On 8 May, His Majesty King Charles III travelled along the Thames aboard an Uber Boat by Thames Clipper, journeying from Westminster to Blackfriars Pier. The visit formed part of his interest in the Tideway Tunnel project and its role in improving the river’s environmental health.
His Majesty King Charles III visits the tidal Thames
Caption: HRH King Charles III meets Robin Mortimer, Port of London Authority's CEO.
On 8 May, His Majesty King Charles III travelled along the Thames aboard an Uber Boat by Thames Clipper, journeying from Westminster to Blackfriars Pier. The visit formed part of his interest in the Tideway Tunnel project and its role in improving the river’s environmental health.
Commenting on the visit, PLA Chief Executive Robin Mortimer said:
“It was a privilege to welcome His Majesty to the tidal Thames on behalf of the wider PLA team. His longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability made this an especially meaningful visit, as he saw first-hand how the Tideway Tunnel will play a vital role in cleaning up the river.”
PLA named finalist in two categories at Maritime UK Awards 2025
We’re proud to announce that we have been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Maritime UK Awards 2025: Employer of the Year and the Rising Star Award for Emily McLean, our Senior Technical Advisor from our Environment team.
Being named a finalist for Employer of the Year is a significant milestone, recognising our commitment to creating a workplace where people thrive. It reflects our ongoing efforts to support our colleagues, foster growth, and align our people-focused culture with the strategic goals of the organisation.
We are equally thrilled that Emily McLean has been recognised as a finalist in the Rising Star category. This honour shines a light on her exceptional work and dedication, particularly in the field of environment and sustainability.
“I’m delighted to have been shortlisted,” said Emily.
“Even being nominated means a great deal to me. Having work related to the environment receive the recognition it deserves is crucial for driving progress in the maritime industry. I’d also like to thank my colleagues in Environment and Sustainability - I couldn’t have achieved what I have without your support.”
We look forward to joining industry peers in Dover on 26 June to celebrate the outstanding achievements across the UK’s maritime sector. Congratulations to all the finalists!
Expansion plans revealed for Tilbury3
Caption: Tilbury3 site area
The Port of Tilbury is set to grow once again with the unveiling of plans for Tilbury3. The proposal outlines the transformation of a 100-acre brownfield site next to the existing Tilbury2 terminal into a new port zone that will boost capacity and support key growth industries including renewable energy, recycling, and logistics.
Located on part of the former Tilbury Power Station site, Tilbury3 would share infrastructure with Tilbury2 - including road, rail and river connections - ensuring strong links to the wider transport network.
If approved, the next stage will see a detailed planning application developed. As with other local developments, Tilbury has committed to delivering a biodiversity net gain, with plans for habitat creation to protect local wildlife and support sustainable development.
Stuart Wallace, CEO of Forth Ports Group, said:
“T3 is central to our investment strategy and will help future-proof the Port of Tilbury as a key economic driver for Greater London and the South East.”
Subject to approval, construction could begin in 2026 with Tilbury3 becoming fully operational by 2030.
Celebrating women at the PLA: An ocean of opportunity
To mark the International Day for Women in Maritime, we’ve been celebrating the knowledge, skills and dedication of the women who help shape the Port of London Authority every day. This year’s theme, “An ocean of opportunity for women” reflects our ongoing commitment to highlighting the wide range of careers available in ports and maritime - and to inspiring the next generation of women to join the sector.
We’re proud to share three new videos and a written profile spotlighting female colleagues from across the PLA, each bringing their unique expertise and perspective to the work we do. From early careers to seasoned professionals, their stories show the breadth of opportunity on offer - and the impact women are making across our organisation.
With huge thanks to our colleagues and contributors:
Rachel De Bont, Safety, Training & Compliance Manager
Championing inclusion: Women on the Thames visit Cory
Credit: Women on the Thames network at Thames Skills Academy
The Thames Skills Academy’s Women on the Thames network had a fantastic visit to Cory at Belvedere, South London (15 May), seeing their fascinating, innovative solutions to waste management, hosted by Fran Comerford-Cole, Cory’s Managing Director, Operations and River Logistics.
There were great discussions around inclusion in the workforce on the Thames, including how to develop a wider diversity culture to attract, retain and develop talent, and the benefits of mentoring and showcasing success.
A particularly impactful example was Cory’s thoughtful provision of on-site facilities for women, including access to sanitary products and a full-length mirror - simple but effective steps that make changing in and out of PPE more accessible and welcoming.
Sharing and promoting best practice like this is central to the work that Women on the Thames does, and it is hoped that other organisations will be inspired to follow suit and share their own examples. The next Women on the Thames group meeting will be hosted by the PLA in Gravesend in the Autumn.
If you are interested in learning more about the Women on the Thames, please get in touch with Gemma McKeady.
The Port of London Authority is proud to be a core partner in Electric Thames - a pioneering project led by UK Power Networks (UKPN) to drive the decarbonisation of vessels on the tidal Thames and beyond.
The project is focused on preparing the river for a future powered by clean electricity, addressing the infrastructure, grid capacity and commercial models needed to support electric vessels. From commercial freight to passenger transport and tourism, the PLA is working to ensure that the river is ready to deliver on our shared commitment to Net Zero.
As part of the project, 21 strategic locations across the Thames were assessed for their suitability as future charging points. The analysis factored in vessel type, usage patterns and environmental impact - crucial for enabling the diverse river economy to decarbonise in a practical and equitable way.
Grace Rawnsley, PLA Director of Sustainability and Net Zero Transition, said:
“Collaboration is key to accelerating decarbonisation on the river. We’re excited to be working in partnership with UK Power Networks, Marine Zero, LCP Delta and ev.energy on this innovative project that has the potential to speed progress towards vessel electrification on the Thames.”
With the Electric Thames project showing promising early results - including the potential of Vessel-to-Grid technology to turn moored vessels into clean energy assets - the PLA continues to lead on sustainable transformation of the UK’s busiest inland waterway.
