• 180 tonnes of congealed wet wipes – the equivalent to the weight of 15 double decker London buses – are being removed from the River Thames by the Port of London Authority, with support from Thames Water  
• The month-long operation is the country’s first mass wet wipe removal project of its kind
• Environmental charity Thames21 and its volunteers have already collected more than 140,000 wet wipes along the Thames and campaigned to clean up the site

Work has started on the mass excavation of London’s Wet Wipe Island in a first-of-its-kind river clean-up project to further improve the quality of the River Thames.

Led and co-ordinated by the Port of London Authority with collaboration from Thames Water, the operation is removing an estimated 180 tonnes of congealed wet wipes that has formed the island along a 250-metre stretch of the tidal Thames near Hammersmith Bridge. It is expected to take up to a month to complete.

The island, which is about the size of two tennis courts, has changed the course of the river and potentially harmed the aquatic wildlife and ecology in the area.  

To date, efforts to clean wet wipes from this unique natural environment have relied on people removing them by hand. Inspired by the work of volunteers at Thames 21, the PLA decided to take a lead in co-ordinating larger scale action to remove this unsightly and harmful mess.

The UK’s biggest port, which is responsible for protecting and improving the tidal Thames, commissioned an independent ecological study of the site. This helped inform and develop an environmentally responsible plan to use a mechanical excavator to remove the wet wipes on a mass scale.

Thames21 and its volunteers have been monitoring the island since 2017. Their data and research have played a vital role in raising awareness of how wet wipes containing plastic can degrade the environment and harm wildlife. Their data has also influenced Government policy. It comes after the Government recently published draft legislation to ban wet wipes containing plastic.  

Thames 21’s work, alongside expert insights from the PLA’s own hydrography and environmental teams, has proved invaluable in planning the mass removal project.

St Paul’s School, Barnes is supporting the clean-up and giving access to its grounds to allow the eight-tonne excavator to carefully remove the ‘island’ – which is 1m high in places – from the foreshore when the tide is low. The wet wipes and other pollutants will then be taken away in skips and responsibly disposed of.  

This project is part of an ambition to improve river health in the Thames. The PLA’s Clean Thames Manifesto coordinates action across a number of stakeholders towards a clean, pollution free river with a healthy ecosystem by 2050.  

Thames Water recently announced a further £1.8billion investment to improve river health across London, and last year connected its £4.6 billion Thames Tideway Tunnel to support the reduction of sewage discharges into the tidal Thames by 95%.

Port of London Authority’s Director of Sustainability, Grace Rawnsley, said:

“For too long, ‘Wet Wipe Island’ in Hammersmith has been a source of environmental harm and an embarrassment to the capital. Inspired by the work of volunteers at Thames 21, we decided to take a lead in co-ordinating action to remove this unsightly and harmful mess.

“This is the first time anyone has sought to execute a mass, mechanical removal of wet wipes in this way.  

“We want a cleaner, healthier tidal Thames and will continue to work with all interested parties to secure that. And we will continue to bring innovation and investment to help the world’s greatest river thrive.”

Thames Water’s Head of Tideway Integration Group, John Sullivan, said:

“Our purpose is to deliver life's essential service, so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive.  We are pleased to collaborate with the PLA and Thames21 to remove this mass of wet wipes. For us it is a visible reminder of the damage caused by putting the wrong things down the toilet because flushing something non-biodegradable like a wet wipe doesn’t just make it disappear.  

“Blockages caused by wipes are a leading cause of pollution and we remove an estimated 3.8 billion wipes from our network each year.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring that people can enjoy our rivers.  Over the next five years Thames Water is targeting a record £9.5 billion (in 2022/23 prices) of investment across our wastewater assets to meet the demands that come with population growth and climate change.”  

Chris Coode, CEO at Thames21, said:

“Plastic wet wipes have no place in our rivers or natural environment, so it’s terrific news that action is being taken to remove wet wipe island in the Thames.

“This vital move is a crucial step towards protecting the health of the River Thames and its wildlife, as it will reduce the introduction of microplastics into the environment from this site.  

“Thames21 and its dedicated volunteers have been building evidence for eight years. We want to give our volunteers a huge shout-out for their persistence. This has been a massive piece of work!

“Thames21 has been pushing for a ban on plastics in wet wipes. However, we would like to see more systemic change to tackle the issue of plastics entering the environment via wet wipes and other sanitary waste.

