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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].
Three new pilots welcomed on board at the Port of London Authority
This June, three trainee pilots joined the PLA to start an intensive, six-month course, with more set to follow in their footsteps later this year.
River trade is kept flowing, through the PLA’s recruitment of experienced master mariners, vying to become specialist Thames navigational pilots.
The new starters are Rhys Hetherington (from Solihull, West Midlands, England), Mihovil Pedisic (from Zadar, Croatia) and William Walsh (from Youghal, County Cork, Republic of Ireland).
They join the PLA team of over 100 pilots, who guide vessels safely up and down the estuary. Their role involves boarding and disembarking vessels by ladder, in all weathers, at all times of day and night.
In 2022, the pilotage team maintained a 98.5 per cent service level.
Dave Newbury, the PLA’s marine pilotage manager said: “The addition of more new blood into our pilotage team helps meet growing demand and will also ensure we can continue to offer a reliable service to our customers.
“Our pilots must know every inch of the estuary like the back of their hand, to be able to make sure that goods can continue to arrive safely, day in, day out, whatever the weather.”
The Port of London remains the UK’s largest port by volume.
PLA launches new safety campaign Watch Your Wash
On the second day of Maritime Safety Week 2023, the Port of London Authority (PLA) is taking a lead in creating a positive safety culture, announcing its latest safety campaign, Watch Your Wash, to increase awareness of the potential risks of vessel wash and draw-off on river users along the tidal Thames.
“Wash” is a term used for the waves that are created when a vessel moves through the water, displacing it. It often extends behind a vessel in the shape of a V and varies, depending on several factors, including the size and speed of the vessel, the rate of acceleration/deceleration and the available depth of water.
“Draw-off” refers to the effects that occur when two or more vessels come into close proximity of each other, when either one or both vessels are making way. The stationary vessel can experience a “pull-off”’ effect, resulting in it being pulled away from its moorings.
Bob Baker, the PLA’s chief harbour master, explains:
“As the navigational safety authority of the UK’s largest port, and busiest inland waterway, we have decided to take a pro-active approach to the safety risks of wash and draw off.
“The masters of any power-driven vessels must ensure that their vessels are navigated at a speed and manner, so that neither the safety of other river users, (including moorings, piers, berths of jetties), nor the integrity of the foreshore are compromised.
“So, our simple message to all masters is Watch Your Wash.”
A quarter of all reported navigational incidents in 2022 at the PLA were related to wash complaints, which are increasing year on year. So far this year, the PLA has received 47 wash complaints.
As well as causing a risk to the safety of navigation, and to the safety of other river users, such as the houseboat community, wash or draw off can have a detrimental impact on the environment and wildlife, through noise and disruption.
The PLA encourages all river users to submit a wash complaint, even by those not personally affected.
The PLA investigates all reports it receives and uses sophisticated data analysis to identify trends. This data in turn can be used to affect appropriate mitigation measures with the aim of continually improving safety.
Wash complaints (and other issues) can be reported via Resolver, our reporting portal.
PLA welcomes safer access at Navigator Thames terminal in Essex
Having launched a successful safe access initiative in February this year, Safe Boarding Week, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has welcomed the news that Navigator Thames has commenced work today (3 July), at the start of Maritime Safety Week 2023, to improve safe access at their West Thurrock bulk liquid terminal on the tidal Thames, the UK’s largest, by throughput volume.
Navigator Terminals had identified some areas for improvement as the access to vessels was at an acute angle at high tide. Under the stewardship of Navigator’s new and experienced terminal manager, Robert Marshall, the project has recommenced and fortuitously coincides with the start of the Department for Transport’s Maritime Safety Week (3-7 July).
Bob Baker, the PLA’s chief harbour master, commented:
“Safety is at the heart of what we do every day at the PLA.
“We are delighted that our safety initiative, Safe Boarding Week, had a positive influence on Navigator Thames’ decision to reboot the works that they had planned.
"We welcome the response of Navigator Thames to improving safe access for not just our pilots, but everyone else who needs to access the vessels, which will support the highest safety standards as the port continues to grow.”
Robert Marshall, Navigator Thames’ Terminal Manager, said:
“The investment in our jetties to improve safe access is part of our ongoing commitment to process safety throughout our organisation.
“We are going to work 24 hours per day for four days, during absolute low tide, to eliminate the need for a jetty outage, and ensure no business interruption to our customers.”
Operators' sewage discharges to tidal Thames must end in next 12 months
A ban on commercial vessels discharging sewage to the tidal River Thames will be enforced by the Port of London Authority (PLA) from 1 July 2024.
