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Port of London Authority Charges 2024
This publication comes into effect on the 1 January 2024 and applies until replaced. It states the published rates and charges for services provided by the Port of London Authority.
Introduction
This publication entitled “Port of London Authority Charges 2024” comes into effect on the 1st January 2024 and applies until replaced. It states the published rates and charges for services provided by the Port of London Authority.
It replaces the charges in the publication “Charges 2023” which will, on and after 1st January 2024, cease to have effect.
The regulations governing the charging and collection of dues are set out in “Port of London Authority Charges Terms and Conditions 2024” (“the Regulations”). These Regulations determine the basis upon which the Port of London Authority’s (PLA) facilities and moorings may be used. The Regulations also set out the circumstances under which payments are due to the PLA and establishes liability for those payments.
Port of London Authority Charges Terms and Conditions 2024
The regulations that determine the basis upon which the Port of London Authority’s facilities and moorings may be used
Report recommends three electric ferry crossing options for East London
A new study has identified a shortlist of three potential routes for a “turn-up-and go”, electric, cycling-and-walking-friendly ferry service, spanning the Thames in east London, that could be delivered by 2026.
Key Information
- Study is part of an action plan to deliver our Thames Vision
- Commissioned in partnership with the Thames Estuary Growth Board (TEGB)
- The suggested routes server some of London's most under-resourced areas
The Port of London Authority (PLA) commissioned the study in partnership with the TEGB as part of an action plan to deliver the Thames Vision 2050, which aims to maximise the economic, social and environmental potential of the tidal river between Teddington in west London and the North Sea.
“We hope that the London Mayoral and Assembly candidates will recognise the river’s huge potential to support connectivity, reduce emissions and improve quality of life for Londoners by progressing these concepts.”
The suggested routes, all serving some of London’s most under-resourced areas, are:
- North Greenwich – Isle of Dogs
- Royal Docks – Charlton
- Barking Riverside – Thamesmead
All are located close to major development areas in the capital, where North-South transport connectivity is currently severely lacking. They would also support the Mayor of London’s goal for 80% of all trips in the capital to be on foot, cycle or by using public transport by 2041.
Based on 2021 figures, the report estimates that each of the southern piers for the electric ferry routes are within a 15-minute cycle ride for over 107,000 people, providing them with quick and easy access to job and education opportunities on the other side of the river. This is expected to increase by 34% by 2035.
With a lifespan of 30 years, the investment required for each ferry option – estimated to be between £120 million and £132 million – would be around a third of the cost of a bridge capable of carrying a comparable number of people over the river. They could also be operational in a fraction of the time. In 2019, the price tag for a proposed bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf topped an estimated £460 million.
Robin Mortimer, PLA Chief Executive, said:
“The Thames has shaped London’s history for centuries and is key to its net zero future too.
“Based upon the experience of Auckland and Amsterdam, this report shows that the river can help create an affordable, low-carbon way of tackling transport inequity in east London.
“Using electric ferry crossings, the capital can deliver strong, sustainable, connected communities in the fastest-growing parts of the city.
“We hope that the London Mayoral and Assembly candidates will recognise the river’s huge potential to support connectivity, reduce emissions and improve quality of life for Londoners by progressing these concepts.”
Kate Willard OBE, Thames Estuary Envoy and Chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, said:
“New and improved river crossings are essential in delivering the huge opportunities for growth in the Thames Estuary, linking new investment, jobs and communities. The river is too often seen as a barrier and we must overcome this.
“We already see a resurgence in travel along the Thames; it’s essential we also have more options to cross it. New opportunities for growth in the Thames Estuary must be accessible to all – a business on the north of the river must be able to employ people from the south and on the south from the north.
“As we drive towards net zero, electric ferry crossings can be an increasing part of the solution for business, employment and leisure, bringing communities together across the great River Thames.”
The report has been welcomed by politicians in the capital from across the political spectrum and is supported by the London Cycling Campaign and Footways.
Read the full report: The case for new zero-emission ferry crossings
The suggested routes all serve some of London's most under-resourced areas.
Support for study showing three options for zero-emission Thames crossings in east London, December 2023
Elly Baker, Labour London Assembly Spokesperson for Transport: “The River Thames provides great options for getting around London but there is so much more it can offer. I’m pleased to see work being done on exploring more ways to use the opportunities it provides – especially if those options reduce our carbon emissions. Boosting connectivity in the east of our city will support Londoners going about their working lives, as well as connecting families and communities. This is just the sort of project a fairly funded TfL would be able to support.”
