Life-threatening emergencies on the river:
Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
For near miss, safety observations and incident reporting click below
A clean river, free of pollution and rubbish, supporting more sport, passengers and freight. A resilient Thames Estuary, adapting to climate change and richer in wildlife. A more diverse Thames, providing jobs, learning and enjoyment to the whole community, and always, everyone, staying safe.
As a Trust Port, we hold the river in trust, working to hand it on in a better condition to future generations.
This approach is at the heart of the Thames Vision. A not-for-dividend organisation, we retain any financial surplus generated, and are consequently uniquely placed to make targeted, strategic investments to support delivery of the Vision.
Alongside improving the river, our principal responsibility is enabling people to use the tidal Thames safely. We engage actively and openly with stakeholders through a range of forums, throughout the year.
Thames Vision is built around three interconnected themes, centred on the role the river plays for people and the environment.
The No. 1 Net Zero UK commercial hub
The country’s largest and most competitive port, closest to the UK’s biggest market, producing Net Zero emissions. Improved connectivity to road and rail infrastructure. Technologically innovative, expanding the transportation of light freight into central London as urban logistics transform.
A place to live, visit, play and enjoy
Accessible to all, a national and international icon for the city and the country. More visitors, drawn to the river as the best way to enjoy London and the Thames Estuary, and its many cultural attractions. More people from diverse backgrounds enjoying sport and leisure opportunities on the Thames.
Clear air, water and land
A clean river, free of sewage, waste and other pollution, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use. Valued for its clean air, natural flood defence, wildlife and as a carbon sink.
The next 25 to 30 years will see substantial change across the economy and society as we transition to a Net Zero society, and deal with the effects of climate change, alongside other opportunities and challenges. With stakeholders, we have agreed five cross cutting priorities for action.
The essential Thames foundation
Transforming the Thames economy
Robust systems, infrastructure and habitats
Improving all aspects of performance
An inclusive river, accessible to all
Between now and 2030, working with partners, we will complete the following actions, to progress towards Thames Vision 2050.
Thames Net Zero Coalition formed and a collective action plan to radically reduce emissions on the Thames published.
Thames Estuary 2100 plan updated by end of 2024, alongside a plan for a resilient network of high-quality protected habitats.
River masterplan rollout ongoing.
Route map to a zero sewage, zero rubbish, zero plastic Thames published by mid-2024 and Tideway Tunnel operational in 2025.
New Marine centre developed and operational by 2025.
Busier river, served by London's first boatyard in a century, fully operational by 2026.
Active Thames programme leveraging some £500,000 over five years to support greater sports participation by 2027.
Up to 1,000 people undertaking Thames Continuous Professional Development by 2027.
Three safeguarded wharves reactivated, and light freight operations promoted by 2030.
Better connected region, with Lower Thames Crossing completed by 2030.
Follow along as we and partners deliver on the Thames Vision 2050.
Further work by water companies to tackle sewage pollution of the tidal Thames is to be fast-tracked in a new collaboration, convened by the Port of London Authority.
Our 2050 Vision is of a clean river, free of sewage, waste and other pollution, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use.
As part of the Thames Vision, we made a commitment to convene a Thames Net Zero Coalition to produce an action plan to reduce emissions on the Thames.
Working with stakeholders from across the Thames community, we can maximise opportunities, nurture the environment and engage with the residents of the Thames Estuary region. Creative collaboration is at the heart of the Thames Vision: By pooling resources, expertise and perspectives, businesses, riparian authorities and diverse communities can drive innovation and implement effective solutions for economic growth, environmental preservation and social inclusion.
As part of our 2050 Vision, we launched the Thames Green Scheme to encourage and support fleet operators as they transition to environmentally friendly fleets.
A ground-breaking three-year, £2.1 million development programme -- looking at the scope to establish a national hydrogen highway network as part of the Thames Vision.
See our Action Plan for accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals
Thames Vision 2050 is a shared goal of how the Thames can be a greater resource for local communities and better serve the nation as a global maritime centre.
Our partners collaborating in delivering the Vision include: Government, the Greater London Authority, port and river businesses, local authorities, the Thames Estuary Growth Board, customers, river users, local community groups, voluntary sector organisations and fellow regulators.
Poet Laurie Bolger worked with young people linked to the river to create a poem celebrating the Thames’ past, present and future.