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RightShip to sponsor of British Ports Association annual conference
In a show of commitment to the continued growth and safety of the UK's maritime industry, RightShip is proud to sponsor the British Ports Association (BPA) 2023 Conference. (17-19 October)
The event, hosted by the Port of London Authority (PLA), is set to take place at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge.
The maritime industry is a linchpin in the UK's economic framework, handling 95% of the country's international trade. This conference is a pivotal gathering, bringing together key players from across the maritime sector to discuss and strategise for the future of the industry.
With its deep maritime heritage combined with cutting-edge digital capabilities, RightShip offers a unique perspective. Their expansive data access, analytics and top-tier platform provide stakeholders across the maritime ecosystem with unparalleled insights. Their goal? A journey towards 'zero harm' in the maritime world.
Believing firmly in the power of collaboration, RightShip is dedicated to working alongside maritime businesses, associations, governments, and individuals who share their vision. They're also passionately committed to backing initiatives centred on emission reduction, decarbonisation, and enhancing air quality. By leveraging their extensive data, RightShip is at the forefront of change in these crucial areas, aiming for an industry that is safer, more sustainable, and constantly innovating.
The BPA 2023 Conference promises a rich array of activities: panel discussions, keynote speeches, expert presentations, and myriad networking opportunities. Attendees will include senior figures from the UK ports industry, government representatives, international maritime delegates, and regulators.
Key events during the conference include a Thames welcome reception, exclusive networking sessions and a grand gala dinner. A guided port tour of Tilbury and London Gateway will also conclude the conference.
For a deeper insight into RightShip's transformative initiatives and their impact on the maritime industry, visit their official website: https://rightship.com/
For more details on the BPA 2023 conference programme, visit https://www.bpa2023.com/programme/
About RightShip:
RightShip's vision is of a maritime industry that leads in innovative solutions for safety, sustainability, and crew welfare. With a rich maritime history and modern digital capabilities, they're steering the industry towards a future that's safer, more sustainable, and greener.
British Ports Association (BPA):
Established in 1992, the BPA has been the voice of the UK ports industry, representing their concerns and interests at all levels of governance.
The Port of London Authority (PLA)
Covering 95 miles of the tidal River Thames, the Port of London Authority (PLA) works to keep commercial and leisure users safe, protects and enhances the environment and promotes the use of the river for trade and travel. As a trust port, the PLA has no shareholders and operates for the benefit of customers and stakeholders, now and in the future.
London piers guidance for a greener logistics future
Recommendations for the use of electric cargo (e-cargo) bikes on and near Thames-side piers in London, aimed at maximising post-pandemic opportunities to carry more light freight on the river, are highlighted in new guidance.
A report by marine consulting engineers Beckett Rankine, published jointly by the Port of London Authority (PLA), Cross River Partnership (CRP) and Transport for London (TfL), details a best-practice approach to marine and landside infrastructure, to help meet growing demand to transport more small goods and parcels into the capital by river, rather than by road.
London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “The Mayor is committed to reducing carbon emissions, to cleaning up the capital’s filthy air and helping London become a Net Zero city by 2030.
“Moving more light freight off the road and onto the Thames will not only cut emissions, it will enable businesses to benefit from the reliability of river deliveries. This new guidance will help to tap into the potential of the River Thames, recommending best practice for the use of e-cargo bikes on and near Thames-side piers in London. This supports the Mayor’s aim of building a greener, more prosperous London for everyone.”
James Trimmer, the PLA’s director of planning and development, said: “Good planning is essential to optimising carbon reduction and air quality improvements, linked to increasing use of the river for freight in the capital, in line with the goals of the Thames Vision 2050, which we published last year.
“To move forward with confidence, we first need to agree an operating regime, including common standards for training. This will require the input of all those involved, including pier owners, vessel operators and the companies taking goods onwards from the river to their final destination, increasingly by e-cargo bikes.
“This guidance is a major step forward towards achieving that goal.”
