Wednesday 21 August 2024

Add your voice: General Directions consultation 

We're seeking your views on proposed updates to the General Directions for Navigation in the Port of London, covering the 95 miles of the tidal Thames under the PLA’s jurisdiction. 

Senior Harbour Master Cathryn Spain said: "Navigational safety is our top priority. These updates aim to keep the regulations on the Thames relevant, effective, and robust. We welcome feedback on the proposed changes, especially any concerns regarding potential impact on safety or on operations." 

This consultation is for you if: 

➡️ You navigate or operate on the River Thames for commercial purposes. 

➡️ You have an interest in the safety and efficiency of the Port of London. 

What we're looking for: 

➡️ Your feedback on the proposed changes. 

➡️ Any comments you have in support of the proposals. 

The consultation is now open and closes Friday, 13 September 2024.

Full details of the proposed changes and the current General Directions can be found on our consultation page.

➡️ Get started

Richmond Draw Off

This year’s draw off at Richmond Lock and Weir will run from Monday 28 October to Friday 22 November 2024. 

The annual lifting of the sluice gates, exposing the river bed, allows for essential maintenance checks and repairs. 

➡️ Find out more

Thames Environment Fund

Don't miss your opportunity to have a beneficial impact on the environment in and around the Thames! Applications for our Thames Environment Fund close on 30 August. 

From electric boats to litter-picking sessions and sheltered areas for bird life, we've committed over £80,000 to support 14 incredible projects.

Could yours be next? 

We're looking for innovative ideas to: 

• Improve water quality 
• Boost biodiversity 
• Cut carbon emissions 
• Enhance air quality along the tidal Thames 

Our goal is a Thames cleaner than it's been since the Industrial Revolution.

This year we’re investing £50,000. Local community organisations, researchers and NGOs can bid for funding of up to £15K.  

➡️ Apply now on our website

Over the moon for Mars

Uber Boats by Thames Clippers has just launched its third hybrid vessel in its fleet of passenger ferries, naming it Mars Clipper.   

The Port of London Authority’s Director of Sustainability, Grace Rawnsley said, “It’s a significant milestone to welcome Uber Boats by Thames Clippers’ third hybrid vessel, Mars, to the Thames, which joins Earth and Celestial in providing more sustainable passenger transport and supporting our shared vision of the river being Net Zero by 2040.”  

With a focus on cutting CO2 emissions by almost 90%, these innovative vessels, built by a shipyard in the Isle of Wight, highlight Clipper's shared commitment to a greener future. 

➡️ Find out more

Plan ahead: Thames events for your diary 

15 September

RLW Open House 

Don't miss the chance for a guided tour of Richmond Lock and Weir by our Lock Keeper on Sunday 15 September 2024, as part of this year's London Open House. 

➡️ Find out more

17 September

Public meeting 

Our next public meeting to discuss the Middle District of the tidal Thames will be held at the London Museum Docklands on Tuesday 17 September 2024, starting at 6:30pm. 

➡️ Register now

21 September

The Great River Race

London’s River Marathon covers 21.6 miles from Millwall in the east to Richmond in the west, travelling under London’s famous bridges. It’s a great fun day out for both competitors and spectators. 

➡️ Find out more

1-30 September

Totally Thames

An annual season of unique, diverse and accessible arts and culture events throughout the month of September with activity taking place on, beneath, and along the tidal River Thames. 

➡️ Find out more

22 September 

Thames Day

Thames Day, featuring a free programme of family-friendly activities, is taking place on the riverside in the City of London on 22 September. Also celebrating World Rivers Day, there’s plenty to see and get involved in! 

• Meet riverside organisations, such as the RNLI, Thames21 and the London Museum. 

• Enjoy live music and entertainment and tuck into some delicious food 

• Visit the Thames Lens photography exhibition 

• Be sure to stop by the Port of London Authority booth! 

We'll see you there!

➡️ Find out more

Send us any updates you'd like us to include.

Email us at tidalthamesnews@pla.co.uk

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