Revised General Directions for Navigation in the Port of London
The Port of London Authority issued updated General Directions for Navigation in the Port of London which came into force on 1 November 2024.
The revised General Directions were developed in consultation with stakeholders and are constructed to enhance navigational safety and improve operational efficiency within the Port of London.
Port of London Authority Harbour Master, Adam Layer, recently received the Freedom of the City of London – an ancient honour that recognises those who have made significant contributions to the city.
The award dates back over 1,000 years and once would have entitled recipients to trade in the square mile, carry a naked sword, and walk a flock of sheep across London Bridge.
“Nowadays the Freedom is largely ceremonial, but it was a great honour to receive my calligraphed certificate at the Chamberlain’s Court in London’s Guildhall, and a special day to share with my family.”
Adam is in good company! Other notable recipients include Princess Diana, Winston Churchill, Bill Gates, Dame Judy Dench, Stephen Fry, Ed Sheeran and the PLA’s Director of Sustainability, Grace Rawnsley.
Meet Blue Davies: Helping Crew Navigate Thames CPD
Left: Blue Davies, Thames CPD Programme Manager
Blue Davies has been pivotal in helping Masters and other navigational crew create their Thames Continuing Professional Development (CPD) online account, enrol in the programme, and register their 10 CPD points by 31 December.
“It’s great to see the sense of relief on people’s faces when they realise this programme is straightforward. Often, they’ve already met the requirements”, said Blue.
“We want to help improve safety on the Thames, not hinder people from making their living. This programme has been built by those in the industry, for those in the industry – I’m here to help people get started.”
Need a hand with Thames CPD? Come along to a free informal drop-in session - Dixie Queen, Butler’s Wharf Pier on 28 November anytime between 10:00 and 12:00 and PLA, London River House, Royal Terrace Pier on 12 December anytime between 12:00 and 14:00, or via Zoom or Teams during these times. We suggest allowing 30 minutes.
The UK’s first electric tour boat announced by Woods' Silver Fleet
Photo: Woods' Silver Fleet
Woods’ Silver Fleet is building the UK’s first zero emissions tourist vessel, with construction underway at Pendennis shipyard in Cornwall.
This ground-breaking vessel will harness developments in ultra-light weight aluminium design and be powered by an EST Floattech Octopus Series battery bank that can be rapidly charged using a two-megawatt shore facility between each tour.
Designers and owners, the Woods family, have built and crewed sightseeing vessels on the River Thames for over one hundred years and host private charter events for high-profile clients including Google and Lamborghini.
“This new vessel represents the bridge between the past and the future of river tourism, building on the generations of experience the Woods family have operating on the river whilst striving to lead the industry’s push towards sustainability”, says Chris Kangis, CEO, Woods Tours.
The Net Zero vessel is set to start taking passengers from summer 2025 and is an exciting step toward decarbonising the River Thames by 2040.
On Monday evening, (11 November) we gathered at London International Cruise Terminal, at the Port of Tilbury, for the PLA and Forth Ports’ annual Maritime Memorial Service, paying tribute to those who have died serving their country.
The Remembrance Service was attended by the Mayor of Gravesham Borough Council, Cllr Daniel Adewale King, who travelled across the river from Gravesend to Tilbury on the PLA Harbour Service Launch.
PLA’s Director of Marine Operations, James Palmer, laid a wreath in remembrance of PLA staff who lost their lives in the Second World War. PLA’s Director of Planning and Development, James Trimmer, shared a reading in memory of our fallen soldiers.
James Palmer said: “It was an honour to be involved in such a poignant service, and very moving to see the long list of former PLA members who’ve lost their lives protecting our country.”
Electric Thames with PLA Secures Major Funding Boost to Decarbonise the River
A ground-breaking project to decarbonise the River Thames and bolster London’s energy network has secured a significant funding award from the UK Government’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF).
After successfully completing Discovery in May 2024, demonstrating the potential for electric vessels to balance London’s energy demand, the Electric Thames project has now received additional funding as part of Round 3 Alpha of Ofgem’s SIF competition.
The PLA and ev.energy has partnered with the Electric Thames initiative, led by UK Power Networks, as it transitions to the next phase of the project. Maritime energy transition specialist Marine Zero, and energy transition consultants LCP Delta will continue to deliver the maritime and energy modelling elements of the project.
PLA awards £50,000 to support local river clean-ups and the transition to Net Zero
The Port of London Authority has awarded £50,000 to six community projects, including £17,500 for two initiatives supporting citizen scientists to measure river pollution and £13,500 to install an electric vessel charging point in Hammersmith.
The PLA’s Thames Environment Fund – now in its fourth year – invites community groups and academics to put forward innovative ideas to help protect and nurture the River Thames.
The grant programme has awarded a total of £114,000 to 20 community environmental projects over the last four years.
Jonson Cox CBE and Sir Philip Jones reappointed to the PLA Board
Jonson Cox CBE, Non-Executive Chair, and Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL, Non-Executive Director, have been appointed to the Board of the PLA for second terms, beginning on 4 April 2025 and each for a further three years.
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