Global French shipping giant, CMA CGM, brought its new dual-fuel Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)-powered car carrier, CMA CGM Indianapolis, to the Port of Tilbury on its maiden Thames call (12 February).
CMA CGM is one of the world’s biggest backers of LNG as fuel and has stated plans to grow its fleet to at least 44 LNG vessels by the end of 2024. The second of their four new LNG-powered vessels, each with capacity for 7,050 cars, CMA CGM Monaco is due its maiden call next month.
PLA’s Head of Commercial Development, Glenda Frost, said:
“We’re pleased to welcome the first Roll On/Roll Off service from CMA CGM, which will be transporting cars from the Far East to the Port of Tilbury in their four new LNG-powered vessels. LNG power is a positive step towards lowering emissions on the Thames, one of the aims of our Thames Vision 2050.”
PLA’s Chief Executive, Robin Mortimer, with KNC’s Managing Director, Steve Guest
After a robust tendering process, we have given the contract for a new, cutting-edge Vessel Traffic System to Kongsberg Norcontrol Ltd.
As part of our Thames Vision 2050’s Marine Centre Transformation Programme, we’re delivering a future-proofed Port Control Centre, with the right technology and resilience to support the next 25 years of growth in our port.
Commenting on the acquisition, our Director of Marine Operations, Steven Clapperton, said: “This is a multi-million-pound scheme and will provide London VTS with state-of-the-art equipment, enhancing and improving our operational performance. All delivered into a brand-new operations centre ready to accommodate the expected growth of trade on the river, which is set to rise from 55 million tonnes per year to 78 million tonnes by 2050.”
Another intake of Trainee Pilots has joined us at the PLA, as the demand for pilotage services here at the UK’s biggest port grows.
The new recruits join our PLA Pilotage team of 123 Pilots, guiding ships up and down the Thames, day and night.
Embarking on a comprehensive training programme, which will equip them for the unique challenges of navigating the Thames, are four experienced seafarers: Declan Farren, Patrick Kelly, James Terry and Daniel Tolley.
Dave Newbury, the PLA’s Marine Pilotage Manager said: “Marine Pilots board vessels in all weathers 24/7, 365 days a year, with vessels carrying everything from food, fuel and vehicles, to building materials and aggregate. Guiding these ships to and from their berths within the river Thames demands a high level of specialised training, skill and navigational awareness.
“Expanding our pool of available talent means we will be able to remain resilient and will also help increase the volume of freight delivered to this country via the river Thames.”
From L-R: Keon, Tyler (Cory), Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, John, George, Tamera (Uber Boats by Thames Clippers), Stevie (City Cruises) and Shannon (PLA)
Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, met with Thames apprentices from Cory, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, City Cruises, and the PLA, ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February).
Commenting on the visit, our Web and Social Media Apprentice, Shannon White, said: “It was a great opportunity to meet the Secretary of State for Transport alongside other River Thames apprentices and hear about the different roles and qualifications available to those working in the maritime industry.”
For employers interested in apprenticeships, there is a River Thames Apprenticeship Open Day on Thursday 2 May at Watermen’s Hall.
Working together to accelerate progress towards decarbonising the Thames, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and a coalition of terminal and vessel operators and supporting stakeholders, have this week published a plan for a Net Zero future.
The Net Zero River Plan identifies four priority themes to accelerate the move to Net Zero: alternative fuels and infrastructure adoption; clear regulation and legislation, funding, and reliable data.
PLA’s Director of Sustainability, Grace Rawnsley, said: “We’re working with operators from the length of the tidal Thames as we know that taking rapid action to reduce emissions is vital both to addressing climate change and to ensure a competitive future for trade and transportation.
“All of the terminal and vessel operators involved, as well as other supporting stakeholders, are showing great commitment to Net Zero and a sustainable future for our river.”
Thames Lens & Port of London Authority: Overall Winner - Ingrid Demaerschalk - La vie en Rose in Richmond - Landscape
Winners of Thames Lens, an annual photography competition that we hold in partnership with Thames Festival Trust, have been announced.
Over 400 photographers responded to the themes of ‘Architecture’, ‘Landscape’, ‘Nature’, ‘Working River’, ‘People and the River’ and ‘Illuminated River’.
Siân Foster, PLA’s Director of Corporate Affairs, said: It’s fascinating to see the Thames through others’ eyes, with each of the winning photographs offering such a different perspective. The tidal Thames means so much to so many people, including to all our PLA colleagues who voted on their favourite entry. Congratulations to each of the winners and thank you for offering your unique insight on a river we know so well.”
We host public meetings to discuss developments on the three different districts of the tidal Thames.
Our next public meeting to discuss current and future matters related to the Upper District of the river (Putney to Teddington) will be held at London Rowing Club, Putney on Monday 4 March 2024.
Date: Monday 4 March 2024
Venue: London Rowing Club, Embankment, Putney, London, SW15 1LB
Timings: 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm; registration and refreshments will be available from 6.00 pm
Nearest public transport: Putney Bridge tube station, Putney mainline railway station and Thames Clipper service calling at Putney Pier
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