Alina Tuerk, TfL's head of roads and freight strategy and planning said: "We are determined to provide a healthy and sustainable future for all Londoners. Carrying more light freight on the river can play a vital role in cutting carbon emissions, air pollution, and road danger. This design guidance for London’s piers is well-aligned with our recently launched Cargo Bike Action Plan.
“We are also in the process of reviewing our constructor’s guide to cargo bikes and expanding it to include guidance for other sectors beyond construction. We will continue to work closely with our industry partners, businesses, and boroughs across the capital to ensure a greener freight and servicing future."
Beckett Rankine senior engineer, Graham Gathergood, one of the report’s authors, said: “As the leading designer of passenger piers on the tidal Thames, Beckett Rankine was delighted to be asked to assist the PLA, CRP and TfL in producing this guidance document on designing piers for light freight.
“Light freight transport by river is a rapidly expanding industry and, until now, there has been no design guidance on how to accommodate e-cargo bikes on floating piers.
“This report details trials carried out with a range of e-cargo bikes on a variety of piers and sets out the requirements for the safe operation of the bikes alongside pedestrians.
“In addition to showing how existing piers can be adapted for e-cargo bikes, the guidance will also be useful for designers of new piers on the tidal Thames.”
Fiona Coull, CRP senior programme manager, said: “We’re pleased to publish this guidance document to encourage more light freight on the river supported by low-emission, last-mile deliveries.
“Complementing CRP’s work across river, road and rail, we hope this report will provide opportunities to develop landside infrastructure to deliver freight directly into the capital in a more sustainable way.”
Read the design guidance (PDF)
A fond farewell
Debbie Leach
After almost two decades at the helm of Thames21, Debbie Leach is heading to Devon for a new challenge, but London’s river will always have a special place in her heart.
Lasting memories
“Leaving Thames21 is a great wrench!
“The charity has been the focus of my waking life since 2005. It will be difficult to leave it behind.
“Unsurprisingly, what I will remember about the last 18 years are the capital’s rivers and the people we have gathered together to stand up for them. Two individuals who particularly inspired me were the charity’s founder Celia Hensman, and Michael Hamilton, who steered the charity through the pandemic as Chairman.
“Both are sadly no longer with us, but their strengths and values are still to be seen in everything that Thames21 achieves and does.”
The mother of all rivers
“London’s greatest river, of course, is the Thames.
“But all its tributaries bring focus to the landscape too, raising our spirits and gathering wildlife and nature around them.”
Making connections
“I joined Thames21 back in May 2005, because it struck me as charity that had not only identified serious environmental problems facing a river I knew and loved as a keen rower, but also practical solutions.
“I also felt that the organisation had huge potential to harness the power of rivers to reach out to and connect people across generations and cultural backgrounds.
“It’s been my good fortune to work with dedicated, highly skilled people, all with a mutual understanding of the essential nature of rivers; people pooling their diverse skills towards a shared enthusiasm.”
Changing times
“Both the charity and the river have changed massively since 2005.
“Back then, Thames21 was a fairly small group, mainly focused on tackling the issue of urban rubbish clogging the tidal Thames and canal network in London through volunteer clean-up events.
“Thames21’s work has now evolved to also deliver sophisticated water quality monitoring, evidencing and practical river improvement solutions, hand in hand with communities, as well as public and private sector partners.
“Via the T21 River Action Groups, for example, we train and support local people to deliver their own river improvement activity across a wide area.
“Now, Thames21 works on improving the wider health and sustainability of the river through a range of technical specialisms, from river restoration, to providing evidence of river pollution issues and the effectiveness of nature-based solutions to tackle them.
“The charity’s employees now total 47, but still maintain a strong team ethos.
“The board is also becoming more representative of the diverse communities we serve.
We are also increasingly using the evidence the charity collects on the issues affecting the river to press for effective long-term government action.”
Progress to be proud of
“The river has also changed greatly too over the last twenty years.
“In 2005, the Thames foreshore was a general dump for rubbish, that had been built up, literally over centuries.
