There have been ongoing discussions relating to the PLA’s licence fees for residential balconies which overhang the River Thames. These are fees required by the PLA under its legislation, set at a level informed by local property market conditions. Balcony owners have the chance to discuss or challenge proposed changes in fees, which happen periodically to reflect changes in the property market. There is an established arbitration regime to assist in cases of unresolved dispute.

We continue to be open in our approach of listening to the interests of all parties and are committed to an approach which is fair and reasonable to property owners, reflecting market rates and practices in other parts of the residential property sector. We are also keen to reach a broader consensus across those with residential balconies that overhang the Thames on what is a fair and reasonable approach.  

To that end, we have written to the President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) asking him to appoint an independent surveyor to (i) examine and report on the PLA’s current fee charging methodology for residential balconies; and (ii) provide the PLA’s Board with recommended options for setting licence fees in the future. This review will need to take into account requirements under the Port of London Act 1968.  

While this review is ongoing, we propose to delay any upcoming five-year rent reviews and pause discussions on any ongoing rent reviews and challenges.

We will publish the conclusions of this work to provide transparency and predictability for both the PLA and licensees going forwards.  

1. Introduction
1.1. The PLA and the Tideway Tunnel Project team invite you to share your feedback on this trial (see Proposal) and in particular your views on the location and visibility of lights for river users.
1.2. This consultation and trial affect the following areas:
A. Chelsea Embankment Foreshore
B. Victoria Embankment Foreshore
C. Heathwall Pumping Station
D. Albert Embankment Foreshore

2. The Consultation Process
Affected Parties
2.1. This consultation is directed towards river users who frequently or occasionally navigate in or near the areas described in 1.2.
Consultation Duration
2.2. This consultation opens on 20th March 2025 and will last for 30 days including the trial period. It will close on 19th April 2025 at 23:59.
Conclusion
2.3. The information you submit will be made available to other parties and responses to this consultation are anonymous.
2.4. We appreciate all responses to our consultations however, as responses to this consultation are anonymous, we are unable to respond directly to respondents. We will issue a Consultation Statement once responses have been reviewed.

3. Responses to this Consultation
3.1. Reponses to the consultation should be sent so that they are received no later than the closing date detailed in 2.2.
3.2. Unlike previous navigational consultations from the PLA, responses to this consultation may only be submitted by using the online form. We regret that we cannot accept responses in any other format.
3.3. To access the form, follow the link or scan the QR code below. Please note that this form will only accept responses during the time period described in 2.2 Consultation Duration.

4. Proposal
4.1. Mariners are advised that for a period of five days from 20th- 24th March 2025 the Tideway Tunnel Project team will be trialling Combined Sewer Outfall (CSO) warning lights at their sites at Chelsea Embankment, Albert Embankment, Heathwall Pumping Station and Victoria Embankment Foreshore.
4.2. These warning lights will be used to indicate to mariners when a CSO is discharging. This is a trial only and these lights do not currently indicate an active CSO discharging. Separate NTMs will be published for each site once it comes online.
4.3. Mariners should note that the trial light at Chelsea Embankment will be in addition to the operational light described in NTM 23-25, which should be followed.
4.4. The approximate location of the trial lights on each site is shown on the following chartlets.

Chelsea Embankment Foreshore

Victoria Embankment Foreshore

Heathwall Pumping Station

Albert Embankment Foreshore

4.5. The lights will be mounted on masts at each site and will display two vertical yellow lights alternately flashing ½ second over a 1 second period. Albert site will also have a repeater light located on Vauxhall Bridge facing upriver between arches 4 &5, as shown on the chartlet above.

The Port of London (PLA), the UK’s biggest port and busiest inland waterway, welcomes the world’s most modern vessels, is a hub for environmental innovation and home to river communities, and is investing in future technology and resilience, yet we are covered by legislation last significantly updated nearly 60 years ago.  

In 2019, the PLA proposed a Harbour Revision Order (HRO), the mechanism through which we can modernise the Port of London Act (1968). The HRO includes a range of updates, from a definition for autonomous vessels and adding email as a form of communication, to removing references to customs roles and responsibilities that haven’t been performed by the PLA for many years. We’ve also refined definitions around river works licenses, charting and dredging, and included references to more recent environmental legislation and agencies. 

In response to an informal consultation on the proposed HRO, we heard from 50 stakeholders with a wide range of interests, including residents and houseboat owners, terminal operators and other port businesses. Their feedback was reflected in the next iteration of the HRO which the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the body appointed by the Department for Transport to oversee HROs, consulted on in 2021. We were pleased that, through this extensive process of engagement and consultation, the vast majority of questions were resolved. In 2024, the MMO decided to hold a public inquiry, starting this week, to make sure any remaining concerns could be heard and fully considered before the HRO is finally signed off. Over the next few weeks, the inquiry will have an opportunity to hear from PLA colleagues and interested parties on a range of different matters.  

