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Emissions Reduction

We Are Committed to Reducing Emissions


The emissions, both air pollutants and greenhouse gases, to air from maritime activities is a health and environmental priority in the UK and has been identified as being one of the top issues for ports in Europe.

The PLA has set out emissions reduction targets and been taking actions, including offering incentives, undertaking monitoring & research, sharing knowledge from trials and implementing new technologies.

Targets & Incentives


Explore our Air Quality Strategy for the tidal Thames below to see the targets and actions we have taken so far to reduce emissions from shipping activities.
We were the first port in the UK to develop an Air Quality Strategy, which includes targets to 2051 and actions to drive improvements in air quality.
The UK is legally obliged to achieve Net Zero by 2050. We have been looking at what this means for the port and preparing for the changes ahead.
Discount on conservancy charges is applied to vessels registered under the Environmental Ships Index and with a score over a certain requirements.
An independent environmental performance indicator for inland operators on the tidal Thames to demonstrate their environmental performance

Trials & Research


We are investigating the way forward on reducing emissions on the tidal Thames
Increasing interest in using alternative diesel or low/ zero carbon fuels to reduce air pollution and to decarbonise the maritime sector.
Our roadmap has been developed to benefit inland operators by offering direction in reaching current and potential future emission targets.
Emission clean-up technologies can be retrofitted to existing vessels to reduce emissions from the combustion of fuels.
We're modelling energy demand to assess solutions and infrastructure needed to support decarbonising the Port of London.
A catalyst for trials of new and emerging technology which provide solutions suitable for recognised needs on the tidal Thames.

Evidence & Data


Monitoring plays a key role in achieving reduction targets by understanding the sources of pollutions and evaluate the effectiveness of any mitigation measures.
An air emission inventory from vessels that visit and use the tidal Thames has been calculated for the base year 2016.
Monitoring of the concentration of air pollutants within the exhaust from a PLA’s vessel's operation on various type of fuels.

Diffusion Tube


We're monitoring concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and ozone at locations along the Thames from Central London to Gravesend using diffusion tubes.

A modelling study using the results of the our 2016 Emissions Inventory to assess the dispersion of air pollutants once they are emitted into the atmosphere.

Tools & Resources


Useful tools for developers and fleet operators to reduce their emissions
An appraisal tool which can help estimate the payback period for upfront investment of ship-to-shore power infrastructure.
Our guidance seeks to outline and deliver the best practice for inland fleets operating in the River Thames and its estuary.
Our annual conferences examine progress toward reducing emissions and reaching Net Zero on the tidal Thames.
Guidance on calculating a carbon footprint.
The emissions reduction roadmap offers direction in reaching current and potential future emission targets.

More Information


Not found what you are looking for? Check our frequently asked questions or publications archive.

Frequently Asked Questions about the environment of the Thames.

It's vital that the public report environmental issues (pollution or animal in distress) on the tidal Thames.

Our reports and strategies outline our plans to protect and foster the Thames.

We've hosted in person and remote events to discuss developments as we work to improve the Thames.

Help us shape research to improve sustainable management of the tidal Thames.

Contact Us


The environment team will be happy to answer any questions.

Get in touch >>>