Siân Berry, Green London Assembly Member: “Thousands of east Londoners deserve a safer, quicker, and cleaner way to get around their city. I am proud to support many zero-emission transport proposals, including today’s study outlining how a cross-river ferry would serve some of our most deprived neighbours. Londoners need these kinds of creative solutions to let them cross the river by rail, walking and cycling. As a Green Assembly member, I will continue to explore more ways to make the Thames better serve all Londoners.”
Rob Blackie, Liberal Democrat Mayoral Candidate: “The routes proposed under this plan would go a long way to providing green transport options in an area of London where there are currently limited options. The east of London is set for major redevelopment over the coming years and by backing these proposals we can ensure there is the improved infrastructure in place to make sure this growth is a success and to ensure we are promoting vibrant and interconnected neighbourhoods. These plans have the full backing of the London Liberal Democrats.”
Emma Griffin, co-founder Footways: “We’re really pleased to read proposals for new river crossings and hope all three can be delivered as soon as possible. They will be vital for creating a connected, healthy, low-carbon transport network and reducing severance in these fast-growing areas. We also look forward to working on plans to ensure the ferry crossings connect with wider walking networks.”
Simon Munk, Head of Campaigns at the London Cycling Campaign: "London has a real shortage of river crossings that work well for walking, cycling and wheeling. This is particularly noticeable east of London Bridge. Electric, roll-on, roll-off ferries can be part of the solution to this issue and these three proposed routes could enable vital cross-river sustainable connectivity to shops, workplaces and leisure facilities for communities in rapidly developing areas of London on both sides of the Thames, without adding more motor vehicles to London’s straining roads network.”
Caroline Pidgeon MBE, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member & Transport Spokesperson: “There is a desperate need to increase cross-river transport options in the east of London. All three of the ferry routes outlined in this report have the potential to contribute greatly to developing some of London’s most deprived communities at a low cost and I would urge all stakeholders to unite in favour of supporting the proposals.”
Safety must be priority for coaches and club leaders
Important Reminder for All Coaches and Club Leaders: Safety must always come first, especially in winter weather and cold water conditions.
Key Information
- Coaches must understand the limits of their crew
- The safety and well-being of everyone on board should always be the priority
- If you get into any difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
For coaches and club leaders, the responsibility is even greater. Conducting a dynamic risk assessment before and during each session is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity. This involves evaluating factors including weather, water conditions, visibility, and the skill, health, and experience of the crew. Preparation is key, so have a thorough passage plan in place and ensure you have a reliable means of calling for help in a waterproof pouch, and on your person, at all times.
"The best coaches adapt quickly to suit their participants and environment, and will cancel a session when needed. The tideway can be unforgiving and leaves very little room for error- if in doubt, don’t go out."
Assistant Harbour Master Michael Spice advises clubs and leaders "Whilst we all want to make the most of the Thames when the weather allows, it is key that all crews and coaches are pragmatic when considering going afloat. Know your crews limitations and take the time to assess the overall conditions before heading onto the water."
Coaches must understand the limits of their crew. The safety and well-being of everyone on board should always be the priority. If you get into any difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
PLA Sports Manager and rowing coach Jenny Cooper-Low said: “The best coaches adapt quickly to suit their participants and environment, and will cancel a session when needed. The tideway can be unforgiving and leaves very little room for error- if in doubt, don’t go out.”
Christmas reflections
Rev Sophia Acland
After nearly a decade, this will be Rev Sophia Acland’s last Christmas at All Hallows by the Tower in central London, prompting her to reflect on the church’s close links with the river.
“I shall be very sad to leave All Hallows in January, after more than nine years.
“During my time here as Associate Vicar, I have much enjoyed my contacts with river and maritime organisations, not least the PLA.
“My husband, now retired, is doing various voluntary things in Gloucestershire.
“It seems the right time for us to leave London and for me to concentrate on my other church job, up near the source of the river.
“It will be a big wrench.”
Yuletide schedule
“I will be spending Christmas in Yorkshire, near another great waterway, the River Ribble, where I grew up, with my extended family.
“I will be taking a service on Christmas Day, but after that will have time off to relax, which will be lovely after a very busy December in London.
“But I will be back in London for the New Year’s Eve fireworks.”
