Businesses importing and exporting goods through DP World London Gateway and DP World Southampton will see an increase in Vehicle Booking System (VBS) costs from 1 July 2026, as DP World introduces a revised VBS Emissions Charge / EV Product Subsidy.
The emissions charge is applied in addition to the existing VBS fee and, while payable by hauliers, is expected to be reflected within freight quotations for customers whose shipments move through either port.
What is changing?
DP World UK has announced an updated VBS Emissions Charge / EV Product Subsidy as part of its ongoing programme to support the transition towards lower-emission container transport.
The revised emissions charge will apply in addition to the existing VBS booking fee and will vary depending on the Euro VI emissions standard of the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) visiting the terminal.
From 1 July 2026, the charges will be:
| Vehicle Standard | Charge |
| Euro VI A, B & C | £9.50 per visit |
| Euro VI D | £3.50 per visit |
| Euro VI E | No charge |
| Electric HGV | £20 credit per visit |
The charges and credits will be applied automatically through the existing Vehicle Booking System (VBS), with no changes required to current booking processes.
Why has DP World updated the charges?
According to DP World, the revised charging structure is designed to encourage the use of lower-emission vehicles while supporting further investment in sustainable container transport.
Revenue generated through the scheme will help fund initiatives, including:
- Electric HGV trials through the EVITA programme.
- Expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
- Continued development of lower-carbon container haulage solutions.
- Support for the wider transition towards zero-emission road freight.
DP World says the aim is to accelerate the adoption of cleaner transport technologies while helping operators better understand the practical use of electric HGVs within container logistics.
What does this mean for importers and exporters?
Although the VBS emissions charge is payable by hauliers, customers shipping through London Gateway and Southampton should expect to see the increased costs reflected in costs paid from 1 July 2026.
As operating costs continue to evolve across the supply chain, changes such as these are becoming an increasingly important consideration when budgeting for container movements through UK ports.
If your business regularly imports or exports through DP World London Gateway or Southampton, it is worth reviewing any quotations received from July onwards to understand how the revised charging structure may affect your transport costs.
Need advice?
Whether you’re shipping through London Gateway, Southampton or any other UK port, Beckchoice can help you understand the latest industry changes and provide transparent, competitive freight solutions tailored to your business.
If you’d like to discuss how the revised VBS emissions charges could affect your shipments, get in touch with our team today.
Sources
- DP World UK – Customer Advisory: Euro VI Emission Charge / EV Product Subsidy (Phase A, B, C & D) (Customer Advisory issued 29 May 2026): https://dpw-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/3cb09606e19f40a1aafdf5c84c870880?v=53d81aa6
- DP World London Gateway – Vehicle Booking System (VBS): https://www.dpworld.com/en/ports-terminals/united-kingdom/london-gateway/tools-resources/vehicle-booking-system
- DP World Southampton – Vehicle Booking System (VBS): https://www.dpworld.com/en/ports-terminals/united-kingdom/southampton/tools-resources/vehicle-booking-system