Going for green on the Thames

With family links to the river dating back over a century, Dave Watson of tug operator Svitzer is looking forward to a cleaner, greener, and busier Thames.

In the family way

“I was born and bred in Cliffe Woods on the Hoo peninsula and still live there today.

“The river has always been a part of my life.

“I guess it’s sort of in my blood.

“When I was growing up, my dad, Ray, worked on the river for the Alexandra towing company.

“His dad and three brothers were also employed on Thames tugs.

“It was perhaps inevitable that I would follow them into a life working on the river.

“Today my cousin works with me at Svitzer as chief engineer.

“I must have been around five years old when I first went afloat as part of a family day.

“Everyone looked forward to the family days.

“They provided a fantastic insight into how tugs operated, moving vast cargoes up and down the river."

A career afloat

“I have been working on the river for 36 years now.

“After leaving school, I started out as a trainee manger with Tesco.

“I joined Alexandra Tugs in 1986. It was taken over first by Howard Smith and then Adsteam, before Svitzer acquired the business in 2007.

“My first job afloat was as a cook.

“Gradually I rose my way up through the ranks to become chief engineer.

“In July 2017, I was asked to help out the Svitzer shoreside technical team.

“The following year, I took up the position of London technical superintendent."

Life-long learning

“At the age of 49, to get the qualifications I needed to further my career, I started a course with the Isle of Man University.  

“Passing my Competence of Ships Superintendents course, within the time frame Svitzer had set, was the most memorable day of my working life.

“It is never too late to learn.

“I am pleased to say that Svitzer runs an apprenticeship scheme.

“Trade on the river is expanding, so it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Environmental progress

“In recent years, alongside the welcome expansion of Tilbury and Gateway, there has been a much-needed shift in public and business environmental attitudes.

“In 2018, I attended the PLA’s annual environment conference.

“It was following a presentation on the Thames Green Scheme, that I made it my mission to get Svitzer accredited.  

“I started running a fuel-efficiency programme, which Svitzer now operates globally.

“We are continuously looking at new designs and fuel types.

“Our switch to hydro-treated vegetable oil is part of our EcoTow offering, which enables our customers to reduce their carbon footprint.

“I felt very proud when we received the silver award earlier this year.”

A safer working river

“In 1976, Dad was on board the tug Vanquisher, when she sank at the entrance to Tilbury Dock. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

“Dad was awarded a medal by Princess Alexandra for swimming round the vessel to rescue a colleague, trapped in the engine room.

“Incredibly, years ago personal protective equipment (PPE) wasn’t even considered.

“Now it’s rightly a requirement.

“The safety culture has improved so much during my time on the river, so happily there are fewer serious incidents.”

Working philosophy

“At Svitzer, we put safety first and our customers at the heart of everything we do.

“Based at Denton Wharf, Gravesend, there are three of us in the tech team.

“We are on call 24/7 for emergencies.

“I am responsible for the successful running of the Svitzer fleet, including dealing with breakdowns, arranging for vessels to go into dry dock, and liaising with the Maritime Coastguard Agency.

“Our services are essential to the smooth operation of the port.

“Solving needs and pain points for customer, ports and marine communities is our core passion.”

Quick fire

• The river in three words? Ever-changing, unique and fascinating.
• Favourite time of day and year on the river? Evenings, when the sun is setting. I do enjoy the different colours autumn brings too.
• Best view of the Thames? Passing through Tower Bridge, in either direction.