We know – through our public meetings, stakeholder fora and regular correspondence – that the tidal Thames is incredibly important in so many people’s lives, and I’m always impressed by the time, energy and commitment our stakeholders put into representing the variety of interests associated with the river. I’m glad that during the inquiry they will be able to represent their views directly to the MMO. Through this, we can arrive at a final HRO that protects and improves the tidal Thames for all, enabling us to build resilience, as modern operations and cutting-edge technology accelerate the changes in trade and traffic, as well as the energy transition in the UK. 

Our newest recruits, (L-R) Fraser Matthew, David Shaw, Carmelo Giannone, and Robert Hoyland, bring extensive maritime experience from a range of backgrounds within the shipping industry. As they progress through their intensive training, they will refine the skills required to safely guide vessels through the river’s busy and often demanding waters.

Fraser Matthew – Kirkcaldy, Fife

Fraser has spent the last 19 years at sea, beginning his career on cruise ships as a Cadet and Junior Officer before moving to ro-ro passenger ferries around the UK coast. Over the past decade, he has served as Chief Officer and Master on routes across the Irish Sea, the Scottish Islands, and most recently the English Channel between Dover and Calais.

Fraser pursued a career at sea because he wanted to drive ships, finding it both the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the job. Becoming a PLA Pilot offers him the opportunity to handle a wide variety of vessels on one of the world’s most famous waterways. He is looking forward to working with and learning from a team with diverse sea-going and non-seagoing backgrounds—though he certainly won’t miss battling against South-Westerly gales!

David Shaw – Falmouth, Cornwall

David began his maritime career at 17, joining the Royal Navy as a Rating in 2001 before transitioning to the Merchant Navy in 2005 as a Deck Cadet. He initially worked on container ships and bulk carriers before gaining experience on dredgers and anchor handlers. He later moved into the passenger sector, working with Saga Cruises from 2011 to 2016, followed by Thomson Cruises (later Marella Cruises) from 2016 to 2024, leaving as Staff Captain in January 2024. Since then, he has served as Mate at Red Funnel Ferries in Southampton.

David was drawn to the PLA for its diverse port operations and the challenge of handling different vessels. He was also motivated by the trust port’s purpose-driven approach, which aligns with his values. After 23 years at sea, he is eager to settle down and spend more time with family while taking on a role that demands adaptability and quick thinking.

Carmelo Giannone – Sicily, Italy

Carmelo began his career with Costa Cruises in 2012, progressing from Cadet Officer to First Officer during his 11-year tenure. He then served as First Officer on Princess Cruises.

Passionate about ship handling, Carmelo is eager to apply his maritime experience in a new, challenging environment. He looks forward to manoeuvring different types of vessels and expanding his skill set on the River Thames.

Robert Hoyland – Sheffield, Yorkshire

Robert spent four years as a Navigation Officer on 90m general cargo vessels before serving as Chief Officer on the same vessels for over two years. In August 2024, he achieved his Master’s Unlimited license.

Robert has always viewed pilots as some of the most skilled and professional individuals in the maritime industry. With a passion for ship handling and close-quarters navigation, he is eager to develop his expertise on the River Thames and become an expert in its challenging waters.

Class 3 PLA Pilot David Barnett was recently overcarried to Rotterdam

So, the process is actually very straight forward, the Pilot Coordinator phoned me to allocate the job to me three hours before I needed to be on board.  The weather was not looking pretty, so they asked if I would mind being overcarried to Rotterdam as all the Pilot Stations were offline, meaning they were not serving ships.

The reason the ship could not be served at our Pilot Stations was the large seas and high winds and Dover, which is usually the backup option in difficult conditions, was also offline due to the dangerous prevailing conditions.

Knowing that this was near to Christmas and it being a feeder container ship, I can understand the commercial pressure on ships’ Masters, crews, and their agents and with this in mind I felt it was part of my job and saw no reason not to go. We, the pilot body, are very proud of our service rates, and it is rare that we cannot serve a ship.

To prepare for being overcarried you must pack lightly and most importantly, do not forget your passport! With regards to packing, you cannot use a big bag as you may be departing the ship in a pilot cutter from a different port with different resources. You just do not know how you are getting off, so the less luggage the better. You also have your SeaSafe coat (Pilots inflatable jacket) with you as well as your helmet, so again light packing just makes it an easier journey home.

So, the paramount items are underwear, toothbrush, some comfortable clothes, and my slippers. You definitely need a pair of slippers to see you through the time on board! Then get your phone out and start downloading shows on Netflix, as you know once you clear the phone coverage range, you're not going to have internet.

The other must-haves in the bag are a European adapter for your phone charger, as most ships are 2 pin plugs and of course, bring sweets, I needed them...

I was lucky that it was only a jaunt to Rotterdam, so once I cleared the London district, I remained on the ship’s bridge chatting with the captain and his team before handing over the ship to him. I then phoned my wife to let her know when I would have coverage again in the event she was trying to contact me.