The spirit of Christmas
“What I most enjoy about Christmas is the feeling of people coming together.
“It’s a wonderful time to connect with people from the local community around All Hallows.
“Many of them have river or seafaring connections, such as the Company of Watermen & Lightermen, and those working in shipping law and insurance.
“We also welcome visitors from far and wide, staying in the many local hotels over the festive period, as well as our regular congregation.
“It’s a lovely time of year. The church is full of music and candlelight.
“I particularly enjoy chatting after services, renewing connections with all sorts of people.”
Commercial break
“I think it’s a pity if people feel under pressure to spend a lot of money at this time of year.
“But I think most of us are aware that there is more to Christmas than this.
“Even the ads for the big supermarkets and shops on TV now emphasise the more important things in life, like kindness, looking out for the lonely and being inclusive and welcoming.”
In tune with modern values
“Many people nowadays would say they do not belong to any particular faith, but I feel Christmas is as relevant as ever.
“Its messages include values we can all share.
“With our news media full of the horrors of war and violence, Christmas speaks to us of light shining in the darkness and not being overcome – of hope and better things ahead.
“At a time when we see so many refugees and asylum seekers making dangerous journeys to seek safety or find a better life, Christmas tells the story of a baby born far from home.”
2023 highlight
“A stand-out moment for me of the last 12 months was blessing UCL Tamesis for the PLA in June, the UK’s fully-electric port survey vessel.
“I felt honoured to have a go at steering the vessel using a mobile app.
“It is a wonderful piece of equipment which will help research in coastal morphology, carbon reduction, and habitat mapping, and enable safe navigation in previously inaccessible areas.”
Hopes for a greener 2024
“I am an Area Lead for the Church of England in London, working with churches in the City and Westminster to cut carbon emissions.
“My prayer for 2024 is that London be a leader in showing what can be done to combat climate change.
“As a Christian, I believe we have a duty to steward the beautiful planet God has made, and protect those most affected in the developing world, who have done least to cause the climate emergency.”
A focus for remembrance
“All Hallows has many historical links to both the Thames and the sea.
“It’s situated next to the original Pool of London, near the Merchant Navy memorials in Trinity Square Gardens.
“We hold services from time to time commemorating the loss of merchant navy shipping and celebrating the contribution of river workers.
“Recently, the Thames Memorial was installed in the church as a focal point for those who have sadly lost loved ones in the river.
“The unveiling ceremony, led by our Vicar Katherine Hedderly and attended by many members of the river community was beautiful.
“The church also houses the National Maritime Memorial Book.
“We hold an annual service, attended by the families of the bereaved, when new names are added.”
A community hub
“All Hallows’ parish covers both the City of London and Tower Hamlets.
“We try to build links between the two.
“For instance, we held an employability project in our Porch Room, run by the First Love Foundation, who are based in Tower Hamlets.
“This aimed to help former foodbank clients back into work, with input from local City businesses.
“We also hold a twice-yearly education project, which welcomes many primary school children from Tower Hamlets and beyond.
“Earlier this year, we hosted an art exhibition by a local artists’ community in Wapping.
“We are also the official church of the London Marathon, providing a welcome and refreshments to spectators – another highlight of our year each spring.”
A mixed congregation
“For our weekday services, attendees are mainly City workers, or visitors staying in local hotels.
“Our Taize service on Wednesday evenings is very international, attracting people from all over the world while they are in town.
“We sing in about seven languages. Some more successfully than others!
“At weekends, the congregation comes from people living near or in the parish, but also all sorts of people from further away, who have formed a connection with All Hallows over the years.”
Spiritual vocation
“I have always been a churchgoer, but never expected to end up ordained.
“I got drawn into the church more, because I play the organ (rather badly!) and I began to feel called to do more.
“I wanted to try and communicate the Christian message of hope and share God’s love with others.”
Quick fire:
- The Thames in three words? History. Trade. Beauty.
- First memory of the Thames? Beautiful riverside walks near Goring, visiting cousins as a child.
- Favourite season on the river? Summer. Not least because of the annual Beating of the Bounds ceremony, with local children and the Doggett’s men in their splendid scarlet uniforms.
Bexley kickstarts Tidal Thames Masterplan
Bexley is the first subject of a borough-by-borough analysis by the Port of London Authority (PLA), highlighting strategic opportunities to increase use of the tidal Thames for communities, businesses and recreation, and enhance its natural environment.