On 1 March 2021, following a consultation process that commenced in 2017, the PLA announced the ban would be introduced, to give operators adequate time to make alternative arrangements for disposing of toilet waste from on board their vessels.
The move is part of a suite of efforts undertaken by the PLA to tackle pollution in the Thames.
The Clean Thames Manifesto, recently convened by the PLA, commits a range of stakeholders, including water companies, to decrease their impact on the Thames, with a particular focus on sewage.
The PLA also:
- Operates a network of passive debris collectors, reducing litter in the river.
- Works with charity Thames21 and community groups to arrange safe foreshore clean ups.
Studies on how to remove wet wipes that have accumulated in the river near Hammersmith are also underway, along with the commissioning of water quality monitoring.
Bob Baker, chief harbour master at the PLA, said:
“Our goal of eradicating both sewage and plastic from the river, as part of our Thames Vision 2050 strategy, means that vessel operators discharging toilet waste to the river from their vessels can no longer be tolerated.
“Historically the volumes involved were comparatively small, compared to the wider pollution of the river, but that situation is changing.
“In parallel with our own efforts to clean up the river, the Thames Tideway Tunnel due to come into operation in 2025, means the nation’s most iconic waterway is set to become the cleanest it has been for centuries.
“By capturing polluting discharges from combined sewer overflows (CSOs), built into the capital’s largely Victorian sewerage network, the opening of the ‘super sewer’ will be a great day for the river, making vessels’ discharges of sewage no longer acceptable.”
The PLA will audit compliance with the ban and prosecute offenders, who face potentially unlimited fines from magistrates.
Maritime minister names first fully-electric survey vessel
Coinciding with World Hydrography Day (21 June), the Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, officially named the first fully-electric, remotely operated survey vessel of any UK port, UCL Tamesis.
Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere, and PLA chair, Jonson Cox CBE, with UCL Tamesis, the first fully electric remote survey vessel of any UK port
As it is jointly operated by the Port of London Authority (PLA) and the University College of London (UCL), the name acknowledges both organisations; ‘Tamesis’ being the ancient Latin name for the River Thames.
UCL Tamesis, which was acquired following a successful bid and award of an £263,000 grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) will facilitate PLA and UCL research in coastal morphology, carbon reduction, habitat mapping and other areas of education and development in the sphere of maritime safety, autonomy, and robotics.
Manufactured by MARITIME ROBOTICS and featuring the most advanced sonar and scanning system from NORBIT, UCL Tamesis will enable safety of navigation surveys in previously inaccessible areas, safely and sustainably. It will also be used in trials to inform the port authority of how best to manage and interact with remote and autonomous vessels.
Held at Woods Quay, a beautiful building moored on the Thames with a revered riverscape from Waterloo Bridge across to Westminster, the naming ceremony was led by the PLA’s chair, Jonson Cox CBE, and attended by key stakeholders and partners at the invitation of UCL and the PLA. In the centuries’ old tradition, the Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton, formally named the vessel, UCL Tamesis, whilst breaking the miniature bottle of champagne.
Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said:
“It’s a privilege to name UCL Tamesis, the first fully-electric survey vessel for the Port of London, to honour the historic river that it’ll operate on, while pointing to a net-zero maritime future.
“Innovation is at the heart of our voyage to reducing carbon emissions in the maritime sector and today’s announcement shows how it can also keep our waterways safe with its surveying technology.”
With sustainability and safety at the heart of the innovation and change to remote and autonomous vessels, the hydrographic surveying industry is ready to embrace these solutions to be able to provide safer, more efficient and versatile underwater data collection.
The PLA’s port hydrographer, John Dillon-Leetch, said:
“It means a lot to us that the Maritime Minister has officially named our new remote survey vessel, UCL Tamesis, today, on World Hydrography Day, and in a longstanding maritime tradition, taken the honorary title of being its “Godmother”. We hope she will bring good luck and protection to the vessel and those who operate it as it carries out vital hydrographic work and research by UCL and the PLA in the years to come.”
The PLA’s Hydrography team has worked in partnership with UCL Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering (CEGE) since 1999 to deliver the internationally accredited* MSc in Geospatial Science, Hydrographic Surveying, which is currently the only CAT A accredited course in the UK, supporting the education of future hydrographic surveyors from around the world.
UCL CEGE’s lecturer in marine geospatial science, Dr Cassandra Nanlal, commented:
“What an extraordinary way to celebrate World Hydrography Day! We really appreciate the show of support by the Minister for our collaborative research initiative. The UCL/PLA partnership on the MSc Hydrographic Surveying has been tremendously beneficial to elevating the standards in the industry internationally and now we embark on joint innovative research towards sustainability and autonomy.”
* International Board of Standards and Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (FIG/IHO/ICA)
