This week, Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP announced the Government’s new goals for all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports to be carbon free.
This week, Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP announced the Government’s new goals for all vessels that operate in UK waters and dock at UK ports to be carbon free. These have been drawn up to help vessel owners, operators and scientists make emission-free transport a reality, including the increased use of clean fuels and technologies, such as hydrogen, electric or ammonia vessels.
Our Director of Sustainability and Net Zero Transition, Grace Rawnsley, said,
“With our continued commitment to becoming the UK’s leading port with net zero emissions by 2040, we warmly welcome the Government’s announcement of its goals to accelerate decarbonisation, embrace innovation and clean fuels, support growth in green energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
“We look forward to working closely with stakeholders, partners and operators on the tidal Thames to realise these goals and help build a clean maritime future.”
In addition, the Government is also launching two calls for evidence to help inform the development of measures needed to reduce emissions at berth, understand the future energy demand at ports and decarbonise smaller vessels.
Orbit Clipper, the UK's first fully electric, zero-emission cross-river passenger ferry has officially arrived on the tidal Thames.
Later this Spring, Orbit Clipper will begin a cross-river service, between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe, offering efficient and eco-friendly transport to pedestrians and cyclists.
PLA's Director of Sustainability Grace Rawnsley said,
“Our vision for the Thames is a future with net zero emissions, improving air quality and minimising the impact of our busy river on the environment, so we’re over the moon to welcome Orbit Clipper, the country’s first fully electric passenger ferry.”
Supported by Innovate UK funding, and the Department for Transport, and built in the Isle of Wight, her ground-breaking design is a significant step in the development of sustainable travel.
World’s first dual ammonia ship
Credit: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
The world’s first dual ammonia-powered vessel, Fortescue Green Pioneer, has arrived in London, marking an important milestone in the journey towards decarbonisation in the Thames, and wider shipping industry.
Here to demonstrate the viability of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel, Fortescue Green Pioneer will be docked at West India Quay to showcase its technology and capabilities to key maritime stakeholders, partners and the public.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:
“It’s great to welcome this pioneering, first-of-a-kind vessel to UK shores – this is exactly the kind of innovation that will drive forward decarbonisation in the shipping sector.
“Through our UK SHORE programme, we are committed to supporting the technology and alternative fuels needed to make zero-emission shipping a reality and establishing the UK as a clean energy superpower.”
To ensure a successful, smooth maiden call to the UK, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has been working closely with the vessel and its team, to ensure full compliance with UK regulatory requirements.
Credit: Maersk Stadelhorn at DP World London Gateway
London Gateway welcomes new Gemini Service
Last week, London Gateway welcomed its first ship under the new agreement with the Gemini Cooperation, the collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd that was made to enhance the efficiency of their East-West shipping routes. Maersk Stadelhorn, a container ship, will travel on Gemini’s India-Europe service, leaving the UK for calls at the ports of Hamburg, Tanger Med, Colombo, Kamarajar, Algeciras, and Rotterdam.
When fully operational, Gemini will run 57 services across the world with a TEU capacity of up to 3.7 million – equivalent to nearly 12% of global container shipping capacity – with vessels calling at both of DP World’s UK deep sea container ports at Southampton and London Gateway.
Gary Jeffreys, Managing Director – Maersk UK & Ireland,said:“It is fantastic to witness our new network brought to life in the UK. London Gateway will play a key role in our service to our customers, as we unlock the benefits of a reliable, flexible and a more agile Ocean network better adjusted to the needs of the supply chains of the future.”
Credit: National Highways (Proposed route)
Lower Thames Crossing approved
The first new Thames crossing (east of London) in sixty years has been approved by the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Heidi Alexander MP this week.
In response, a PLA spokesperson said:
“We welcome the Government’s decision to proceed with the Lower Thames Crossing. This investment in infrastructure will enable growth and give businesses across the country easier access to the UK’s biggest port and, in turn, markets around the world.”
Careers on the Thames
Showcasing the wide range of apprenticeships and careers available along the tidal Thames, Thames Skills Academy's annual free event, Careers on the Thames, will be held aboard the Dixie Queen this year.
With employers and apprenticeship providers exhibiting, this is a great opportunity to network informally, learn about the different job vacancies and apprenticeships throughout the industry, and talk to people in a variety of roles, including apprentices (past and present).
The Dixie Queen will be moored at Butler’s Wharf, London SE1 2YE, so guests can board and disembark at their convenience.
The UK’s first ever exhibition dedicated to mudlarking will open at London Museum Docklands next week (4 April 2025), with over 350 mudlarked objects on display, from intimate personal items to historical relics.
Blending archaeology with contemporary art and digital experiences, the Secrets of the Thames exhibition offers fresh perspectives on London and all its people – past and present.
As Kate Sumnall, Lead Curator, says “Above all, it will be an exploration of love and desire, faith and loss, migration, community and culture”.
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