London Gateway Port Facts:
Port Operator: DP World
Port Code: GBLGP
Location: Thurrock, Essex, on the River Thames
Distance from London: 28 miles east of Central London
Water Depth: 17 metres chart datum, suitable for ultra-large container vessels
Deep-Water Berths: 4 operational berths, with expansion plans increasing capacity to 6 berths
Weekly Shipping Services: More than 45 weekly services connecting trade routes across 51 countries
Global Port Connections: Direct access to over 90 ports worldwide
Rail Terminal: 775-metre onsite International Rail Terminal supporting fast inland distribution
Logistics Park: 9.25 million sq ft logistics hub, making it one of Europe’s largest port-centric logistics parks
Investment: £1 billion expansion project currently underway for berths 5 and 6
Port Address: London Gateway Port, Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, SS17 9FJ
London Gateway is fully part of the Thames Freeport economic zone, which means significant customs and regulatory benefits for exporters shipping cargo through this port.
We offer the full range of international shipping services from London Gateway, tailored to your vehicle type, cargo, destination, and budget.
Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is the most cost-effective and popular way to ship vehicles internationally. Your vehicle is driven directly onto a purpose-built RoRo vessel, secured safely in an enclosed deck, and driven straight off at the destination port. No crating. No lifting equipment. Fast, simple, and proven.
RoRo from London Gateway is ideal for:
RoRo shipping is typically 20–30% cheaper than container shipping for standard vehicles. Weekly and fortnightly sailings operate to Africa, the Caribbean, the USA, Cyprus, and beyond.
Need maximum security for a high-value vehicle? Want to include personal belongings alongside your car? Container shipping from London Gateway gives you a fully sealed, secure unit locked from the moment it’s loaded until it reaches your destination agent.
Container options available:
Container shipping lets you pack personal effects, spare parts, tools, and commercial goods alongside your vehicle, making it the most flexible all-in-one solution from London Gateway.
Not filling a full container? Our groupage shipping service from London Gateway lets you share container space with other customers, so you only pay for what you use. No drop in safety, no delay, just a smarter, lower-cost way to move smaller loads internationally.
Groupage from London Gateway is perfect for:
Don’t want to deal with getting your vehicle to the port yourself? Our door-to-door service handles the entire journey, from your UK address right through to the destination overseas.
How it works:
This is our most popular option for customers relocating abroad or exporting vehicles to Africa and the Caribbean.
We handle a wide range of vehicles and cargo from London Gateway via RoRo or container:
Via RoRo or Container: Cars, vans, 4x4s, SUVs, motorcycles, classic and vintage vehicles, electric and hybrid cars, trucks, HGVs, tractor units, buses, coaches, motorhomes, and caravans.
Via Container Only: Heavy plant and machinery, household goods and personal effects, commercial freight, furniture, equipment, and business shipments.
Not sure which method is right for your shipment? Call our team. We’ll give you clear, honest advice within minutes.
London Gateway’s deep-water berths and 45+ weekly services connect to 51 countries and over 90 ports worldwide. Here’s a quick guide to transit times and routes from London Gateway:
We ship to over 150 countries worldwide. If your destination isn’t listed, call us and we’ll find the right route and sailing for you.
Shipping costs from London Gateway depend on your chosen method (RoRo vs container), destination, vehicle dimensions, and whether you need door-to-door or port-to-port service.
Rough cost guide from London Gateway:
Hidden costs to watch for elsewhere: Some shipping agents show a low price upfront, then add port handling fees, documentation charges, and destination costs once your cargo is already booked. Every quote from Ascope Shipping is fully transparent and all-inclusive from the start. What you see is what you pay.
All three ports serve the South East of England and operate regular international sailings. Here’s a straightforward comparison to help you decide:
| Factor | London Gateway | Tilbury | Southampton |
| Location | Thurrock, Essex (River Thames) | Essex (River Thames, North Bank) | Hampshire |
| Operator | DP World | Forth Ports | Associated British Ports (ABP) |
| Best known for | Container shipping, deep-sea freight | Container & general cargo | RoRo, cruise, container |
| Water depth | 17m | ~13m | 12–15m |
| Weekly services | 45+ services, 51 countries | Strong West Africa links | Strong Americas & RoRo |
| Technology | Highly automated, semi-robotic | Traditional | Mixed |
| Road access | M25 (10 miles), A13 | M25 (direct) | M27, M3 |
| Rail access | Onsite 775m rail terminal | Good | Good |
| Freeport benefits | Yes — Thames Freeport | No | No |
| Best for | Containers, Asia routes, large shipments | West Africa, budget freight | RoRo, USA, Caribbean |
Not sure which port works best for your specific shipment? Call our team. We operate from all three and will recommend the right port based on your destination, cargo type, and budget.
This is the most common question we get from customers shipping from London Gateway. The answer depends on your vehicle, your budget, and what you need to include.
Choose RoRo if you are:
Choose Container if you are:
Getting your paperwork right from the start prevents delays and keeps your shipment moving smoothly. Here’s exactly what you need.
