Celebrating the tidal Thames coastal powerhouse in Parliament
Photo (L-R): Scarlett Black, Maritime UK, David Beal, PLA Watch Manager, Sophie Williams, PLA Deputy Harbour Master, Jim Dickson, MP for Dartford, Mike Kane MP, Minister for Maritime, Jonson Cox, PLA Chair, Caz Palmer, PLA Pilot Class IV, Priscilla Webster, PLA VTS Officer, Emily McLean, PLA Technical Advisor - Environment, Grace Staines, PLA Technical Advisor - Environment, Robin Mortimer, PLA CEO.
On Monday (2 December), the Port of London Authority (PLA) hosted a reception for Members of Parliament and partner organisations in the House of Commons, advocating for a thriving and sustainable tidal Thames.
Hosted by Jim Dickson MP (Dartford), and with a keynote address from Mike Kane MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security, attendees discussed the vital importance of the tidal Thames for the UK’s economy and its essential role in supporting UK growth and our communities.
Members of the PLA team, from Harbour Masters and Pilots to Sustainability Advisors and Graduates, shared firsthand accounts of their experiences and the diverse and rewarding jobs the maritime industry offers. We were also joined by the Thames Skills Academy and a group of apprentices, who are building their careers on the river.
Our new riparian MPs were interested in how the PLA is creating new career pathways, investing in skills development for young people, and championing the future of the Thames, from West London out to the North Sea.
Having inflated the airform for a new dome silo for storage of cement, Aggregate Industries has reached the latest milestone in the development of a multimillion-pound cement import, manufacturing and distribution facility at the Port of Tilbury. One of the first of its kind in the UK, the 45 m tall dome silo will provide large scale storage for up to 30,000 tonnes of cement.
Tim Fry, Project Manager at Aggregate Industries, explains: "With this project, Tilbury joins a small number of pioneering locations in the UK with access to the latest advancements in dome silo technology. Once operational in 2026, the nine-acre facility will support both local and regional demand 24/7 with conventional, low carbon and circular cementitious construction materials."
Photo: Port of London's Outreach Manager, Aaron Vickers, and Diving Supervisor, Jason Durkin, with students at the event
Around 1,800 students from pre-GCSE years at 4 schools attended CGI’s Sustainability Careers Fest Live 2024 to help them make informed decisions as they prepare to choose their subjects and consider their future careers.
The award-winning event, now in its third year, brings together leading employers, including Network Rail, the BBC and the PLA, and educational providers to showcase a wide range of exciting careers in the green sector. Students have the chance to explore interactive stands from innovative companies and researchers working in sustainability and to attend a range of workshops and presentations.
Commenting on the event, Aaron Vickers, PLA’s Outreach Manager said,
“This event gave us the chance to collaborate with Maritime UK and has been a great opportunity to engage with students from areas close to the river.
"We’ve been able to highlight the variety of careers available at the Port of London, and in the Maritime sector, introducing them to roles, often for the first time.”
You better watch out, You better not cry, Better not pout, I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is comin'... to the Thames!
Keep your eyes peeled this coming Monday 9 December from 1pm in central London. You may be lucky enough to spot Santa aboard a PLA Harbour Service Launch, en route to deliver some gifts to Evelina London Children's Hospital this Christmas.
Award-Winning Workwear
PULSAR®, a leading manufacturer of technical and protective performance apparel, in collaboration with the PLA, has won a prestigious Manufacturing and Industrial PPE award for its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability in the world of protective workwear.
The PCIAW® (The Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide) recognise groundbreaking work within the professional clothing industry.
This year, the PLA undertook a thorough procurement process to provide high visibility protective workwear that aligns with our Thames Vision 2050 sustainability goals, without compromising on the high standards of protection, comfort, and technical performance. Following two successful trials with operational staff, the procurement team chose to roll out the environmentally responsible PULSAR® Life collection to our 460 employees.
As Harriette Seymour, Procurement Buyer at PLA, said
“What first drew my attention to the PULSAR® Life collection was the focus on wearer comfort and functionality but also that every single detail has been considered to minimise any environmental impacts and be as sustainable as possible. This includes the use of recycled polyester and PFC-free water repellent and the finer details such as packaging and the silica gel sachets that have been replaced with clay.
"Another important factor was the availability of all options in women’s fit, as well as the extent of the sizing range, to ensure cutting edge technology and comfort is available for all our workforce.
"We’re delighted to have been the first port in the UK to offer this award-winning range to our employees.”
Photo: Winner of ESG Journalist of the Year, Holly Birkett, with PLA’s Mark Anderson.
Over 150 guests gathered in central London to celebrate excellence in journalism across the supply chain industry (2 December) at the annual Seahorse Freight Association Journalist Awards.
The Seahorse Freight Association is a not-for-profit, founded in 1962, that is committed to championing diversity in the industry and encouraging the next generation of writers who cover stories in the supply chain, logistics and transport industry.
This year, the PLA sponsored the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Journalist of the Year award. The winner, Holly Birkett, reporter for Trade Winds, said:
“I’m so happy and excited to receive this award, thanks so much to the Port of London Authority for their generosity in sponsoring.
“This award recognises my work and original research on the issues encountered by female shipbrokers — the challenges and the joys — which highlighted that women enjoy the job but still come up against barriers such as unequal treatment, insufficient healthcare and maternity provisions and sexism and harassment.
“We need to be able to shine an informed light on the highs and lows of the profession in order to recruit and retain women in shipbroking and facilitate their progression to the highest levels. Thanks to TradeWinds for supporting me.”
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