“Today, much of it has gone for good, thanks to thousands of Thames21 volunteers, clearing away litter and debris of all shapes and sizes from supermarket trollies and bikes, to cotton buds and crisp bags.
“The foreshore at the Isle of Dogs, for example, used to be carpeted by single-use carrier bags.
"Today, it has been transformed, thanks to Thames21 volunteers, removing the bags, year after year.
“The PLA’s Michael Russell and the Driftwood crew have provided amazing practical support for the river clean-ups – it is such a great partnership.
“We also campaigned hard with other NGOs for the introduction of a charge for single-use carrier bags, which has made a big difference.
“The photographs showing the change over time are striking.”
Plastic peril
“Unfortunately, other aspects of the river have changed for the worse.
“Single-use plastic has exploded as part of our daily lives and much of it is finding its way into nature along river systems.
“Wet wipes through sewage overflows, food wrappers, plastic drink bottles and a host of other items are accumulating in the river faster than Thames21’s volunteers can clear them.
“Other river pollution, whether it is oils and heavy metals, or increasingly heavy traffic and sewage overflows have also worsened.”
Solutions
“Happily, the levels of sewage pollution in the tidal Thames will reduce hugely with completion of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, due in 2025.
“It will make a huge difference to the health of the tidal Thames, supporting its wildlife and ecology and making it a vibrant resource for people too.
“I am proud that Thames21 chaired a coalition of NGOs that supported the project from the outset.
“Initially, the project provoked much controversy at local community level.
“I am reliably informed that Thames21 provided decision-makers with the confidence to go ahead with the project.
“Thames21 is now producing baseline surveys and will help evidence the impact of the ‘super sewer’ Thames Tideway Tunnel, by measuring the remaining levels of sewage related litter in the river.
"The need for litter picks - to survey, monitor and clear away rubbish in the river - will continue.”
Blown away
“Increasingly, the most common items of litter found now in the river relate to on-the-go food.
“It is not there because it has been flushed down the loo. It has been dropped in our streets, along our riversides, or come from overflowing rubbish bins.
“Thames21 will, I know. continue to monitor this issue and press for change as a matter of urgency.”
24-hour prime minster
“If I were in charge of the government for a day, I’d be so busy.
“I would enforce, strengthen, and where necessary bring in new legislation to make it standard for all engineering works in our cities to reduce significantly the extent to which the urban ground that they are working on has been ‘water-proofed’.
“At present, the spread of hard surfaces in our towns prevents rainwater from soaking away naturally.
“Instead, it flows along hard surfaces into our already overstretched drains, flooding communities and overwhelming our river network with sewage and other pollution.
“Current initiatives to address this don’t go far enough. It’s all too tentative.
“Our cityscapes should become filled with rain gardens, roadside green spaces and planting and pocket parks which are places that rainwater can go to soak safely away, instead of affecting our rivers and communities.”
Next challenge
“As chief executive of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, I’m really looking forward to getting involved in critical land management and conservation issues, as well as climate change, the greatest challenge of our generation.
“The embodiment of Dartmoor for many, the ponies have reduced in number from over 30,000 in the 1950s to just a couple of thousand at most.
“Dartmoor and our other great moors act as hugely important ‘carbon sinks’ for the UK, sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere.
“Our moors are also crucial wild places for nature and for some of our most endangered species. Heathland is also one of the rarest habitats in Europe.
“All this means that future land management plans must be developed carefully and intelligently.”
A safe pair of hands
“Chris Coode, my successor, and former deputy at Thames21, has an exciting, testing and rewarding time ahead of him.
“The experience he has gained at the charity for many years will stand him in very good stead.
“I have full confidence that Chris and the team have all the skills, dedication and motivation to take Thames21 from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
Quick fire
- Other hobbies? Dragon-boating, sailing, gardening, hiking
- The river in three words? Charismatic, ever-changing, inspirational.
- Best Thames watering hole and favourite view of the river? The Dove at Hammersmith. I can’t give a favourite Thames view, it feels too much like choosing a favourite child!