Key Information
- First of 22 local councils for the borough-by-borough analysis highlighting strategic opportunities
- Supports our delivery of the Thames Vision 2050
- Plan follows a six-week public consultation it launched in July 2023
Supporting the PLA’s delivery of the Thames Vision 2050, the Tidal Thames Masterplan will detail the potential to boost trade, travel, sport and the environment along the 95-mile course of the river, between Teddington in west London and the North Sea.
“As we expand the process to other boroughs, the Tidal Thames Masterplan, will become an essential guide for investment across all the 22 local authority areas along the river’s banks.”
Following a six-week public consultation it launched in July 2023, the PLA has today (6 December) unveiled the first instalment of the Tidal Thames Masterplan, covering the outer-London borough of Bexley.
Among the opportunities identified is the introduction of Bexley's first River Bus station, connecting the borough with central London.
Spanning the Thames-side towns of Belvedere, Erith and Slade Green, the borough’s large river front includes seven safeguarded wharves, used for the annual transportation of around two million tonnes of cargo on the river. This is a number set to be increased through the re-activation of vacant and under-used wharves such as Standard Wharf, Erith, which recently received planning permission to restart the transportation of construction materials and other cargos.
Housing growth in the borough is set to increase Bexley’s population from 246,500 in 2021 to approximately 267,800 by 2041. At least 10,800 jobs are also expected to be created locally over this period. If adequate infrastructure is provided, the Bexley Growth Strategy (2017) indicates that a further 10,000 homes and 6,700 jobs could be added by 2050.
Key areas of focus identified in the PLA's first Masterplan are:
- Maximising use of the borough’s safeguarded wharves, including at Middleton Jetty in Belvedere, which forms part of Cory’s Decarbonisation Project.
- Erith Town Centre, home to the longest pier in greater London, which has the potential to become the borough’s first river bus station.
- Promotion of existing riverside sporting facilities, such as Erith Yacht Club and Erith Rowing Club.
- Highlighting the importance of the Tidal Thames and its local tributaries and other water courses, such as the River Darent and Dartford Creek, along with Erith & Crayford Marshes, which all provide valuable habitats for wildlife.
The potential for environmental improvements, such as living walls, litter reduction and saltmarsh restoration is outlined in the Masterplan too. Such initiatives are potential beneficiaries of the Biodiversity Net Gain scheme, to be introduced by the Environment Bill 2021 which comes into force next year. This requires developers to boost the local environment when planning construction works.
Investment to tackle the risk of flooding in the borough, associated with rising sea levels, is also highlighted. The Environment Agency’s Thames Estuary 2100 plan sets out how organisations and communities can work together to manage this.
James Trimmer, PLA Planning & Development Director, explained:
“Aligned with the Thames Vision’s three central themes – Trading Thames, Destination Thames and Natural Thames – we’ve collated the feedback we received during the Bexley consultation to document the scope for maximising the economic, environmental and social potential of the river locally.
“As we expand the process to other boroughs, the Tidal Thames Masterplan, will become an essential guide for investment across all the 22 local authority areas along the river’s banks.”
The Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley, said:
“The publication of the draft Tidal Thames Masterplan is a really positive and welcome contribution to how we look at the future improvement and management of the Thames in our borough.
“We know the value of the waterfront and how much more could be done to utilise this important riverbank asset.
“The option of Bexley’s first River Bus station and the potential use of the existing facilities is brilliant news for the borough.”
Richard Wilkinson, who is leading Cory’s development of a second energy-from-waste plant at Belvedere, said:
“For a river-based business such as Cory, the Tidal Thames Masterplan for Bexley is an incredibly useful resource, with lots of relevant information and signposting.
“As the Tidal Thames Masterplan is developed, it has great potential to demonstrate the strength and breadth of the tidal River Thames, how it is used now and opportunities for the future.
“We are particularly interested in how the masterplan will build on the current data to show river connections between sites and show how river access points, including safeguarded wharves, relate to the strategic road and rail network, particularly where there are likely to be opportunities to develop intermodal freight transfers.”
Later this month, the PLA is due to launch an eight-week public consultation to inform its further development of the Tidal Thames Masterplan, covering the boroughs of Newham and Tower Hamlets in East London.
