After more than 40 years working on the Thames, Peter is preparing for a well-earned retirement, and it’s hard to overstate the impact he’s had on the Port of Tilbury in that time.  

He joined Forth Ports in 1998, already a seasoned operator, just as a new bulk terminal was being built. Since then, Peter has helped shape Tilbury into what it is today: a dynamic, expanding gateway, known not only for the largest grain terminal in the UK, but also for its international cruise terminal, ever-growing bulk and storage facilities and ‘waste to energy’ power station.  

From his early days in operations to leading asset management and, most recently, serving eight years as Commercial Director, Peter has been at the heart of the port’s transformation. His proudest career moment? Leading the creation of Tilbury2; overseeing land acquisition, planning, and delivery of one of the UK’s most significant port developments in recent years. While paving the way for the next major port development, Tilbury3.

Peter credits early mentors like Mike Cooper, Grain Terminal Manager, and former CEO Charles Hammond OBE, and he has always believed in continuous learning; earning an MBA to support his strategic role. He’s also a strong advocate for skills development and greater diversity across the industry.  

As he looks forward to retirement, Peter reflects on a very different Tilbury from the one he joined in the 1980s. Once neglected, now thriving thanks to nearly a billion pounds of investment over the past 25 years.  

Peter’s contribution to that story has been immense. We thank him for his commitment, leadership, and vision, and wish him and his wife many exciting adventures ahead, from Zanzibar to Thailand, and everywhere in between.  

Congratulations, Peter!

This Father's Day, we're celebrating father and daughter, Graham Negus and Emma Brown. Graham worked for the PLA for 45 years, and Emma is a VTS Officer.

We spoke with Emma about both her and her dad's careers at the PLA:

How long have you worked at the PLA?
I started in 2005, so it will be 20 years in November!

How long did your dad work at the PLA?
My dad worked at the PLA for 45 years before retiring in 2019. He started as a PLA Salvage Diver on salvage craft before becoming Chief Diver in a mobile team covering the whole river. He then moved into VTS where he stayed for 31 years.

Tell us about your career path.
I started dinghy sailing as a child, and I used to go on sailing holidays with my family. My dad eventually bought a yacht when I was a teenager, which he kept in Holland. In 2005 I joined the PLA as Shipping Coordinator before completing the RYA Day skipper practical and theory, as well as RYA yacht masters. I then progressed into the VTS team after doing my nautical knowledge and VTS training.

What do you remember about your dad’s job when you were growing up?
Only that he worked all the time and used to work a lot of unsociable hours. He also used to moan if I woke him up in the day after a night shift! I visited the ops room when I was little and use to enjoy looking at the screens while dad would tell me about the ships he was looking at.

How long did you work alongside your dad in VTS?
Including the time I was Shipping Coordinator, my dad and I worked in the ops room for 14 years together, 10 of these were in VTS. We were on different watches; however, we did get to do some overtime shifts together which I always enjoyed.

How did your dad help you to succeed as a VTSO?
He helped with my knowledge of the river before starting the job and always had an answer if I needed anything. He knew the river so well. Most importantly, he made a better cup of tea than anyone else!

What’s the best part of the job?
There is no typical day/night, every shift is different.

We are delighted to share that we have been named as a finalist in two categories at the Maritime UK Awards 2025.

• Employer of the Year Award
• Rising Star Award for Emily McLean (Senior Technical Advisor)

Being named a finalist for Employer of the Year not only honours the progress we’ve made, but it also inspires us to continue raising the bar, supporting our strategic goals and the people who make them possible.

It is an honour to have our people focused values and exceptional employees recognised by the wider maritime industry. It is an affirmation of what we know - that we are dedicated to supporting and developing our people and that when our people make the most of opportunities in front of them, they thrive.

Congratulations also to Emily McLean. This nomination is external validation of what we in the PLA already know, that she is a rising star whose career is going from strength-to-strength. The hard work and energy Emily puts into her role is incredible, and we are proud to see this recognised.

Emily said: "I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. Even being nominated means a great deal to me. Having work related to the environment receive the recognition it deserves is crucial for driving progress in the maritime industry. 

"I would also like to thank all my colleagues in Environment and Sustainability, I couldn’t have achieved what I have without your support."

We look forward to 26 June to celebrate the achievements of the Maritime Industry in Dover with colleagues from across the industry.

Today, Sunday 18 May, is the International Day for Women in Maritime 2025.

Hear PLA colleagues reflect on what it’s like to be a woman in the Maritime Industry.

We’re delighted to welcome Lloyd, John and Alfie to the Port of London Authority as they begin their journey as trainee marine pilots. Each brings with them a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to maritime safety, and a shared passion for ship handling and navigation. The Thames is one of the most dynamic and challenging pilotage environments in the world, and we’re confident they will rise to the occasion.

Lloyd Mason

Originally from Dover, Lloyd Mason began his maritime career as a cadet with P&O Ferries, working on routes between Dover–Calais and Hull–Rotterdam. He spent four years as a Second Mate in Dover before moving to New Zealand, where he worked for eight years as Second Mate and two years as Chief Officer with Interislander. He also served as Mate for two months with the Shetland Islands ferries. 

Lloyd has aspired to be a pilot since his cadetship. His decision to return to the UK was driven by a desire to be closer to family and spend more time with his children. He is particularly excited about the ship handling aspects of the role. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking and hiking. 

John Cassidy

Originally from Liverpool, John Cassidy has over 15 years of experience in the marine industry. He has worked on a wide range of vessels including container ships, tankers, and most recently, tugs. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong and varied skill set, with becoming a PLA trainee pilot marking a proud milestone. 

John sees pilotage as the pinnacle of a seafaring career—one that offers both challenge and immense job satisfaction. He is particularly excited about being a key part of the bridge team, working on a variety of vessels, and mastering ship handling on the Thames. Outside of work, John enjoys hiking, climbing, golf, reading, and travelling. 

Alfie Gude

Originally from Grimsby, Alfie Gude has spent over 14 years in the maritime industry, working on a broad range of vessel types including ROPAX ferries, harbour tugs, tankers, dry bulk carriers, and RORO vessels across Australia and internationally. He has held roles from cadet through to Chief Officer and Relief Master, with particular strengths in ship handling, crisis management, and safety leadership. 

Alfie has also worked as a maritime safety consultant for major clients including BHP, Rio Tinto, and the Australian Antarctic Division. Drawn to the unique challenges of the Thames, he sees pilotage with the PLA as a professional milestone. He is excited to join a world-class team and continue developing his skills in one of the most demanding pilotage environments. Outside of work, Alfie enjoys rugby, road cycling, clay target shooting, and spending time outdoors with his wife and children. 

Improving Data

We know that our performance is only as good as the data that underpins it.

That is why we are committed to improving our emissions data across all our scopes. 

As part of our review, we assessed all our data sources against criteria of accuracy and quality. For example, all our data sources for our Scope 1&2 emissions have been rated as high or medium accuracy and quality – giving us a high level of confidence in our Scope 1&2 footprint. 

We have a lower level of confidence over our Scope 3 data. 

This is consistent with the wider industry trends as Scope 3 is third party data or estimates based on proxies. Our key areas of focus for data improvements are:

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