The Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum (TTWSF) is a partnership of key stakeholders committed to reducing the number of people who, accidentally or deliberately, drown in the tidal Thames. The four-year progress report highlights the progress that has been made on delivering the Drowning Prevention Strategy which launched in 2019.

Since the launch, the forum’s founding members – Royal National Lifeboat Institution, London Fire Brigade, HM Coastguard, Metropolitan Police Marine Unit, London Ambulance Service and the Port of London Authority (PLA) – have been joined by City of London Corporation, Transport for London and the City of London Police. All partners are committed to playing their part in delivering a safer Thames.

Chair of the TTWSF, PLA employee Jenny Cooper-Low commented,

“This progress report reflects the work of the partners to tackle the complex challenges we face on the Thames. We remain committed to preventing people entering the water, to providing a swift response and rescue, and to working in partnership on planning, campaigns, education, and outreach.

“On behalf of the forum, thank you to the organisations who have adopted our recommendations, and to the Thames Skills Academy and the Ascension Trust, who are helping deliver the drowning prevention strategy.”

The report demonstrates how the partners have come together to deliver on the six key objectives, with the over-arching ambition of making the tidal Thames safer. These include the development and implementation of a programme to reduce the number of river-related suicide and self-harm drownings. As part of this objective, Bridge Watch has been established, which aims to provide a physical presence of teams of trained volunteers, who patrol the bridges of London and engage with anybody that indicates intent to enter the water, or who might not be behaving safely.

Volunteers are urgently needed. To find out more, visit: https://www.ascensiontrust.org.uk/bridge-watch/

Click to read the full report.

Baroness Vere, the UK Maritime Minister, will make the opening keynote address at the British Port Association (BPA) annual conference 2023, hosted by the Port of London Authority (PLA).

Over 400 delegates from across the country will gather by the Thames in the heart of the capital for the three-day event (17-19 October) to discuss the sector’s priorities, including policy, safety, innovation, skills, and the transition to Net Zero.

The conference, themed Navigating the Future, will feature expert speakers and panellists from around the world.

During the opening session, the Minister will highlight ports’ role in not only our economy but the UK as a whole and underline the need for sustainable development. She will also discuss the importance of developing talent and creating a new generation to lead in innovation within our ports.

Richard Ballantyne, BPA Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to welcome the Minister to give her perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing ports up and down the country.

“Our conference is an important annual coming together of our members to listen and learn from each other and colleagues around the globe, boosting our collective ability to deliver growth and protect the environment.”

Robin Mortimer, PLA Chief Executive, who also chairs Maritime UK, said: “The development of port trade has shaped the modern face of London, making it the ideal location for us to consider how the sector can continue to play a pivotal role in the nation’s prosperity and well-being in coming decades.

"A big part of that will need to be working out together how we can make the vital transition to a Net Zero economy.

“I am looking forward to hearing the minister’s remarks, along with those of all our other distinguished contributors later in the week.”

Four more experienced mariners have joined the Port of London Authority (PLA), to help the growing trade on the river Thames and ensure navigational safety for vessels visiting the UK’s busiest port.

They join a 123-strong team of PLA Marine Pilots, safely guiding ships in and out of the port, around the clock, in all weathers.

On Monday 9 October, the quartet of new appointees embarked on an intensive six-month course:

Haydn Clarke started his career at Trinity House, studying at Fleetwood Nautical College. He worked for Disney Cruise Line before moving to Extreme E as Chief Officer. For a long time, Hadyn has aspired to become a PLA Pilot and is looking forward to working in familiar waters.

Ilyes Dali-Ahmed has a seagoing career that spans over a decade, working his way from Cadet to Safety Officer with Marella. He has voyaged around the world, visiting hundreds of destinations, and is looking forward to starting a new chapter with the PLA.

Sergio Panzini, graduated from Istituto Tecnico Nautico Giovanni Caboto, beginning his career on cargo ships as a Cadet. In 2013, he then moved into the cruise industry before completing a world tour in 2017, working his way up to Chief Officer. Pilotage has been a long-term aspiration of his and is now looking forward to being part of the PLA team.

