On 20 September, the tidal Thames was the stage for the 37th Great River Race. Spanning 21.6 miles from Millwall to Richmond, this year’s event brought together over 1,900 competitors in nearly 300 traditional-style rowing boats, cheered on by thousands of spectators along the riverbanks and bridges.
This iconic celebration of river heritage showcases the Thames as a vibrant, inclusive and accessible waterway. The Port of London Authority's Harbour Master team played a central role in supporting the safe delivery of the event: coordinating river traffic, managing safety zones, and working closely with organisers and volunteers to ensure a secure environment for all participants and spectators.
Organised by the Great River Race Trust, the event welcomed crews from across the UK and overseas, ranging from elite rowers to charity fundraisers in costume. Each boat, powered by at least four oars or paddles and carrying a passenger, was handicapped to ensure a fair and exciting race.
Congratulations to all involved in making this year’s race a success and remain committed to supporting safe, sustainable and enjoyable use of the tidal Thames.
Caption: Representatives at PLA's Innovation and Sustainability Showcase, including from Thames Skills Academy and the Department for Transport
LISW 2025: A week of vision, innovation and maritime momentum
Last week, London hosted the global maritime community for London International Shipping Week 2025, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and pioneers to shape the future of shipping.
The Port of London Authority hosted the Sustainability and Innovation Showcase aboard Driftwood, where cutting-edge solutions, from AI-native procurement platforms and sustainably sourced PPE to renewable fuel alternatives, were presented to a global audience.
A standout moment came with the announcement of the winners of the PLA's "Vessels of the Future" competition, run in partnership with Royal Museums Greenwich. Young designers aged 11–18 submitted imaginative and forward-thinking concepts for the next generation of Thames vessels, blending creativity with sustainability.
Caption: Active Thames Fund recipients (2024) Docklands and Sailing and Watersports Centre
More than £100,000 available through latest Active Thames programme
Applications are now open for the latest round of Active Thames funding, with over £100,000 available to support sports clubs and community groups across London, Kent and Essex. The programme helps more people get active on and alongside the tidal Thames and connected waterways, supporting activities like rowing, sailing, paddlesports, swimming and walking.
Since its launch in 2021, Active Thames has backed 63 grassroots projects, reaching over 8,200 people, including women, ethnically diverse communities, and those with disabilities. The initiative also supports coach development, with over 800 volunteers trained through previous rounds.
Recent success stories include the Paddle Angel project at Islington Boat Club, which offered free kayaking sessions to people recovering from addiction and mental health challenges, and the Isle of Dogs Sea Cadets, who completed a 113-mile sailing trip aboard a traditional Thames barge.
Active Thames is delivered in partnership with organisations including Paddle UK, British Rowing, the Canal & River Trust, and London Sport. Together, they’re working to make the Thames a more inclusive, accessible and active space for all.
We are delighted to share that London has been chosen as the host city for the prestigious IAPH World Ports Conference 2026, taking place from 3–5 November at the newly redeveloped Olympia London.
This marks a proud return for the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), which last held its global gathering in London in 1997. With the Port of London Authority confirmed as a headline sponsor, we are honoured to play a leading role in bringing the world’s port leaders back to our capital.
Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to host this milestone moment in maritime.
Congratulations to Coran Cherry on his win in this year’s Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager!
Coran was representing Poplar, Blackwell and District Rowing Club and completed the race in 27 minutes and 1 second.
In second place was Jack Finelli of Medway Towns Rowing Club, and Charlie Milward, also from Poplar, Blackwell and District Rowing Club came third.
With thanks to PLA Harbour Masters and crew for ensuring the safety of the event.
Caption: SS Queen Mary Credit: Imperial War Museum
"Transformed by War": How the Thames built a lifeline in Scotland
Eighty-five years ago this month, an emergency port came into use in Scotland – managed by the PLA – when the SS Nardana became the first vessel to discharge cargo at the Clyde Anchorages Emergency Port.
Faced with the threat of bombing on the east and south coasts, the Admiralty called for urgent alternatives to supplement the west coast ports. The Clyde was chosen for its capacity to anchor 50 ships, but lacked the infrastructure and expertise for overside discharge. The solution? A London-led operation.
Stevedores from Scruttons, Thames barges, tugs, and even Dutch coasters were mobilised. Innovative use of electric trucks and strengthened piers enabled efficient offloading, while London stevedores and their families were temporarily relocated to carry out the work.
From its opening on 12 September 1940, the Clyde Emergency Port discharged over one million tons of cargo with minimal disruption and no bomb damage. It was a vital pressure valve for Britain’s supply chain, and a testament to the ingenuity, adaptability, and leadership of the Thames maritime community.
Discover the full story in the new online exhibition Heritage Harbours - "Transformed by War".
(Editor note: Thanks to Henry Cleary for this submission)
Last week, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal formally inaugurated a significant milestone in the Tideway super sewer project, when she activated the signature water feature, Waterwall, by internationally acclaimed artist Nathan Coley, at Bazalgette Embankment. This marked substantial completion of the largest of seven new riverside parks constructed along the Thames as part of the Tideway project.
The inauguration was attended by over 100 distinguished guests, including the Mayor of London, the Environment Secretary, Tideway’s shareholders, contractors, and members of the Bazalgette family. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort behind this transformative project.
As Bazalgette Embankment prepares to open to the public, we take great pride in our contribution to a cleaner, greener Thames, and in creating spaces that connect Londoners to their river for generations to come.
PLA staff litter pick
PLA colleagues recently (10 September) took part in the annual litter pick on the foreshore near our Denton Wharf facility. Twenty-one bags of litter were collected by sixteen participants.
PLA Assistant Technical Advisor, Tauba Daniels, who organised the event said:
“It was great to see plenty of PLA colleagues attending to help clean up the foreshore and create a clean Thames!”
Don’t forget, the Clean Thames Challenge is running throughout September!
