PLA News Releases

A charity Rowathon staged by the Port of London Authority (PLA) and involving dozens of staff from companies working on the Thames, has raised more than £2,000 for Sport Relief.

Emergency Exercise on the Thames

The Thames Skills Academy (TSA) has announced the appointment of Dr Katherine Riggs as chief executive officer.

Speedboat captains fined for dangerous navigation

University of London Boat Club is the latest tidal Thames rowing club to win the Port of London Authority (PLA) annual Rowing Safety Award. Now in its 11th year, the award winners received a £1,000 cash prize. PLA chief harbour master, Bob Baker commented: “University of London Boat Club have previously been runners-up and are deserved winners. It’s great to see a highly competitive student club with such a sound safety culture.”

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has broken new ground in the maritime sector, publishing the first draft Air Quality Strategy for a UK port. The PLA has been developing the strategy in the light of projected growth in river use over the next twenty years and concerns about air quality in urban centres. The aim of the strategy, which covers the tidal Thames from Teddington Lock to Southend, is to reduce emissions to air from marine sources within the tidal River Thames, while facilitating the Port and London’s future growth. The move comes less than 12 months after the PLA made London the first UK port to offer a ‘green’ discount on charges for ships using cleaner technology.

A riverside haven for visiting mariners from all over the world has been giving a helping hand this Christmas by the Port of London Authority (PLA). Every year, Tilbury Seafarers’ Centre volunteers wrap up more than 1,500 parcels for crew members whose ships are calling at the Port of London over the festive period. Many of the visiting seamen have not seen loved ones for months and are really happy to accept gifts at a time of year when they’re most missing home.

A Port of London Authority (PLA), marine services deckhand who put forward a bright idea at the right time is now helping trainees make their way in the marine world of work. Rachel De Bont was recently made training and liaison officer at the PLA just as the authority added two more apprentices to its books and expanded the marine training offered to staff.

Twenty two apprentices this week celebrated the start of their journey towards careers on the tidal Thames, at the official launch of the Thames Skills Academy’s (TSA) Thames Apprenticeship Programme.