Valerii Velichaiev started his career as a Deck Cadet on bulk carrier fleet, before graduating from Odessa National Maritime Academy in 2015. He worked his way up to Chief Officer and has gained plenty of seagoing experience around the world. Just before the war broke out in Ukraine, his homeland, Valerii gained his Master Unlimited CoC and now looks to fulfil his dream of becoming a pilot, providing his family with a sense of home and security in England.

The PLA pilotage department, currently providing a service level of 99.5%, has seen an 80% reduction in port wide delays since the turn of the year, with the team set to complete close to 11,000 jobs before November.

So far, over 100 simulator training sessions have taken place this year, which has helped 48 PLA Pilots to increase their authorisation limit.

Dave Newbury, PLA Marine Pilotage Manager said:

“Expanding our pool of available talent means we will be able to maintain a resilient service for our customers and will also help expand the volume of freight delivered to this country by river.

"These four new recruits follow the six PLA trainee pilots already successfully appointed in 2023.”

The world’s first methanol-fuelled container vessel, Laura Maersk, arrived at the UK’s leading port for its maiden call yesterday (27 September), marking an important milestone in the journey towards decarbonisation in the shipping industry.

This 2,100 TEU (twenty-foot-equivalent) feeder vessel, which sails entirely on low emissions fuel, will help Maersk reach its long-term objective of gradually renewing its entire fleet to operate solely on green fuels.

Robin Mortimer, the Port of London Authority (PLA)’s Chief Executive, commented:

“We’re delighted that our port, and pilotage, were chosen for the maiden call of such an innovative, low emissions container vessel, Laura Maersk. Powered by green fuel, she marks an impressive step forward in the transition to Net Zero.”

Gary Jeffreys, Maersk’s Area Managing Director UK & Ireland, said:

“We are very proud to have Laura Maersk in the UK. This innovative vessel is an important proof that the decarbonisation of supply chains is feasible. Laura Maersk is a game changer in a hard to abate industry.

“Combining low emission landside transport solutions with the soon to be delivered larger vessels running on green methanol will allow us to start offering green end to end solutions for our customers. This will be the first of many initiatives to get us to Net Zero.”

One of the Port of London Authority’s pilots, Shaun Stewart, brought the cutting-edge ship, carrying two of Maersk’s eye-catching rainbow containers, safely to London Gateway. Two of Svitzer’s first biofueled tugs, Svitzer Thames and Svitzer Monach, were on hand to support her arrival.

Maersk’s rainbow containers were discharged and delivered to their brand-new, more sustainably built warehouse, moving via rail in partnership with Maritime Transport. The final mile was carried out using an electric HGV - the first of its kind operated in the UK. This represents Maersk’s ambitions to offer “green corridors” to customers in the future, connecting all parts of the supply chain sustainably.

Active Thames, a partnership programme led by the Port of London Authority (PLA), announces community funding for watersports and walking in London, Kent and Essex.

Now in its third year, the Active Thames Fund has already made a significant impact by awarding over £200,000 to organisations such as Blue Therapy Active, Lower Thames Rowing Club and the AHOY centre. Read more about the impact of previous grants here.

Jenny Cooper-Low, PLA Sports Manager, said: “We want the Thames to be accessible, diverse and inclusive – a destination for physical activity. Previous grants are having a fantastic impact, and this year we are particularly keen to see clubs working together to deliver bigger projects in their communities.”

Interested clubs are encouraged to visit the Active Thames website for more information and to submit their applications. Applications for the 2023/2024 Active Thames Fund are now open, with a deadline of 5 November 2023.

Active Thames supports initiatives that aim to enhance access, diversity, and inclusion through targeting under-represented groups. It also creates more opportunities for people to benefit from being active outdoors and has supported over 40 clubs and charities to date. The partnership is comprised of Active Essex, Active Kent & Medway, London Sport, British Canoeing, British Rowing, RYA, Canal & River Trust, Thames Path National Trail and PLA.

