OUR AMBITION: NET ZERO RIVER

Operators along the Thames have set different targets for achieving Net Zero based on their own operational realities. This is driven by their land-side emissions, river-based emissions (primarily vessel activities) and wider Scope 3 considerations.

The PLA are committed to pushing for faster decarbonisation of river-based emission sources – primarily from vessel movements. 

While the PLA is not directly responsible for these emissions, we know that reducing them is a crucial step in creating a Net Zero river. 

We want to work with operators along the river community to achieve Net Zero for river emissions by sooner than government targets. That is because we know that the future of trade and transportation on the river requires swift action to be on track to meet the UK and international targets for 2050. 

And we know that this is the decade to act. At least 5% of global shipping will need to use zero-emissions fuel by 2030 to achieve this.

As pressure from consumers, governments and customers increases, the need to demonstrate progress towards decarbonisation will intensify across the maritime sectors. Achieving Net Zero, in river-based emissions sources, will put the Thames and London at a competitive advantage – securing our future as a green destination for trade and leisure. 

Through the Port of London Act 1968 (as amended), the Port of London Authority (PLA) has the primary responsibility of maintaining safe access and managing and supporting the safety of navigation for all river users on the Tidal Thames.

Additionally, the PLA is committed to complying fully with the standards laid down in the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC) and the management of navigation shall be in accordance with those standards. The Board of the PLA, as the Duty Holder, are collectively and individually accountable for the management of marine safety under the Code. 

To this end, navigational safety will be managed according to the following objectives: 

• Safety Management System - Maintain an effective marine Safety Management System (SMS) and Regulatory Framework, which meets the requirements of the PMSC and the Port’s legal responsibilities, based on formal assessment and mitigation of risk, ensuring this is monitored, reviewed and audited. Publish a Marine Safety Plan every 3 years and report performance against the plan annually.
• Pilotage - Ensure that the operation of the Pilotage Service and PEC system is compliant with the Pilotage Act 1987, national regulations, guidelines and competency standards to provide a safe, effective and efficient pilotage service
• Vessel Traffic Service - Operate the London Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) to IMO, IALA and national standards to manage the safety and efficiency of navigation.
• Hydrography - Undertake such hydrographic surveys as are necessary for safe and efficient navigation within port limits through a managed survey programme of the bed of the Thames and to provide this information to river users. 
• Vessel Licensing - Verify the fitness for purpose of all PLA licensed inland waterways commercial vessels by inspection, ensure effective supporting operational safety management systems and where appropriate, define and enforce minimum crew competencies. 
• Management of River Activities and Works - Ensure, through an appropriate level of risk assessment that the approval of river activities and river works takes due regard of the safety of navigation.
• Emergency Preparedness and Response - Ensure that appropriately detailed emergency plans are prepared in conjunction with other relevant authorities, and that such plans are published and periodically exercised. Appropriate training to be provided where required.
• Incident Investigation and Enforcement - Develop and maintain effective investigation and enforcement procedures that comply with national requirements and best practice, identifying, promulgating and making good use of any ‘lessons identified’. Effectively promulgate, apply and enforce byelaws, directions and procedures, responding to breaches or criminal offences, and where necessary initiating a prosecution, whilst observing the Code for Crown Prosecutors. 
• Consultation - Consult as early as is practicable, and encourage comment and contribution from, users, stakeholders and beneficiaries, for assessment of risk, when changes to PLA legislation, policy and navigational markings are being considered, and to publish the feedback. 
• Marine Training - Ensure that all marine personnel are competent to perform the duties allocated to them through the adoption of the levels of knowledge and skill associated with relevant international, national and local standards and that revalidation and maintenance of qualifications is undertaken.
• Environment - Comply with the PLA’s responsibilities to the natural, human and built environment and ensure procedures and measures are in place to minimise environmental impacts arising from its activities in line with the PLA’s Environmental Policy.

This policy was approved by the PLA Executive Committee in January 2024.

Robin Mortimer
Chief Executive

The Net Zero River Plan identifies four priority themes to accelerate the move to Net Zero: alternative fuels and infrastructure adoption; clear regulation and legislation, funding, and reliable data.

These themes inform four robust commitments and a clear plan of action to support Thames operators transitioning towards and adopting sustainable alternative fuels and green technology:

1. Supporting the transition to alternative fuels and green technology, including through a strategic infrastructure plan for the Thames for shore power, and the importation, storage and bunkering of alternative fuels.
2. Working with regulators to promote the safe adoption of alternative fuels and green technology, with a 2024 review of the approval process for green technology use.
3. Unlocking funding and financing for alternative fuels and green technology, which will include a “Centre of Excellence for Green Projects” for Thames operators to capitalise on future government funding cycles.
   Enabling the use of data for decision-making and collaboration, with access provided to the Maritime Emission Portal data for operators on the Thames.
4. Significant progress is already being made towards Net Zero, with onsite renewable energy generation at terminals, use of the river for light freight deliveries, construction of fully electric berths, the introduction of hybrid passenger vessels, and a fully electric work boat delivered and licensed for use.

Grace Rawnsley, Director of Sustainability at the Port of London Authority, said: “We’re working with operators from the length of the tidal Thames as we know that taking rapid action to reduce emissions is vital both to addressing climate change and to ensure a competitive future for trade and transportation. All of the terminal and vessel operators involved, as well as other supporting stakeholders, are showing great commitment to Net Zero and a sustainable future for our river.”

Olly Brown, Development Director at Brett Group, said: “We are proud to be a coalition partner with the PLA and support their vision towards Net Zero. As a business we’ve been investing in developing wharves along the Thames for over 20 years - to deliver building materials in a more sustainable way into the heart of London."

Laurence Dagley, Business Development Director at Cemex, said: “Close collaboration between industry, port operators and government is essential if we are to collectively deliver upon our Net Zero commitments, in particular to deliver a regulatory framework that supports innovation and investment. We applaud the PLA for their leadership and look forward to working with the coalition in delivering this ambitious but necessary plan for the Thames.”

Susannah Wilks, Cross River Partnership Director, said: “Cross River Partnership is committed to continuing to facilitate productive partnerships between river and land-based agencies that enable a scaling up of clean river freight into central London, with zero emission e-cargo bikes for onward deliveries.”

Kate Willard, Thames Estuary Envoy and Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, said: “Clean, green growth in the Thames Estuary means a Net Zero river and we’re delighted to be working with the PLA to deliver it. Electric and hydrogen-powered ferries and new, clean, green opportunities for freight will transport people to places and goods to market cutting carbon, building business and connecting communities. With innovative new approaches to green investment in the Thames Estuary together we can make this happen.”

Miles Cole, Managing Director of Net Zero Marine, said: “Net Zero Marine Services (NZMS) is delighted to be part of the Net Zero coalition and support the PLA’s Thames Vision 2050. At NZMS we are developing shore power stations that will future proof clean and sustainable marine transport on the Thames Estuary.”

Martin Whiteley, Chief Executive Officer for Thames Freeport, said: "The Thames Freeport is committed to delivering sustainable growth on the Thames, unleashing London's greatest opportunity in a generation to decarbonise and grow industries in the region. We welcome and support the ambitions of the Port of London Authority and partners of the Net Zero Coalition which will position the River Thames at the heart of the net zero transition, enabling sustainable supply chains, generating new, green job opportunities for future generations, reducing the environmental impact of transport on communities and bringing innovative industries to our region."