New public consultations (launched this Monday) by the PLA invite residents and stakeholders in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Gravesham Borough Council to help shape the future of the River Thames in their communities.
New public consultations (launched this Monday) by the PLA invite residents and stakeholders in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Gravesham Borough Council to help shape the future of the River Thames in their communities.
The consultations, running until 9 August 2024, mark the fourth and fifth in a series as part of the Tidal Thames Masterplan covering all riverside local authorities, and are a key step towards realising the ambitious goals that are set out in the PLA's Thames Vision 2050.
James Trimmer, PLA's Director of Planning & Development, highlighted the urgency of this initiative, stating, “We will be preparing a Thames masterplan for each riparian borough; encouraging investment and guiding local decision making related to the river and forming a key tool for all those involved in planning the river's future. We now very much want to hear the ideas of the wider community. For example, is there anything you would like to see included?”
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is one of the fastest growing boroughs in London, in part due to ongoing regeneration and housing growth across riverside areas including at the Greenwich Peninsula, Charlton Riverside and Thamesmead. Likewise, Gravesham Borough Council has an ambitious regeneration plan for future development, with 11 km (about 6.84 mi) of the Thames riverfront and excellent transport links to/from London and Kent.
Both boroughs are supported by a number of essential operational and safeguarded wharves which serve the wider London and Southeast region, as well as being home to several boat yards and other supporting marine infrastructure which are vital for continuing efficient operations across the tidal Thames.
In 2023, over 5 million tonnes of cargo was transported on the tidal river. Studies show that by 2050, the Thames will see a significant increase in both cargo traffic and passenger services, while the river's potential for light freight and parcel transportation is also expanding rapidly. This consultation is crucial for ensuring that our plans align with the needs and aspirations of local communities.
The Thames Vision 2050 envisions a river that thrives economically, ecologically, and socially. Alongside increased trade and innovative logistics solutions, the vision prioritises environmental protection, the transition to Net Zero emissions, and enhanced access to the river for recreational activities.
These consultations provide a platform for residents and stakeholders to contribute their insights and help shape the Thames' future. By collaborating with local communities, the PLA aims to create a thriving river that benefits everyone.
The PLA has observed a concerning rise in the use of dangerously weighted heaving lines. This practice poses a significant risk of serious injury or even fatalities to those receiving the lines, both on shore and onboard vessels.
We urge all Masters and crews to adhere to safety regulations and use only properly constructed heaving lines for mooring and towing operations. The use of weighted lines, including those with modified monkey fists, is strictly prohibited.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued a policy on reporting and managing such incidents, and the PLA is committed to reporting all cases to the MCA. This may result in enforcement action being taken against the offending vessel.
To ensure everyone's safety, we remind you that safe alternatives exist, such as small, high-visibility soft pouches filled with fast-draining pea shingle (or similar) with a maximum weight of 0.5 kg.
The PLA's Thames Environment Fund supported Greenwich Yacht Club's (GYC) initiative to test and demonstrate the viability of electric outboards for their members.
The GYC team recently conducted a successful weekend trial of the Torqeedo Travel 1103 on their tender Fat Fred, giving members a firsthand experience of the environmental benefits and ease of use of this zero-emissions technology. The electric outboard received positive feedback from members, who were impressed by the quiet performance and cleaner operation of the electric outboards on the Thames.
GYC is now working to finalise the necessary infrastructure for safely storing, charging, and maintaining these valuable assets. The lessons learned from this project will be shared with other clubs, encouraging wider adoption of electric outboards, and contributing to a more sustainable future for the Thames, aligning with the PLA's Thames Vision 2050.
We applaud GYC for their leadership in this initiative and look forward to the upcoming round of test drives, which will further showcase the benefits of electric propulsion to the boating community.
Port Company of the Year 2024
DP World has once again been named 'Port Company of the Year' at the 2024 Multimodal Awards in Birmingham. The award recognises the company's commitment to efficiency and sustainability in the UK, highlighted by a year of major milestones.
These achievements include the completion of a £350m all-electric fourth berth at London Gateway, the successful trial of a Modal Shift Programme at Southampton that has saved 6,400 tonnes of CO2, and the switch to fossil and diesel-free operations at both hubs.
Ernst Schulze, UK Chief Executive of DP World, emphasised that the award is a testament to the hard work of the teams at London Gateway and Southampton, and reinforces the company's commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions for its customers.
Totally Thames
The Totally Thames Festival returns this September with a celebration of the River Thames throughout September. This month-long programme, which began in 2014, runs along 42 miles of the Thames, and engages with artists, local communities, and other organisations related to the capital's river.
There are a wide range of events, performances, and initiatives on offer to appeal to everyone. Some examples include a contemporary dance duet inspired by Indian folklore, a climate crisis cabaret-game show, piano recitals, family-friendly activities, live music, and food stalls. A highlight is The Great River Race, a 21.6-mile river marathon that brings together over 300 boats and 1,500 people from around the world.
The #PaddleSafe campaign aims to raise awareness of how to prepare for a paddle and stay safe on any type of water, whether at the coast or inland, including what leash to use for stand up paddleboarding. There will also be information about some of the dangers of being on the water and how to avoid them such as flowing water, offshore winds, and weirs.
Scarlett Barnett-Smith, a former PLA apprentice, won the prestigious Bevis Minter Award at the Maritime UK 2024 awards in Belfast this month. Scarlett’s hard work and dedication has meant that she has steadily and swiftly risen through the ranks to her first ship appointment as a Third Officer.
The Bevis Minter Award, established in honour of a PLA marine pilot, who died in office and was a passionate advocate of seafaring skills, recognises officer trainees who have shown great determination and overcome significant challenges in following their maritime career.
GB Row
Three teams competing in the GB Row Challenge, a 2,000-mile odyssey around the British Isles, set off from London on 9 June. The unassisted crews will battle changeable weather, complex tides, and the limits of their endurance as they row more than 2,000 miles around the British Isles.
The first GB Row Challenge took place in 2005 when the four-person team, headed by William de Laszlo, set a new World Record of 26 days 21 hours and 14 minutes for unaided rowing around Britain.
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