Businesses back life-saving Thames training course
Staff from riverside businesses have been signing up for a water safety course, equipping them with the skills to prevent drownings on the tidal Thames, stretching 95 miles from Teddington in west London to the North Sea.
Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), master developers of a project turning 443 acres of former industrial, riverside land in east London into a vibrant neighbourhood, and marine consulting engineers Beckett Rankine, are among the latest companies to have enrolled staff on to the Riverside Personal Safety Course, held twice a month at the London Aquatic Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Park, Stratford.
Employees from both firms have contributed to a new film, explaining how useful they found taking part in the course.
In the film, Beckett Rankine’s Matthew Jennings describes the course as “brilliant”, with Barking Riverside’s Ken Webster hailing it as “a must” for anyone working on the river, as well as members of the public.
In partnership with River Thames employers, the award-wining training course was developed by the Thames Skills Academy (TSA), working with training provider SeaRegs, the Port of London Authority (PLA), Transport for London and Tideway.
Since the course was launched, over 1,500 participants have learnt about the dangers of the Thames and the importance of deploying life-saving equipment correctly, including ensuring that life jackets are in date and are fitted properly.
Katherine Riggs, chief executive of the TSA, said: “Each year, of the 100 people who get into trouble in the waters of the tidal Thames, half are in the river unintentionally.
“With one in three people unable to swim, it’s vital that we widen the network of people living and working along the Thames through London to the coast, who are able to look after themselves in and around the river and help others who may find themselves caught out by its strong tides and currents.”
Lucy Owen, the PLA’s deputy director of planning & development, commended BRL for becoming the first riverside development company to support the course. She said: “It’s great to see BRL blazing a trail by sending their staff on the Riverside Personal Safety Course.
“Growing riverside development makes it imperative for all companies involved to ensure that their workforce and customers, along with the public at large, know how to look after themselves and others on the river.”
Katherine Riggs, added: “We hope the course will be the new norm for all those involved with the river, as workers, landowners or residents, and encourage all riverside businesses to make it a part of their staff training.”
The next courses are scheduled for 4 and 5 September 2023. Places can be booked via the TSA website.
Watch: Life-saving training course
Insurance broker Gallagher joins forces with PLA to sponsor BPA 2023
Highlighting the strategic significance of the UK's maritime industry, Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, is partnering with the Port of London Authority (PLA), host of the 2023 British Ports Association (BPA) Annual Conference (17 – 19 October).
This collaboration signifies the commitment of key stakeholders in bolstering the UK ports industry.
The conference will take place at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge.
It serves as a testament to the pivotal role the UK ports industry holds in the national economy, handling 95% of the country's international trade and enabling 25 million international passenger journeys annually.
As a prominent insurance broker in the maritime sector, Gallagher provides the industry with stability and resilience through its comprehensive range of risk management and insurance services. Boasting a rich heritage since 1927 and operating across 130 countries, Gallagher employs over 48,000 risk professionals. The firm’s prowess in risk identification, assessment, and mitigation has played a crucial role in supporting the burgeoning growth of UK ports.
The partnership between Gallagher and the PLA underscores the self-sustaining investments UK ports undertake to enhance facilities and meet the soaring demands in offshore energy, container, and Ro/Ro sectors. This initiative is paramount in maintaining the UK economy’s international competitiveness.
The event will convene port members, associates, and a diverse array of international maritime representatives for an invigorating two-day program featuring panel discussions, keynote speeches, expert presentations, and networking events.
Senior executives from the UK ports industry will be in attendance, alongside representatives from maritime businesses, government departments, regulators, and international maritime delegates.
The conference also offers a line-up of engaging networking opportunities, including a welcome reception on the Thames on Tuesday, a Party in the Sky presented by Gallagher on the Wednesday, and a celebratory gala dinner on the Thursday. A guided port tour of Tilbury and London Gateway will round off the event on the Friday.
For an in-depth insight into Gallagher’s contributions to the UK maritime industry, please see the firm’s website. (https://www.ajg.com/gallagher-specialty/industries/maritime-logistics/)
The full conference program is available at https://www.bpa2023.com/programme/
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British Ports Association (BPA): Established in 1992, the BPA serves as the voice of the ports industry in the UK, advocating on behalf of its 100 full members and numerous associate members to the UK and devolved governments, the EU, and national and international bodies.