The last few tickets for Navigating the Future, the British Port Association (BPA) 2023 annual conference (17 -19 October), to be hosted by the Port of London Authority (PLA) near Tower Bridge, are selling fast.

Staged in partnership with DP World and Gallagher, the event features a global line-up of expert speakers, discussing issues affecting the ports sector, from Net Zero and fuels transition, to artificial intelligence and innovation.

The key note speech (19 October) will be delivered by Lord Deben, chair of the Climate Change Committee.

Richard Ballantyne, BPA Chief Executive, said: “To avoid missing out on the UK ports sector’s event of the year, we’d advise that you book now!”

PLA Director of Corporate Affairs, Siân Foster, added: “Alongside an amazing group of speakers leading discussion on key developments and opportunities facing the ports sector, there’s an unmissable programme of social events and networking opportunities. Don’t leave it too late to book your place!’’

A sold-out exhibitors’ area will also showcase the latest products and services shaping the future of the sector, including Insight Hubs, a programme of talks and demonstrations, giving delegates the chance to explore their offerings in more detail.

Highlights of the programme include:

• A welcome reception and river cruise through central London, aboard the Silver Sturgeon (17 October), supported by Smart Pension
• A roof-top party at Sky Garden, offering stunning use of the capital’s nightscape (18 October), sponsored by Gallagher
• A gala dinner featuring the BPA Awards, supported by DP World (19 October).
• Optional river tour of the ports at Tilbury and London Gateway (20 October).

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has appointed James Stride as new chief harbour master, following the announcement of Bob Baker’s retirement.

Bringing a huge amount of maritime experience to the role, James Stride will take up the role in November 2023. He is currently Vice President of Maritime Governance at Carnival UK, having previously served for 20 years in the Royal Navy. As well as holding command of HMS Duncan, James has held relevant roles as a qualified navigator and hydrographic surveyor.

As chief harbour master, James Stride will report to PLA’s chief executive, Robin Mortimer, and he will be a member of Executive Committee (ExCo) and of the PLA board. He will lead the Harbour Master team in delivering their responsibilities for operational and navigational matters including vessel traffic management, pilotage, harbour services and safety and security within the Port of London.

Robin Mortimer, PLA’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome James Stride to the PLA, bringing valuable experience and expertise to this pivotal role within the UK’s busiest port as we implement our Thames Vision 2050 strategy and work towards making London a world-leading Net Zero trading hub, at the forefront of global port innovation.”

James Stride will officially commence his role on 6 November 2023.

Enforcement of navigational safety on the tidal Thames by the Port of London Authority (PLA) has resulted in the prosecution of the Master of one of two passenger boat vessels involved in a collision on the river last December.

Yesterday (29 August 2023), Westminster Magistrates Court ordered Stuart McKenna to pay a fine and costs totalling £3,400 for his role in the incident, which saw the vessel he was in charge of, the Millennium of London, collide with the Pride of London, near Waterloo Bridge on 15 December 2022.

Mr McKenna pleaded guilty to the charge of navigating a vessel on the Thames in a manner liable to injure or endanger persons, or other vessels, etc, under section 108(b) of the Port of London Act 1968 (as Amended).

Sentencing, the judge commented on the “high culpability and high level of potential harm” posed by the standard of Mr McKenna’s navigation.

During the incident, a member of the bar staff on board the Pride of London suffered a minor injury. Both vessels were also damaged, the Pride of London more seriously than the Millennium of London.

PLA harbour master Adam Layer said: “This incident had every potential to be far more serious.

“The standard of Mr McKenna’s navigation of his vessel fell well below the standards we set, which are intentionally high.

“This prosecution demonstrates our commitment to navigational safety on the tidal Thames.

“We will continue to take action against Masters who fail to navigate with the required care and attention.”

The Millennium of London is owned by City Cruises. Adam Layer added: “I would like to thank City Cruises for their full co-operation with our investigation.”