DP World selects Dimension Data

Dimension Data has been selected by DP World to provide and install the Data Centre architecture and physical infrastructure for the London Gateway, the UK’s first 21st century major deep sea container port and Europe’s largest logistics park opening in 2013.

At the heart of the port is the terminal operating system (TOS), the mission critical system in the terminal systems architecture, which controls all of the critical operations from crane management through to interfacing with customers that will support the port every hour of every day. The TOS system architecture is being delivered and supported through an IT solutions infrastructure which is being designed, installed and managed by Dimension Data. When fully deployed this automated solution will enable more containers to be loaded and unloaded per hour than any other UK port and therefore provide a shorter turnaround compared with existing ports. The deployment of the TOS will also reduce carbon emissions and power usage compared with traditional port deployments, through the use of consolidated and virtualized data centre solutions.

Bob Post, Head of IT & Systems at DP World London Gateway, said: “London Gateway is the most significant port development in the UK for over 20 years. In our aim to build a world class port for the UK, implementing a superior operational system and service is crucial. Every hour a vessel is in port it costs money, so the ability to load and unload vessels quickly is essential. The automated nature of the TOS will enable us to offer high availability and more flexible services, while minimizing the risk of losses of shipped goods.

Continuing, Post said: “Dimension Data will deliver a fully integrated, end-to-end Data Centre and IT infrastructure solution for the entire terminal systems architecture supporting all mission critical systems.”

Dimension Data is providing, installing and managing the IT infrastructure supporting the overall systems architecture. The end-to-end solution integrates a range of technologies that incorporates Microsoft Applications, Security, Networking, cabling, CCTV and IP Telephony all of which are delivered through the first MetroCluster solution (a high availability solution that uses Cisco and NetApp equipment) that has been deployed in the UK. This world class leading architecture is one of the few solutions available that will support the complex business needs that the port will demand
Calvin Goom, managing director of Dimension Data UK said: “We are very proud to be part of such a significant development in the UK. The London Gateway project requires an extensive process of analysis and system integration design to develop the technical solution that will give London Gateway a high level of service, combined with the flexibility for future enhancements and growth. This solution brings together expertise from across all of our lines of business and from sister company Dimension Data Advanced Infrastructure”.

Goom went on to say, “From the start, it was very important for us to demonstrate the expertise and quality of our people to give London Gateway the confidence they needed for us to work as one team with them. Our people are what gave us the edge in winning this business and I know their contribution is valued and appreciated every day on this project.”

When work has been completed on the systems there will be an intensive period of testing before formally opening in Q4 2013. Once implemented, Dimension Data will continue to support the IT infrastructure; providing software asset management, wireless and security asset management, and covering other ongoing requirements for London Gateway’s operations.