ULCS Cap San Maleas passing ULCS Buenos Aires Express. Photo: PLA Pilot Alexander Spooner
The statistics for 2023 have been published; the Port of London is still the largest by tonnage, accounting for 12% of all UK traffic. Last year, the Port of London handled 51.6 million tonnes, closely followed by Grimsby and Immingham, which handled 45 million tonnes.
Overall, throughout UK ports, there has been a decrease in port traffic, for example a decline in imports and exports has reduced international traffic by 6%. However, the Port of London, which has 70 different terminal operators, including the Port of Tilbury and London Gateway, continues to invest in Pilotage, infrastructure and systems to support the steady growth in freight traffic.
WISTA celebrates 50 years
WISTA UK, the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association UK (WISTA UK) celebrated its 50th anniversary last week with an event that highlighted its progress and ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the maritime industry. Founded in London in 1974, and in partnership with the IMO (International Maritime Organisation), it was pertinent that WISTA UK chose to hold their conference and grand evening reception in the capital. Happy 50th, WISTA UK!
In time for the summer holidays, Uber Boats by Thames Clippers has just launched a brand-new ticket, allowing 48 hours of unlimited river exploration, designed for families and tourists who want to explore London by travelling on the Thames. They've also launched a new digital map and river guide, to help passengers plan their journeys.
Plan ahead: London's iconic river takes centre stage this September with the Totally Thames Festival.
Immerse yourself in storytelling and folk music aboard the historic sailing barge Edith May, or join the Clean Thames Challenge to help preserve the river's beauty.
The festival also features the Great River Race, Thames Day celebrations, and a multitude of events on and along the river. With live performances, workshops, boat tours, and family-friendly activities, Totally Thames promises a month of unforgettable experiences.
This September, we’re invitingindividuals and groups to participate in the Clean Thames Challenge, all with the shared goal of improving the health of the Thames.
If you're quick to get on board, you’ll get a special delivery – your very own Clean Thames kit, on a first-come, first served basis!
Westminster Boating Base, a charity teaching dinghy sailing, powerboating, kayaking and canoeing in central London, is looking for some administrative support to help manage the club’s busy year ahead.
Working with disadvantaged young people and young adults with disabilities is a big part of life at Westminster Boating Base, and some of this work is funded through the delivery of powerboating, sailing and paddling courses.
Tasks include replying to enquiries, managing bookings, scheduling instructors, and supporting staff and trustees. If you can volunteer a day or two a week on a regular basis, please contact Jonathan Drake-Wilkes at: Jonathan@westminsterboatingbase.co.uk
Royal Docks Summer Splash
This popular annual event, in the Royal Borough of Newham, kicks off 27 July, with plenty of water-based fun until 18 August. Open to all ages, from Tuesday to Saturday each week, there is plenty of entertainment to suit all, as well as iconic city views.
With its own body of water, the open water lido is for swimmers of all ages, as well as providing a wide range of water-based activities for the more adventurous. As part of its commitment to water safety, the PLA will be sponsoring Swim Safe sessions this year, providing qualified lifeguards to encourage all to enjoy the open water.
PLA’s Technical Advisor (Air Quality) Grace Staines has a starring role in a BBC short film, sponsored by the Marine Emissions Portal consultancy RightShip, in the BBC series ‘The Blue Economy’.
Grace added, "The Maritime Emissions Portal is going to be a fundamental tool in monitoring emissions from vessels on the Thames. Being the first UK port to use the portal has been insightful for both myself and RightShip. We have already carried out demonstrations of the platform to several stakeholders who are impressed by the quantity of data and the usability of the platform."
With a potential audience of half a billion people worldwide, it was all filmed at the PLA’s head office, London River House, and around the Thames Estuary. The short film focuses on the reduction of carbon emissions and features Dave Watson from Svitzer, as they have converted their tugs to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil to reduce emissions.
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