Port of London Authority
A place of welcome - all year round
Julie Hobby
Christmas is a special – but busy - time of year for Julie Hobby, the manager of the QVSR London Tilbury Seafarers Centre. Established over 175 years ago as the Seamen’s Mission of the Methodist Church, the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest has a long history of serving those in need, both on land and at sea.
A season for reflection
“Christmas for me is a mixture of being busy working but, at the same time, ensuring I enjoy time with family and friends.
“My shift pattern means I will be working over the holiday season this year.
“However, I will get to have Christmas dinner with my family.
“As a Christian, Christmas is important, as we celebrate the birth of Christ.
“But I do love the lights, decorations too.”
Religious roots
“I joined QVSR in 2017.
“It was founded in 1843, in Poplar, by a Methodist minister, who would take newly arrived seafarers to church and give them food and accommodation.
“For some it could take days to get a new contract. With no safe space, they were often scammed out of money.
“I knew a bit about ‘the Mission’, as everyone local called it, but did not realise the importance of the centre, until I became part of the team.
“Our motto is ‘Seafarers first.’
“We work with the chaplains to provide a cohesive service to the seafarers.
“Leading a team of three, I am responsible for the centre’s day to day smooth-running.
“This involves everything from book-keeping, to driving the shuttle bus to local ports and jetties.”
A time for giving
“We rely on the regular help of over 40 volunteers, peaking in the run up to Christmas, when we begin preparing parcels to bring a bit of cheer for seafarers in port, and away from their loved ones over the festive period.
“This year, we have wrapped over 3,000 presents.
“The preparations start in January, when I get cards and wrapping paper in the sales.
“Through the year, I have volunteers writing cards and cutting Christmas paper to size.
“In August, I start to work out what I need, and then go out to groups, churches and companies for donations.
“It’s all a vast operation, dependent on the help of our great volunteers, including every year our good friends at the PLA.
“A particular shout out must go the army of knitters across the country, who provide hats, gloves and scarves as gifts for our seafarers.”
A year-round service
“The centre offers a wide range of services, including free WiFi, to enable seafarers to communicate with their loved ones back home.
“We’re on site from 1.30pm to 9.30pm daily, providing free tea and coffee.
"There’s a licensed bar, with hot food for sale too.
“We also offer 24-hour access to a crew room and outside area, including a well-used basketball court, which often doubles up as a soccer pitch and hosts barbecues in the summer.
“When in port, crew don’t always have enough time to visit London, so we have a shop selling souvenirs for them to take home, with sweets, snacks and toiletries also available."
The human touch
“The main thing for me though is providing a warm, human welcome, a place that feels safe and homely.
“The chance to engage and interact is something I know the seafarers value greatly.
“One of the nicest things is to see a seafarer curled up on the sofa, shoes off, talking to their family thousands of miles away - comfortable, happy and at home.
“Many of our them are regular visitors. It’s like seeing old friends.”
Crossing continents
“We have many cultures in the centre.
“English is the international language of the sea, but sometimes phrases do get lost in translation, which can be funny.
“On a few occasions I have had to use Google translate. How did we ever manage without it?
“I have learnt to talk slower over the years too.”
Riverside upbringing
“The river has always been a part of my life.
“Born in Osett Hospital, I grew up in Purfleet.
“The eldest of three children, I had wonderful parents. My childhood was a very happy one.
“Both my Dad and maternal Grandad were dockers. They were always talking about the Thames’ current and tides, warning me to be careful on the river’s edge.
“As a little girl my grandad would carry me on his shoulders and show me where he worked in Tilbury Docks.
“That would not happen now.”
Career history
“I attended West Thurrock Primary School and Aveley Comprehensive.
“I then trained to be a nursery nurse, a job I did for over ten years.
“Next, I spent more than two very happy decades working for BT and O2, learning many new skills, until I took volunteer redundancy.”
Reasons to be cheerful
“My life certainly has not turned out as I thought it would.
“I was widowed at a young age, but have always looked at all the blessings I have in my life, and try to live life to the fullest.
“I am very lucky. I have the best job.
“I love to meet the crew and feel I have in some way helped them to enjoy the time on shore.”
Quick fire
- The Thames in three words? Beautiful, dangerous, busy.
- Favourite spot on the river? I have fond memories of the view from beside the Royal Hotel in Purfleet looking over the river.
- Highlight of 2023? My niece getting married. She looked stunning. There’s nothing like a summer wedding in England!