Port of London Authority (PLA): Steward of 95 miles of the tidal River Thames, the PLA is committed to promoting the river's safe and sustainable use for trade and leisure.
Gallagher: Founded by Arthur J. Gallagher in Chicago in 1927, Gallagher has grown to be a leading provider of insurance, reinsurance, risk management and consulting services in the world. Gallagher is a purpose-driven organisation, which means it translates its vision into action to achieve something for the greater good. The firm partners with businesses across countries and international territories to support the ever-changing needs of clients and provide relevant and impactful professional advice.
DP World partners with Port of London Authority, host of BPA 2023
In a landmark partnership, DP World, a leading provider of global end-to-end supply chain solutions, has partnered with the Port of London Authority (PLA), host of the British Ports Association (BPA) annual conference 2023.
This milestone event (17-19 October) will take place at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge.
This partnership reflects DP World’s continuing support for the UK maritime sector – a cornerstone of the British economy that manages 95% of all international trade, facilitating over 25 million international passenger journeys annually.
In addition to its UK hubs at London Gateway and Southampton, DP World’s offer includes the P&O Ferries and P&O Ferrymasters subsidiaries, and contract logistics businesses respectively, all of which are being integrated into the company’s global network.
Operating in 78 countries, DP World now handles 10 per cent of world trade.
The conference, hosted by the PLA, in partnership with DP World, promises to be a riveting assembly of industry frontrunners.
It is a platform for participation from port members, associates, government officials, regulators, and international maritime representatives in two days of thought-provoking panel discussions, keynote speeches, and expert presentations.
Additionally, the conference will offer delegates ample networking opportunities.
The event will commence with a welcome reception along the Thames, followed by a celebratory Party in the Sky and will wrap up with a gala dinner, presented by DP World, honouring the maritime community’s accomplishments.
On the concluding day, participants will be able to join a guided tour of Tilbury and London Gateway ports.
The conference programme can be viewed at: https://www.bpa2023.com/programme/
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British Ports Association (BPA): Founded in 1992, the BPA serves as the representative of the ports industry in the UK, championing the diverse interests of its 100 full members and numerous associate members.
PLA Local Knowledge Endorsement: Amendment to Tripping Requirements
Consultation C05-23
CONSULTATION STATEMENT: C05-23
This consultation ran from 26/07/2023 to 26/08/2023. The below statement has been provided to summarise the Port of London Authority’s initial response.
This report provides a concise overview of the findings from our consultation survey and highlights the main themes that were identified.
The purpose of our consultation was to address the feedback we received from river users who faced challenges in meeting the tripping requirements for a lower LKE (Local Knowledge Endorsement) and gather initial perspectives from our valued river users.
The consultation on LKE Tripping was conducted over a period of one month, from July to August. We are pleased to report that we received a significant number of survey responses, indicating a strong level of engagement from our river users. In total, we received 20 responses, which have been carefully analysed and thoroughly considered.
During the consultation process, several common themes emerged from the feedback provided by respondents. These themes have been summarised below to provide an overview of the key concerns and perspectives expressed by our river users:
- Contradiction with CPD Programme: Some respondents expressed concern that reducing tripping for the Lower LKE would contradict the upcoming CPD (Continued Professional Development) programme. They felt that the proposed changes may not align with the goals and objectives CPD to enhance safety.
- Reviewing Lower LKE Risk Assessment: Respondents highlighted the need to review the Lower LKE risk assessment to support any future decisions regarding tripping requirements. They emphasised the importance of a thorough assessment to ensure the safety and well-being of river users.
- Providing Further Information and Reasons: Some respondents requested additional information and reasons for the proposed changes to the tripping requirements. They felt that a clearer understanding of the rationale behind the changes would help them better comprehend and support the proposed modifications.