If you’re permanently exporting a UK-registered vehicle, you must notify the DVLA before the vehicle leaves the UK. Complete section V5C/4 of your logbook and return the green slip to the DVLA. This removes the vehicle from UK records and closes your road tax liability.
Our in-house team manages UK export customs clearance on your behalf. You won’t have to deal directly with HMRC paperwork, CDS submissions, or export declarations.
London Gateway has an on-site customs inspection facility with an average clearance time of just three days, one of the fastest in the UK. Being within the Thames Freeport zone also brings additional regulatory advantages for eligible exporters.
For destination imports, we work with trusted local agents to handle customs clearance, import duties, and all local compliance at the receiving country.
Import taxes vary by destination country, vehicle type, age, and engine size. Here’s a practical guide to plan ahead:
| Country | Import Duty |
| Nigeria | Up to 35% levy + 5% VAT (varies by engine size) |
| Ghana | 30–45% total import duties |
| Kenya | 25–35% depending on vehicle age |
| South Africa | 18–25% customs duty + 15% VAT |
| Namibia | 30% customs duty + 15% VAT |
| USA | 2.5% base duty (UK-origin vehicles may qualify for reduced rates) |
| Cyprus (EU) | 6.5% customs duty + 19% VAT for non-EU vehicles |
| Australia | 5% customs duty + 10% GST |
| Canada | Typically 6.1% duty (varies by vehicle age and origin) |
| India | 60–100% depending on engine size and vehicle age |
Standard shipping line liability rarely covers the full market value of your vehicle. Marine cargo insurance closes that gap.
What marine insurance covers:
We arrange competitive marine cargo insurance as part of your booking from London Gateway. For high-value vehicles like classic cars, EVs, luxury vehicles, or heavy machinery, we strongly recommend it. For standard vehicles, it remains an excellent value for total peace of mind.
At Ascope Shipping Ltd, we do far more than arrange bookings. We manage every shipment with genuine care, precision, and over 15 years of hands-on UK shipping experience. We know London Gateway inside out, from vessel schedules and terminal operations to customs procedures and export documentation. That knowledge helps us keep your vehicle or cargo moving without delays or hidden complications.
Every quotation is clear, honest, and fully inclusive, so you always know exactly what you are paying for. Our team handles UK export customs clearance in-house, arranges marine insurance, and provides reliable door-to-door vehicle collection across the UK. Customers shipping to Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the USA, and Australia trust us because we deliver dependable service, competitive rates, and real peace of mind from start to finish.
Ready for cargo or vehicle shipping from London Gateway Port? Getting started is quick, simple, and completely hassle-free. Call Ascope Shipping Ltd on 01482 228366, WhatsApp us on +44 7717 769925, or email sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk for a fast, competitive quotation. Our experienced team is ready to get your shipment moving safely, smoothly, and on schedule.
Where is London Gateway port located?
London Gateway port is located on the north bank of the River Thames in Thurrock, Essex. It sits 28 miles east of central London and 10 miles from the M25 motorway, making it one of the most accessible deep-water ports in the UK for exporters across the South East and beyond.
Who owns London Gateway port?
London Gateway port is owned and operated by DP World, a Dubai-based global ports and logistics company. DP World built and opened the port in November 2013, transforming a former oil refinery site into the UK’s fastest-growing deep-sea container terminal. DP World is currently investing over £1 billion in expanding the port to six berths.
Is London Gateway bigger than Tilbury port?
In terms of container handling capacity and technology, London Gateway is more advanced than Tilbury. London Gateway has a water depth of 17 metres, deeper than Tilbury and handles significantly larger vessels with its semi-automated, robotic infrastructure. Tilbury is larger in terms of total site area and handles a broader mix of cargo types, including a strong focus on West African trade routes. For vehicle shipping, both are strong options depending on your destination.
What shipping lines use London Gateway port?
London Gateway is served by several major global shipping lines, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd through the Gemini Cooperation alliance, as well as THE Alliance partners, including Hapag-Lloyd, NYK Line, and Yang Ming. These services connect London Gateway to Asia, Australia, the Americas, Africa, and the Mediterranean, offering 45+ weekly services to 51 countries and over 90 ports worldwide.
What documents do I need to ship from London Gateway?
For vehicle shipping from London Gateway, you will need your V5C logbook, a valid passport or photo ID, proof of purchase or sales invoice, and a UK EORI number for export. For cargo and commercial shipments, you will also need a commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, export declaration via the UK Customs Declaration Service, and a Certificate of Origin where applicable. If you are permanently exporting a UK-registered vehicle, you must also notify the DVLA before the vehicle leaves the country.
Why should I choose Ascope Shipping over other agents at London Gateway?
Ascope Shipping has over 15 years of specialist experience in vehicle and cargo shipping from UK ports, including London Gateway. Unlike general freight forwarders, we focus exclusively on vehicles and international car shipping, which means every member of our team, every process, and every shipping route is built around getting your vehicle to its destination safely. Every quote we provide is fully transparent and all-inclusive with no hidden fees added later. We handle UK export customs clearance in-house, arrange marine insurance, and offer UK-wide door collection. Our customers consistently return to us because we deliver exactly what we promise and our reviews on Trustpilot and Google back that up.
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