A centuries-old maritime tradition met modern modular construction last month, as the PLA marked the keel laying of three new Denton pontoons at a shipyard in China.
Although pontoons don’t have a keel in the same way as ships, the ceremony was adapted to reflect the importance of the build. PLA Civil Engineer and project manager Dan Johnson attended, placing a plaque with commemorative coins under the keel; a long-standing maritime gesture to bring good fortune during construction.
The new pontoons are being built by Dutch shipbuilders Damen, in collaboration with their Chinese yard. Once in place, they will replace the existing structures at Denton, a redevelopment that is part of the PLA’s major investment programme to strengthen the Port’s future growth.
Following completion, the pontoons will travel down the Yangtze River to Shanghai before being shipped via Rotterdam to Gravesend, where they are due to arrive in 2026.
Caption: (L-R) Attendees at the first Women in Ports event: Tash Gray (PLA), Theresa Huang (Amazon Web Services), Chelsea Davey (Department for Transport) and Pressiana Naydenova (Associated British Ports). Credit: Mary Sullivan
Women in Ports launches mentoring programme
We’re delighted to spotlight the launch of the Women in Ports Mentoring Programme, a new initiative led by Port Skills & Safety in partnership with UK Major Ports Group, British Ports Association, and aligned with Maritime UK’s Women in Maritime initiative.
The programme is designed to support women at all stages of their port-industry careers by pairing mentees with experienced professionals across the sector.
The PLA is proud to sponsor the inaugural 2025/26 cohort alongside Forth Ports, Peel Ports Group and Associated British Ports. To ensure strong foundations, both mentors and mentees will attend a training session before the programme begins, so everyone starts with the same understanding and confidence.
Applications to become a mentor and/or mentee for the programme are open to all, until the 19 October.
Caption: Welcome to David Mills (L) and Axel Schaipp (right) to PLA Pilotage.
Welcome to PLA’s new trainee Pilots
We’re pleased to introduce David Mills and Axel Schaipp, the latest recruits to our trainee pilot programme.
David joins with a broad seafaring background spanning oil, gas and container shipping, before moving into cruise ships and superyachts. His passion for navigation and ship handling naturally led him to pilotage and the Thames’ unique challenges.
Axel, originally from Germany, served in the German Navy, earned a BSc in Plymouth, and sailed with CMA CGM before advancing through command positions in the windfarm and sail sectors. His love of vessel manoeuvring and his desire to work closer to family also drew him to this new role.
The PLA team wishes David and Axel every success as they embark on their training. We look forward to watching their progress and seeing them help navigate the Thames safely and efficiently.
Caption: Richard Ballantyne OBE (BPA), Siân Foster (PLA) and Patrick Verhoeven (IAPH) at IAPH, Kobe, Japan.
PLA to host next year’s World Ports Conference
Our Director of Corporate Affairs, Siân Foster, represented the PLA at this year’s International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) World Ports Conference in Kobe, Japan.
Siân joined global port leaders to discuss how, as a trust port, the PLA invests in Thames communities as part of our Thames Vision 2050 strategy. The conference highlighted innovation and sustainability across world ports; themes that will continue next year when London proudly hosts the 2026 IAPH World Ports Conference.
We look forward to welcoming international delegates to the Thames to showcase the UK’s biggest and most vibrant port.
Representatives from Zeebrugge Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) visited the PLA’s VTS team in Gravesend on 2 October.
The delegation met with PLA’s team to discuss the PLA’s Marine Centre Transformation Programme, advances in AIS and vessel traffic technology, and how VTS operations collaborate closely with Pilotage and external partners to keep trade flowing safely along the Thames.
The visit formed part of ongoing knowledge exchange between European ports, sharing best practice in navigation safety, innovation and service delivery.
Active Thames & Women in Tri UK
Applications are open for the next round of Active Thames grants, supporting projects that get more people active on and alongside the tidal Thames and inland waterways. The programme funds community-led initiatives that promote physical activity, inclusion and wellbeing - key goals of Thames Vision 2050.
A great example of the programme’s impact is Women in Tri UK, which received Active Thames support in 2024–25. Their open-water project at the Royal Victoria Docks helped 92 women, many from low-income and ethnic minority backgrounds, to build confidence and fitness in a safe, women-led environment. Affordable sessions, wetsuit loans and step-by-step coaching removed barriers to participation.
Many participants went on to complete their first triathlons or continue swimming together; proof of how Active Thames is transforming lives and delivering a healthier, more inclusive, and active river.
The next round of funding closes for applications Sunday 19 October 2025
Join us for the Lower-Middle District Public Meeting
Our Lower-Middle District Public Meeting will take place on Thursday 6 November at the Museum of London Docklands.
This hybrid event gives stakeholders the option to join in person or online, providing an opportunity to hear the latest updates and share views on key developments across the district.
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