- Positive Economic & Social Impact: Several respondents viewed the proposed changes as a positive development that would contribute to the economic and social advancement of the river Thames. They believed that reducing the number of trips required could attract more users and enhance the overall river experience.
- Compromise and realistic tripping numbers: Respondents expressed varying opinions regarding the number of trips required. While some felt that 60 trips were difficult to achieve, they suggested with the use of modern technology and learning tools, a compromise could be reached. On the other hand, some respondents believed that 20 trips were more realistic and achievable.
- Safety Standards Unaffected: It was noted by respondents that although the proposed changes would result in fewer trips, the examination standards would remain the same. They emphasised that safety standards would not be compromised despite the reduction in tripping numbers.
Based on the responses received, there was an overall bias towards supporting a reduction in tripping requirements. However, we acknowledge that there were several areas of concern which require further examination before any proposals are taken forward.
The consultation results have highlighted the need for further assessment to address areas of concern and we are committed to working with river users to find a way forward that takes these concerns into account. We appreciate the valuable input of all those who participated in the consultation and would like to express our thanks for their contributions.
Lyn Kindlen-Funnell,
Harbour Master
PLA Local Knowledge Endorsement: Amendment to Tripping Requirements
Consultation C05-23
Text of the original consultation, which begin on 26/7/2023 and concluded on 26/8/2023.
1. Introduction
1.1. In July 2012 the PLA’s Thames Byelaw 22 of 2012 was implemented, which requires the Master of any commercial vessel between 40m and 13.7m length overall and those vessels under 13.7m length overall, which are engaged in passenger carriage or towing, to hold a valid PLA Local Knowledge Endorsement (LKE) for the tidal Thames.
2. The Consultation Process Affected Parties
2.1. This consultation is directed towards any commercial operator required to operate with a PLA Local Knowledge Endorsement.
Consultation Duration
2.2. This consultation is now open and will last for 30 days. It will close on 26th August 2023.
Conclusion
2.3. The information you submit may be made available to other parties. If you do not consent to this, you must clearly request that your response be treated as confidential. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request. If you make such a request, you will not receive a response. 2.4. We appreciate all responses to our consultations, and we may contact you to reply to your feedback, however we do not respond to everyone. Replies are provided when required – such as a request for more information.
3. Responses to this Consultation
3.1. Reponses to the consultation should be sent so that they are received no later than the closing date detailed in 2.2.
3.2. Responses may be submitted via the following two methods:
A. By post:
Marine Compliance Department
Port of London Authority
London River House, Royal Pier Road
Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BG
B. By email:
[email protected]
Please include the Consultation Notice number in the subject line (located on the top right of the first page of this document – eg. CXX-2X) and reference the paragraph number for any specific comments.
4. Proposal
4.1. Presently, 60 trips are required for both the PLA LKE Lower Area (Margaretness to London Bridge), Upper Area (London Bridge to Putney) and the full PLA LKE (Margaretness to Putney).
4.2. We propose the tripping requirement for the PLA LKE Lower Area only (Margaretness – London Bridge) is reduced from 60 to 20 trips and we welcome feedback from interested stakeholders in advance of a decision.
RightShip, Port of London Authority partner to support maritime decarbonisation
RightShip, a leading ESG-focused digital maritime platform, has today announced a partnership to collaborate with the Port of London Authority (PLA) in its efforts to support the transition to Net Zero on the Thames.
Under this partnership the Port of London Authority will harness RightShip’s Maritime Emissions Portal (MEP), enabling accurate measurement, identification, and execution of an effective decarbonisation strategy.
A first of its kind sustainability data assessment tool, the MEP combines Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel movement data with RightShip’s vessel insight data to identify areas of concern and opportunities to reduce environmental impact.
Robin Mortimer, chief executive at the PLA, said, “As the largest port in the UK, covering 95 miles of the Thames and handling over 50 million tonnes of cargo annually, we have a responsibility to lead the way on the sustainability transition. This partnership will provide us with valuable data and insights to effectively measure emissions and develop targeted strategies to not only reduce the environmental impact on the river and estuary, but also improve the air quality and health of local communities.”