“We want producers to get serious about plastic-free alternatives to wet wipes. We ask water companies to increase their investment in screening to prevent wet wipes and other sanitary waste which contains plastic entering the environment. We’d also like to see a step-change in their investments in upgrading sewage infrastructure to prevent overflows. We’d like to remind people to bin their sanitary waste and wet wipes, not flush them down the toilet, so that they don’t enter our wastewater system.  

“By working together, we can achieve great things for rivers, wildlife and people. Let’s do it!”

Fleur Anderson, MP for Putney, Southfields, Roehampton and Wandsworth Town, said:

“This is a huge moment – after years of campaigning, wet wipe island hopefully is no more! It’s so long overdue and very welcome. There was a national outcry at this monstrosity in the Thames – caused by plastic wet wipes, which cause massive damage to our environment and our sewer systems.

“The ban I’ve introduced will mean 3.8 billion wipes removed from the network every year. A win for our waters, sewers and environment!” 

We’re thrilled to welcome Sathar Sulaiman and James Kitney to the PLA as they join us as Trainee Marine Pilots. Both bring extensive seafaring experience, strong leadership skills, and a shared passion for navigation and ship handling. 

The River Thames is one of the most complex and challenging pilotage environments in the world, and we’re confident they will thrive in their new roles. We wish them every success as they begin this exciting new chapter - good luck with your training, and welcome to the team!

Sathar Sulaiman

Originally from India, Sathar began his maritime career as a Deck Cadet, gaining a strong operational foundation on bulk carriers and container vessels. He went on to serve as an Officer of the Watch (OOW) on crude oil, product, and Type 1 & 2 chemical tankers, later progressing to the role of Chief Officer.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nautical Science and completed his professional maritime training at City of Glasgow College, achieving both his Mates and Master’s certification, culminating in a Master’s Certificate of Competency.

Sathar’s interest in pilotage developed during his years at sea, where he found pilotage operations to be the most fascinating and challenging part of any voyage, particularly in complex or busy waterways. His decision to join the PLA was inspired by the opportunity to work on the River Thames, one of the world’s most historic and demanding tidal rivers.

He is excited to transition from life at sea to a shore-based role as a Marine Pilot, where he can continue applying his maritime experience while learning from the PLA’s highly skilled team of pilots.

Outside of work, Sathar enjoys acting, singing, playing competitive cricket during the English season, and travelling to places with rich maritime heritage or natural beauty. He also loves long drives and exploring new destinations.

James Kitney

Originally from Dover, James began his career as a Deck Cadet with P&O in 2000. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience working on ro-pax ferries, tugs, and cruise ships, spending the past 13 years in RoRo freight, where he achieved the rank of Master in 2014.

For James, becoming a Marine Pilot was the natural next step after his time as Master, building on over 15 years of experience handling vessels. He is looking forward to the variety and challenges of piloting different ship types on a daily basis and contributing his expertise to the PLA.

Outside of his professional life, James is a 2nd dan in DNBK Iaido, a form of Japanese swordsmanship recognised by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai (Japan’s oldest martial arts organisation). He also enjoys archery, playing the drums, and taking part in local charity work.

A powerful new safety film warning children and their parents about the dangers of the tidal River Thames - along the full stretch through central London and out to Essex and Kent - went live today, in time for the school holidays and World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July.  

The short film, titled ‘Stay Back, Stay Out, Stay Safe’, is part of a campaign led by the Port of London Authority (PLA), to keep young people safe and prevent accidental drownings in the Thames. The campaign will highlight the hidden risks of playing, swimming, or paddling too close to the river’s edge.

The Thames is a tidal river and can flow at speeds of around 5mph. While that might not sound fast, is quicker than even the greatest Olympians - with top champions like Michael Phelps swimming at around 4.5mph.  

That is why entering the tidal River Thames can be so dangerous. So far this year, the RNLI have already responded to around 1,250 call outs across the tidal Thames.  

Each year we hear tragic stories of people entering the tidal Thames and dying. Often these incidents occur during the warmer months, when the river appears calm and inviting, but underneath, currents are strong, temperatures are dangerously low, and the foreshore and riverbed are unpredictable with hidden drop-offs, slippery surfaces, and sudden changes in depth.

In fact, there are three times as many accidental drownings across the UK on days with extreme heat, compared to a typical summer day.  

Robin Mortimer, CEO of the Port of London Authority, says: "The tidal River Thames is an iconic and beautiful setting, but it’s not a playground. Beneath the surface is a fast-moving tidal river that would overwhelm the greatest swimmers in the world.”

The PLA’s Chief Harbour Master, James Stride, gave the clear message: “Every summer, lives are lost or forever changed because of one wrong step. So please don’t mess with the River Thames: stay back from the edge, stay out of the water, and stay safe.”