At about 21:00 I was shown to a cabin, made my bunk up, had a shower and watched a movie on my phone before reading my book. You don’t really sleep that well when you’re on a ship that you're not familiar with and with the rolling of the ship (did I mention the weather was grim?) lots of stuff moves in the cabin, so you spend most of the night trying to stop stuff making noise.

At 07:00 Rotterdam time we took a Rotterdam Pilot, so of course I returned to the bridge to chat and see how other districts work. A gentleman of a Pilot boarded, and we chatted throughout, drank very strong espressos (about 4 I think) and once the ship was berthed in the Port, I went for some breakfast on board with the Captain and Crew.

At this stage you are tired but once off the ship I was escorted to immigration to have my passport checked and with that, I was on route to Rotterdam airport.

Rotterdam airport was nice and quick the only issue I had was the SeaSafe coat due to the regulations around compressed gas for traveling. So, once the supervisor had cleared this, I was on the plane and London bound.

Once back at base I was 23 hours away and 23 hours later, I was back on the Thames on another ship - normal service resumed.

I don't mind being overcarried sometimes, the job is what it is. I wouldn’t go as far to say “off on my holidays or anything”, but it is nice to see the other ports and it had been a few years since I was in Rotterdam port. It’s good to see things from a different port's perspective. Although, I think it would have been more enjoyable if it were summer, and the North Sea wasn’t in such a bad mood!

New Year’s Eve on the tidal Thames is one of the busiest and most spectacular nights of the year, with thousands gathering on vessels and along the shores of the river through central London to watch the world-famous fireworks. This year, there were about 90 vessels of varying sizes out to watch, with approximately 10,500 people choosing to ring in 2025 afloat on the Thames and another 75,000 watching from ashore as well as the global audience.

The event is a vibrant celebration with an exciting party atmosphere, but behind the scenes, months of meticulous planning ensure it is ultimately a safe night for all.

On the night, PLA staff manage traffic movements, and are responsible for enforcing the safety zone around the firework launch area. A PLA Harbour Service Launch is positioned on either side of the firework zone to enforce the closure and oversee the safe congregation of vessels. At around 11:45 PM, the PLA lead makes the final call on whether the fireworks can proceed safely from a river perspective. A lot of planning and organisation goes into making New Year's Eve a safe and spectacular night on the river – it’s the crucial months-long detailed planning that helps keep everything running smoothly on the night.  

David said: “I am privileged to work with very experienced and skilled PLA colleagues and river partners – the teamwork and cooperation between us all, and the bringing together of the experience and talent of so many dedicated professionals, is the real secret to a safe NYE on the river.”

The Port of London Authority is calling on communities in Wandsworth, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering to share their ideas and ambitions for the River Thames in their area.  

All responses will be used by the PLA to inform its Tidal Thames Masterplan, which seeks to increase the river’s use for communities, businesses and recreation, as well as enhance its natural environment.

The Tidal Thames Masterplan, once complete, aims to become an essential guide for investment across all the 22 local authority areas along the river’s banks. Aligned with the three core themes of the PLA’s Thames Vision 2050, Trading Thames, Destination Thames and Natural Thames, the consultation results will document the scope for maximising the economic, environmental and social potential of the river at a local level.

Mike Atkins, Senior Planner at the PLA, explained:  

“We’re keen to give local people a chance to voice their opinions to guide future investment decisions that relate to the river in their area. Therefore, we want to encourage people who live in Wandsworth, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering, to consider the Tidal Thames Masterplan and put forward their thoughts and ideas on what should be included. We will also be engaging with the Greater London Authority, the Environment Agency, landowners and river-based businesses.”

The London borough of Wandsworth includes several Safeguarded Wharves, which represent key opportunities for the increased use of the river for water-borne freight, taking lorries off roads and seeing goods moved by river. It also includes the iconic Battersea Power Station, where there is potential for the increased use of the river bus service, as well as sustainability enhancements at the pier. Putney Embankment, which forms a key part of Wandsworth's heritage with regard to river sports and general recreational use of the river, and hosts various internationally important events and activities, will continue to be protected and promoted for river related recreational opportunities. Many other existing piers and structures in the area also have the capability for sustainability enhancements (such as electric charging or other green technologies).

With Barking and Dagenham’s large-scale riverside development at Barking Riverside, there are many opportunities for increased recreational facilities, as well as improved riverside paths and biodiversity enhancements. The borough also comprises a number of Safeguarded Wharves, which, with future investment and support could facilitate the growth of river freight.  

East of Barking & Dagenham lies Havering, which similarly has opportunities for both river-related freight and marine logistics, particularly around Frog Island and Coldharbour Jetty. As one of London’s greenest boroughs, with more than half of the borough designated as Metropolitan Green Belt, there are also opportunities for potential ecological enhancements in various locations, including at Rainham Marshes.

Running until 11 February 2025, the consultation for the Tidal Thames Masterplan in each of the boroughs of Wandsworth, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering, will be open for a period of eight weeks.

Comments on the draft plan can be made via the masterplan website, or sent to: [email protected]