Greener vessel at greener Woolwich pier
A refurbished Port of London Authority (PLA) pier, near the Thames Barrier in south east London, is to be the base for a recently-upgraded, lower-emission vessel, used to keep the river free of debris.
To reduce her emissions of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, Driftwood II, operated by the PLA to remove floating hazards from the tidal river through London, Kent and Essex, has been fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology.
She will be welcomed to Barrier Gardens Pier, Woolwich, on 30 November by PLA staff and others involved in her upgrade, along with the team who have worked to make the pier safer and more environmentally friendly.
Noise levels at the pier have also reduced as a result of the works.
The PLA’s programme to extend the Barrier Gardens Pier, started in 2020, involved the installation of new tanks, enabling the PLA fleet on the river, to refuel with emissions-reducing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Driftwoods II’s conversion was co-financed by Cross River Partnership (CRP) Clean Air Thames funding, supported by the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund and the City of London Corporation.
Students from University College London (UCL) monitored pollution levels from the vessel pre and post the technology’s installation.
Steven Clapperton, Director of Marine Operations at the PLA, said:
“Teams across the PLA have collaborated with a range of external partners to deliver this pair of projects, which are important steps towards achieving our Thames Vision 2050 goals of making the river environment cleaner and safer for all its users.
“Key to this is meeting our target of halving our carbon emissions by 2025, on our journey to achieving Net Zero by 2040.”
CRP Project Manager, Sefinat Otaru, said:
“Cross River Partnership was delighted to collaborate with the PLA, City of London, and the Greater London Authority on retrofitting Driftwood II.
“We were able to demonstrate that it’s possible to improve air quality along the Thames by retrofitting vessels to reduce noxious emissions.
“We hope the learnings from the project will be useful to other operators looking to make similar changes their vessels.”
Local schools take an environmental river trip with the PLA and DP World
Following a competition jointly launched by the Port of London Authority (PLA) and DP World, children from three schools in Essex and Kent enjoyed a river trip to see the latest specially designed litter collector that’s located near London Gateway.
The children (from St Andrews Primary School, Rochester, Northfleet School for Girls and Abbots Hall Primary School) were tasked with designing their own marine litter collectors, with recycled materials.
Each year, the PLA’s network of marine litter collectors stops up to 200 tonnes of waterborne litter floating out to the North Sea, where it would otherwise endanger wildlife. The latest (and largest) litter collector extends the reach of the nine-strong network from Teddington to the coast, along the 95 miles of the tidal Thames that the PLA looks after.
Joining the river trip was the PLA’s Vice Chair, Paula Carter, who said:
“In order to protect our Thames for future generations, design innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand, and working in partnership across the port is crucial.
“I was delighted to see the enthusiasm from the children of all ages in the environment of the river first-hand.”
Resulting from a joint investment between DP World and the PLA, the litter collector in the Thames Estuary has been specially designed for the challenges of its location so it helps tackle marine pollution, whilst withstanding the stronger tides and wave energy.
Emma Cowper, Sustainability Manager at DP World, said:
“DP World was delighted to support the recent river trip and competition alongside the Port of London Authority. We were hugely impressed by the ingenuity and hard work of the school teams. We’re proud to support great community initiatives such as these as part of our commitment to establishing a lasting legacy in the areas at which we operate.”
Judging the entries, Jason Rudd, PLA Marine Engineering Superintendent, who led on the litter collector’s unique design and development, said:
“Clearly a lot of care and consideration had gone into the design entries, and it was encouraging to see so much potential for future marine engineers.”
Thanks to the support of Castle Point Motors, the 90 children and school staff on board the river trip enjoyed free packed lunches, whilst learning some facts about the Thames, the trade and the environment.
Boosting mind and body
Jenny Cooper-Low
Promoting the physical and mental benefits of getting active on the river motivates our Sports Manager, Jenny Cooper-Low, with partnership working central to her ethos.
River debut
"My first time on the River Thames was taking part in a women’s eights head of the river race in a crew from the University of Liverpool.
"We weren’t very good and had never been on the Tideway before. The weather was awful, our boat was broken and the river was unforgiving!
"It was a very long race for a beginner crew!"
Happy days
"Fortunately, all my other experiences on the river since then have been brilliant.
"For example, I’ve been out on a traditional Thames sailing barge in the estuary with Sea-Change Sailing Trust, and coxed big, sturdy rowing boats through central London.