Adhering to UNEP and UNFCCC guidelines, the MEP will employ an energy-based modelling approach to calculate emissions from vessels operating within the port boundary. It will measure up to 16 different emissions against targets specified by the Port of London Authority. This collaboration will provide RightShip with live operational data from the port, enabling the ongoing development and refinement of the MEP based on real-time insights into its functioning.
Discussing the partnership, Andrew Roberts, Executive Director, EMEA at RightShip, stated, “The current moment is a critical one for maritime decarbonisation with indicative checkpoints being set by the IMO at MEPC 80 for a 20% reduction in green-house gas emissions by 2030. This will require players across the maritime sector to take swift action on decarbonisation now and ports have a key role to play in this.
“Our Maritime Emissions Portal is a crucial tool for ports and terminals to measure and reduce their emissions while improving air quality in their ports for the benefit of local communities. The Port of London Authority is setting the standard in its ambitions to become a thriving net-zero beacon, and we’re committed to helping them get there.”
Paddler passion
Natalie Maderova
A trip to the Isles of Scilly over a decade ago triggered a love of paddling and the Thames for Czech-born kayak coach, Natalie Maderova. She balances her day-job as a teacher of children with special educational needs in East London, with her personal and professional passion for the river. Training people from all around the UK and beyond to kayak and paddleboard, she now feels the river is her 'home water.'
Source of inspiration
"I live on the Isle of Dogs, so the river is all around me.
"I see it every day.
"It is my most easily accessible blue space.
"It’s where I go to escape the city - to exercise, relax, or simply meet with friends.
"Every time I go, it is as exciting as the first time.
"It is my 'home water,' as paddlers say."
Getting Started
"In 2009, my husband and I went on a paddling holiday to the Isles of Scilly.
"It seemed the best way to get around.
"Once back in London, we became members of a local club in Shadwell Basin.
"I didn’t really enjoy kayaking that much to begin with.
"It was always cold and wet. I was very afraid of the waves too.
"Then, in 2012, my husband talked me into paddling around Britain - leaving from Shadwell, paddling down to the estuary, turning right, coming back four months later.
"I left as a tourist but returned a paddler."
Royal Inspiration
"Originally, Sixknots was the name we gave to our paddling blog, highlighting the speed we like to maintain afloat, as recommended by the PLA to all kayakers in the 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant.
"Over time, we adopted it to brand our business, having spotted a gap in the market training would-be paddlers in the heart of the capital, particularly on the specific safety issues that need to be considered on the London stretch of the river."
Pandemic Memories
"At first, when Covid-19 started, we could not paddle.
"We just had to be content with walking along the Thames.
"It was fascinating to see the river so quiet, without any traffic.
"In many places, the water became quite clear.
"With no boat movements to churn up sediment, you could even see the riverbed. It was amazing.
"Once paddling was allowed again, unable to leave London, we took the opportunity to explore every nook and cranny of the river through the capital.
"I remember vividly the wonder of crossing the river, entering Deptford Creek, then paddling up the Ravensbourne, passing through an overgrown park, which felt like the Amazon, ending up by Elverson DLR."
Personal & Professional Connections
"I get out on the river whenever I can. Usually several times a month, sometimes every week. All weekend, if I can.
"When I go out on the river for pleasure, I appreciate it in a very different way than when I am teaching and responsible for others’ safety.
"During my personal time on the river, I let it speak to me, rock me, and lead me to interesting places.
"When I am teaching, it’s different. I become intensely aware of every movement, every wave, every gust of wind, every noise."
River with a View
"I love paddling downstream, passing the Thames Barrier and the Woolwich ferry.
"Beyond that, the river opens really wide.
"It becomes easy to imagine what it might have looked like in times gone by.
"I like the old industrial remains and the salt marshes along the banks.
"I also love the view from the water across towards St Paul’s Cathedral.
"It’s a journey I have made hundreds of times.
"Any state of tide, any time of the day, it’s still my favourite.
"I must admit, though, I also have a weak spot for sunrise over Rainham landfill."
