On Tuesday 11 November, PLA Harbour Service Launch Lambeth led a Remembrance Day flotilla on the Thames.
The flotilla made its way upriver, pausing to pay tribute to HMS Belfast, the Submariners Memorial, the RAF Memorial, and HMS Wellington.
Upon reaching the Palace of Westminster, a short service was held, attended by PLA Harbour Master, Adam Layer.
After the sounding of ‘The Last Post’, a wreath was laid upon the Thames in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the world wars – particularly the men and women of the river.
Adam said “It was a deeply moving occasion, and I felt truly privileged to be part of it.
“My sincere thanks go to Sean Collins, Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, for the kind invitation to attend this special event.”
Q3 trade report: Port of London sees growth as US tariff-free ethanol imports reach highest ever levels
The PLA’s quarterly trade report shows there was 14.7m tonnes of trade through the port in the three months to end September – representing the third consecutive quarter of growth.
As is usual, trade continued to be heavily made up of imports – accounting for about 80% of trade. However, exports are running at higher volumes than last year. The strength of trade in container vessels continues to be maintained, too, making up 51% of all tonnage through the port this year.
While trade in aggregates and products used in construction have fallen, there have been notable spikes in the trade of oil, where imports increased by 19%, and ethanol, which saw a marked increase to the highest ever recorded level through the port.
The rise in imports of ethanol - key to the UK’s efforts to move towards sustainable aviation fuel - comes after the UK and US agreed a tariff-free import quota for US ethanol, and at a time when UK ethanol production seems to be winding down.
Steve Lockwood, CFO at the PLA, said:
“Trade through the Port of London remains strong and to see quarter-on-quarter growth yet again speaks to the resilience and attractiveness of the port.
“The diversity of trade – with significant growth in oil and, in particular, ethanol, seems to follow the geo-political moves relating to trading tariff arrangements. While these situations evolve, it is encouraging to see global trade is seeing and embracing the opportunities of coming through the UK’s biggest port.”
After a year-long programme of major riverbank repairs, residents of Richmond can once again enjoy the towpath between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens.
The towpath officially reopened on 8 November. Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: “This has been one of the most technically challenging riverbank repairs we have undertaken. From tides to terrain, the conditions tested even the most experienced engineers.
“I am hugely grateful to our teams, contractors and partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this stretch of towpath back into use. Today’s reopening marks the successful completion of a project that will stand the test of time, and it is brilliant to see people enjoying it once again.” Following a structural collapse in October 2024, the council worked alongside the Port of London Authority, the Environment Agency, The Crown Estate, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Course, Kew Gardens and the London Borough of Hounslow to deliver a complex marine engineering operation to repair and stabilise the riverbank.
New code of conduct for RIB operators with high-speed Certificates of Compliance
The PLA has issued a new Code of Conduct for High-Speed RIB Operations, designed to promote safe, responsible and respectful high-speed RIB operations within the Port of London.
It sets out five clear expectations to protect all river users and minimise disturbance to neighbours.
🔹Maintain a proper look out and proceed at a safe speed
Fulham Reach Boat Club launches emergency electric boat charging points
Fulham Reach Boat Club has installed a new electric boat charging station which is open to the local recreational river community to use it for emergency charging.
The initiative, currently in its early stages, aims to support the transition to electric boats by helping reduce range anxiety and preventing users from becoming stranded. Emergency charging will initially be offered free of charge. If regular demand emerges, the club plans to introduce an at-cost rate for ongoing use.
The new charging station includes:
Two 3-pin caravan plug sockets, suitable for boats that carry their own charger
A Torqeedo Fast Charger with a standard Anderson charging connector and a customised 8-pin data connector. (Those using the standard Torqeedo data connector may require an adaptor, which the club can help arrange.)
The charging point is located on the bank side of the club’s pontoon, which is the preferred docking area for charging so rowing crews can continue to launch safely. Power is controlled via a dedicated key, stored securely in the club building.
Fulham Reach Boat Club thanked Putney Town Rowing Club for inspiring the project and acknowledged the support of the Port of London Authority. Allan, a member of the Fulham Reach team, was also credited for the technical ingenuity that made the setup possible.
The club hopes the new facility will contribute to accelerating the adoption of electric boats along the Tideway.
Credit: Belinda Fewings
Lambeth COVID memorial to become permanent riverside tribute
The Covid memorial wall along Lambeth’s South Bank is set to be preserved as a permanent riverside tribute to those who lost their lives during the pandemic, the government has announced.
Stretching 500 metres along the Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament, the wall features nearly a quarter of a million hand-painted red hearts, each representing a life lost to Covid-19.
The impromptu Covid Wall became a focus for residents seeking solace by the river. Lambeth Council has worked closely with the Friends of the Wall volunteers to maintain and support the memorial.
Cllr Clair Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council, said:
"I really welcome today’s announcement from the government. The memorial wall expresses our sadness and grief at those we lost to the pandemic so poignantly. Along the Thames, it has become a place for reflection and connection, and working with the Friends of the Wall has strengthened our community as we support this recognition."