"Paddleboarding with Active 360 has been another highlight, and I’ll never forget enjoying Illuminated River at night with the London Kayak Company."
Under-used blue resource
"London, Kent and Essex have an abundance of ‘blue space’
"In the capital alone, we have the equivalent of over 15,000 football pitches, and that’s just the Thames. It’s not used enough!
"That’s something I feel passionate about changing.
"The Thames Vision promotes the use of the river for trade, as a destination, and as a natural asset. It’s ambitious and it’s what pulled me into working for the PLA.
"I find it fascinating, and I love that we get to have such a positive impact on communities."
Capital start
"Combining rowing with working with excluded children was what brought me to London originally, having previously taught English and Maths at an alternative provision in Leeds.
"I joined London Youth Rowing and had a variety of roles in coaching and mentoring, including working with children excluded from mainstream school.
"It was challenging role in all the right ways.
"Recently, I ran into someone I taught to row.
"He reported he was doing ok and had a job.
"Rowing he said had been fun, with nice people to help… and sorry for being a pain!
"It was great to meet him again and to see him as a happy young man.”
Partnership in action
"The Active Thames programme keeps me busy all year round, working in close collaboration with colleagues at Active Essex, Active Kent & Medway, London Sport, British Canoeing, British Rowing, RYA, Thames Path National Trail and Canal & River Trust.
"We support community projects that improve access and inclusion to waterways across London, Kent and Essex, not just the Thames.
"The programme launched in 2020.
"We started by conducting research into existing participants and coaches, receiving feedback from over 940 people.
"This has formed the basis of all the work we’ve done to date.
"We quickly saw that clubs wanted to be more inclusive.
"But coaching costs and gaps in outreach and marketing skills were stopping them from doing so.
"Active Thames’ targeted funding has helped.
"The knock-on effect is that all members benefit from being part of a more inclusive club.
"In the last two years, we have awarded over £200,000 in grants.
"It’s been fantastic to be able to support so many excellent community projects – far too many to list.
"You can find out more about some of them on the Active Thames website.
"As the 5 November deadline approaches, I’m looking forward to reviewing the applications and seeing what we can help support.
"It would be great to have some for larger grants, which support a partnership between multiple clubs.”
Drowning prevention
"Another key aspect of my role at the PLA is chairing the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum (TTWSF), a multi-agency partnership, focused on drowning prevention.
"It was founded in 2017.
"The launch of a drowning prevention strategy followed in 2019.
"My much-missed PLA colleague, Mark Towens, was instrumental in kicking it all off.
"There are now two forums, one for London and one for Kent & Essex. Both meet at least quarterly.
"Every life lost feels like one that could have been saved.
"Everyone can play a role by educating friends and family about water safety, particularly children.”
Suicide prevention
"Sadly, the majority of deaths on the Tideway are suicides.
"Rather than accepting the feeling of helplessness, TTWSF members and partners have developed a range of training courses and initiatives to make a real difference.
"In partnership with the Thames Skills Academy, the Listening Place also offers training on how to intervene effectively, if you spot someone in crisis or acting unsafely near the river’s edge.
"And the Ascension Trust needs volunteers for its new Bridge Watch patrols in London.”
Passion and motivation
"When it comes to working with people who are passionate about the power of sport and its benefits for society, I’m yet to meet someone I haven’t been inspired by or learnt from.
"In both areas of work- be it sport for development or water safety- I am surrounded by skilled and supportive partners and colleagues who want to make a difference.
"That’s really quite special.
"It’s also really important to me to know that senior leadership are invested and ‘get it’, which they definitely do."
Get active!
"My advice to anyone interested in trying a new sport on the water is to take a look at our Active Thames activity finder.
"I don’t recommend trying anything on the Thames on your own, without supervision from a good coach, even if that’s upriver where the water is calmer.
"Your best bet is to join an organised taster session, and you’ll meet other people who are new to it and want to have fun, too!"
Quick fire
- The Thames makes me feel…? Instantly more relaxed, particularly in more built-up areas.
- How do you keep active? I love being outdoors and love long weekend walks. The upriver tidal Thames swimmers keep inviting me to join them at Hammersmith. So far, it’s been a no….
- If I were Prime Minister for the day, I’d…? Invest heavily in swimming lessons for primary school children and make sure they know how to be safe around water. Maybe they would be more likely to get involved in watersports, too.