RNLI Water Safety Lead, Guy Addington, said: “At the RNLI, our priority is helping people enjoy the water safely. That’s why we fully support the Port of London Authority’s message: no one should swim in or enter the tidal Thames. It’s a dangerous, fast-moving, working river. The safest advice is to stay out altogether. If you want to swim, go to a lifeguarded beach where conditions are supervised.

“If you do enter the water, remember to Float to Live. Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged. Relax and try to breathe normally. Move your hands and legs to help you stay afloat if you need to. It’s fine if your legs sink – we all float differently. By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. You can then call for help or swim to safety.”

The campaign launches as schools break up for the summer holidays, a period where young people are more likely to be out unsupervised or tempted to seek places to cool off.  

The PLA is working closely with local schools, borough councils, and youth outreach teams to share a toolkit designed to help spread the message and keep young people safe by raising awareness of the real dangers the river presents.

For more information, or to view the film, visit https://pla.co.uk/water-safety

For anyone wanting to enjoy the River Thames safely, the PLA website has information about lots of great opportunities to safely enjoy sailing, rowing, walking and swimming lessons in London, Kent and Essex.

In addition, each year the PLA’s Active Thames programme helps thousands of people to safely take part in activities on or near the Thames. You can find out more on the Active Thames website.

After more than 40 years working on the Thames, Peter is preparing for a well-earned retirement, and it’s hard to overstate the impact he’s had on the Port of Tilbury in that time.  

He joined Forth Ports in 1998, already a seasoned operator, just as a new bulk terminal was being built. Since then, Peter has helped shape Tilbury into what it is today: a dynamic, expanding gateway, known not only for the largest grain terminal in the UK, but also for its international cruise terminal, ever-growing bulk and storage facilities and ‘waste to energy’ power station.  

From his early days in operations to leading asset management and, most recently, serving eight years as Commercial Director, Peter has been at the heart of the port’s transformation. His proudest career moment? Leading the creation of Tilbury2; overseeing land acquisition, planning, and delivery of one of the UK’s most significant port developments in recent years. While paving the way for the next major port development, Tilbury3.

Peter credits early mentors like Mike Cooper, Grain Terminal Manager, and former CEO Charles Hammond OBE, and he has always believed in continuous learning; earning an MBA to support his strategic role. He’s also a strong advocate for skills development and greater diversity across the industry.  

As he looks forward to retirement, Peter reflects on a very different Tilbury from the one he joined in the 1980s. Once neglected, now thriving thanks to nearly a billion pounds of investment over the past 25 years.  

Peter’s contribution to that story has been immense. We thank him for his commitment, leadership, and vision, and wish him and his wife many exciting adventures ahead, from Zanzibar to Thailand, and everywhere in between.  

Congratulations, Peter!

This Father's Day, we're celebrating father and daughter, Graham Negus and Emma Brown. Graham worked for the PLA for 45 years, and Emma is a VTS Officer.

We spoke with Emma about both her and her dad's careers at the PLA:

How long have you worked at the PLA?
I started in 2005, so it will be 20 years in November!

How long did your dad work at the PLA?
My dad worked at the PLA for 45 years before retiring in 2019. He started as a PLA Salvage Diver on salvage craft before becoming Chief Diver in a mobile team covering the whole river. He then moved into VTS where he stayed for 31 years.

Tell us about your career path.
I started dinghy sailing as a child, and I used to go on sailing holidays with my family. My dad eventually bought a yacht when I was a teenager, which he kept in Holland. In 2005 I joined the PLA as Shipping Coordinator before completing the RYA Day skipper practical and theory, as well as RYA yacht masters. I then progressed into the VTS team after doing my nautical knowledge and VTS training.

What do you remember about your dad’s job when you were growing up?
Only that he worked all the time and used to work a lot of unsociable hours. He also used to moan if I woke him up in the day after a night shift! I visited the ops room when I was little and use to enjoy looking at the screens while dad would tell me about the ships he was looking at.

How long did you work alongside your dad in VTS?
Including the time I was Shipping Coordinator, my dad and I worked in the ops room for 14 years together, 10 of these were in VTS. We were on different watches; however, we did get to do some overtime shifts together which I always enjoyed.

How did your dad help you to succeed as a VTSO?
He helped with my knowledge of the river before starting the job and always had an answer if I needed anything. He knew the river so well. Most importantly, he made a better cup of tea than anyone else!

What’s the best part of the job?
There is no typical day/night, every shift is different.