This week, we hosted a showcase of electric Racebirds on the tidal Thames; part of a wider programme to explore the future of clean, zero-emission vessels in London’s working river.
This week, we hosted a showcase of electric Racebirds on the tidal Thames; part of a wider programme to explore the future of clean, zero-emission vessels in London’s working river.
The E1 event provided an opportunity to highlight the PLA’s role in leading innovation and collaboration across the Thames. With 95 miles of river under our care, we are working to deliver a Net Zero port by 2040; supporting trials of electric and hybrid vessels, pilot charging infrastructure, and new fuel technologies.
Our CEO, Robin Mortimer said,
“Innovation and sustainability flow through the Port of London and that culture and approach is what attracted organisers wanting to host the world’s first E1 electric boat race on the Thames.
“The Thames has always been a river of progress, and the Port of London is ambitious in seeking to inspire a cleaner future. With responsibility for over 95 miles of the tidal Thames, we’ve set a clear course: to become a Net Zero river by 2040. We welcome the spirit of innovation as we work towards decarbonising the UK’s number one port.”
Caption: PLA's CEO Robin Mortimer, Ruth Cadbury MP, In the Drink's Paul Hyman
Parliamentary reception puts spotlight on single-use plastics
We were proud to support a Parliamentary Breakfast Reception on Tuesday 1 July, in support of In the Drink CIC - a group calling for an end to single-use plastic cups in riverside hospitality venues along the Thames. The event, hosted by Ruth Cadbury, MP for the tidal Thames constituency of Brentford & Isleworth and Chair of the Transport Select Committee, marked the launch of their new report 'Legislation Proposal to Ban Single-Use Plastic Cups', backed by leading environmental and industry voices.
Over 18 months, the group surveyed 250 riverside venues from Thames Ditton to Gravesend, revealing that nearly 70% still use single-use plastic cups. Many of these end up polluting the river, harming wildlife and water quality.
The PLA removes over 200 tonnes of litter from the Thames each year, much of it plastic.
As the report shows, reusable cups are not just better for the planet (saving C02); they also make business sense and are preferred by drinkers too!
Caption: A group of cadets and their Commander volunteering on a litter pick for Medway Swale’s project (round 3 funding)
Funding now open: help protect and improve the tidal Thames
Following London Climate Action Week (22–30 June), we have opened a new round of our Thames Environment Fund, offering £50,000 to support grassroots projects that help look after the river.
Now in its fifth year, the fund supports community groups, charities, schools, and environmental organisations working to improve the health and biodiversity of the tidal Thames. Previous recipients have tackled everything from microplastic pollution and invasive species, to installing floating wetlands and running large-scale river clean-ups.
Grace Rawnsley, Director of Sustainability at the PLA, said: “The Thames is an incredible natural resource, right in the heart of our capital. Through the Environment Fund, we’re able to support the people and organisations who are making a real difference to its future. We’re proud to open the fund again this year and can’t wait to see the ideas that come forward.”
Grants of up to £15,000 are available. The PLA particularly welcomes applications from organisations who have not applied before.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 29 August 2025.
The PLA’s Clean Thames Challenge is back for its second year!
Running throughout September, the litter picking challenge encourages individuals and groups to join in a variety of ways, all with the shared goal of cleaning the foreshore and stopping litter from getting into the river and affecting the environment.
If you are quick to get on board, you’ll get a special delivery - your very own Clean Thames kit! With a hi-vis and a trusty litter picker, transform into an eco-hero. Sign up soon to receive one of the limited number of kits!
Find out more about the challenge and sign up before 1 August 2025.
DP World celebrates major success at Multimodal 2025
Congratulations to DP World, named both Port Company of the Year and Sustainability Company of the Year at this year’s Multimodal Awards, at the UK’s flagship logistics event.
These wins underscore DP World’s ambition to lead the decarbonisation of maritime logistics and set a new standard for sustainable port operations.
Thames Pageant marks 250 Years of Royal Thames Yacht Club
A historic flotilla took to the River Thames on Saturday 28th June to mark the Royal Thames Yacht Club’s 250th anniversary. The pageant featured a striking mix of vessels, including Dunkirk Little Ships, classic yachts, and modern racers, sailing in formation through central London and under a raised Tower Bridge. The event paid tribute to centuries of maritime tradition and the Thames’ enduring role in national life. Our operational teams at the PLA worked with organisers to help coordinate safe river passage and navigation on the day.
Caption: PLA's CEO Robin Mortimer climbing the pilot ladder, and with Marine Pilots Tom Burke and Matt Hooper, and Captain Min Thu Nyynt Win.
Our CEO climbs the ladder
Earlier this week, our CEO Robin Mortimer joined Marine Pilots Tom Burke and Matt Hooper in the lower river district and met Captain Min Thu Nyynt Win. He said:
“Great to get out with our pilots on a busy day at the Port of London. It was sheer luck that it was one of the hottest and sunniest days of the year!”
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