Hopes & Fears
"It’s good to see the Thames becoming cleaner, less notorious for sewage.
"The efforts of local groups to clean up the river make me happy.
"In coming years, I hope the riverside becomes even more accessible to people, and that new developments don’t take over.
"I was sad to see some of the old industry and businesses disappear due to modern developments.
"Too many pleasure and party boats are another concern for me.
"My fear is they could make the river less friendly to human-powered vessels."
Local Knowledge
"Securing my PLA Local Knowledge Endorsement in 2021 was an eye-opening and useful process.
"I particularly enjoyed learning all the names of places along the tidal Thames, as well as the laws and regulations governing safety on the river."
Safety First
"Anyone who wants to paddle on the Thames needs to take their safety seriously.
"It is important to understand that the river has a tidal range of seven meters.
"The currents are very fast too.
"You must have a suitable boat and equipment.
"A cheap, inflatable boat is not suitable.
"You also need to be able to manoeuvre your vessel and stay upright, not capsize.
"Wearing a buoyancy aid is a must.
"No one should launch on the river without one, making sure it’s correctly fitted.
"It’s a good idea to get a feel for paddling via a taster session, with an experienced coach.
"Many local clubs on the river run them.
"The advantage is you don’t have to spend lots of money on equipment, before knowing if it’s the right sport for you.
"Taking risks in the water is not worth it. That’s when incidents happen."
Quick Fire
- Other hobbies? Journeying, reading, being creative with whatever I do.
- The river in three words? Exciting. Unforgiving. Unforgettable.
- Best Thames watering hole? The Waterman’s Arms on the Isle of Dogs. Once, they even allowed us to store three kayaks and an open canoe in the bar overnight. It’s that sort of place. The staff are great.
Have your say on Bexley masterplan for the tidal Thames
A consultation launched today (10 July) by the Port of London Authority (PLA) gives the public the chance to comment on plans to maximise the benefits of developments affecting the River Thames in the London Borough of Bexley.
Running till 21 August 2023, the consultation is the first in a series that will cover all 22 local authorities bordering the tidal Thames, stretching 95 miles, from Teddington in west London to the coast.
It supports the PLA’s Thames Vision 2050, launched last year, focussing on growing trade, environmental protection and attracting more people to the river for sport and leisure.
James Trimmer, director of planning & development at the PLA, explained: “Our goal is for each riparian borough to have its own Thames masterplan, encouraging investment and guiding local decision making related to the river.
“A key focus will be on highlighting potential Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) opportunities as part of new development, in advance of BNG requirements coming into place through the Environment Act in November 2023.
“These will require almost all developments to deliver a 10% increase in biodiversity, compared to pre-development conditions.”
“We want each borough’s Thames masterplan to be a key tool for all those involved in planning the river’s future.
“In drafting this first local masterplan, we have worked closely with the London Borough of Bexley, river operators and landowners, as well as the Greater London Authority, the Environment Agency and the Thames Estuary Growth Board, to establish a list of sites and opportunities across the borough.
“We now very much want to hear the ideas of the wider community. For example, is there anything you would like to see included?”
The scale of potential future growth in population, housing and jobs, particularly along riverside areas in Bexley, is the reason for focusing the first local Thames masterplan on the borough.
The next local authority areas to be considered are scheduled to be Newham and Tower Hamlets in east London, who are both undertaking reviews of their Local Plans.
Studies commissioned by the PLA show that by 2050 the river will be carrying up to 50% more cargo. The scheduled passenger services network is expected to grow too.
Fuelled by changed shopping habits resulting from the pandemic, there is also growing interest in using the river for transporting light freight and parcels, a trend helping keep lorries off the roads in the capital.
Other themes underpinning the Thames Vision 2050 are: safety, Net Zero transition, resilience, technology, as well as access and inclusion.
In parallel, the PLA-led Active Thames programme is promoting wider community involvement in sport on the river, including walking.
Comments on the draft plan can be made via the masterplan Bexley website, or sent to: [email protected].
