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Maritime UK appoints PLA chief executive as its new chair
Maritime UK, the umbrella organisation for the UK’s maritime sector, has appointed Robin Mortimer as its new chair and Tom Boardley as vice chair.
Robin was nominated by the British Ports Association and UK Major Ports Group whilst Tom was nominated by the UK Chamber of Shipping.
Currently CEO at the Port of London Authority, Robin was previously vice chair and replaced Sarah Kenny who served as Chair from 2021.
Robin started his term on 1 January 2023 and will be working with members to help steer the sector through the next two years, with its response to climate change top of the agenda. Maritime UK will be working closely with the government on its refresh to the Clean Maritime Plan, due to be published in 2023.
Maritime UK’s current priorities are the environment, people, regional growth, competitiveness and innovation and works to bring coherence to the sector’s asks of government on these shared priorities as well as delivering programmes and initiatives to help move the dial within each area. Programmes include the Diversity in Maritime programme, careers and outreach programme and Regional Cluster Development programme.
Commenting on his appointment, Robin said:
“I am honoured to be taking the Chair of Maritime UK and to be given the opportunity to serve the UK's maritime industries at such a crucial time.
“There is now a much greater appreciation and understanding of the maritime sector within the UK, and how we can support major national missions like, decarbonisation, levelling up and becoming a research and development powerhouse.
“Our task over the next two years is to embed that progress, deliver a robust and tangible Clean Maritime Plan, increase the impact of Maritime UK’s programmes in critical areas like people and bang the drum for UK PLC across the world. All of this whilst responding to challenging headwinds caused by underlying economic conditions and geopolitics.
“I am convinced that by working closer and closer together our sector will thrive, and I look forward to working with the member community to accelerate our progress toward Maritime 2050.”
Maritime UK is the umbrella body for the maritime sector, bringing together the shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure marine industries. Its purpose is to champion and enable a thriving maritime sector. Maritime UK has responsibility for the coordination and delivery of industry recommendations within Maritime 2050.
Its members are Belfast Maritime Consortium, British Marine, British Ports Association, CLIA UK & Ireland, Connected Places Catapult, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, Maritime London, Maritime UK South West, Mersey Maritime, Nautilus International, Port Skills and Safety, Shipping Innovation, Society of Maritime Industries, Solent LEP, The Baltic Exchange, The Seafarers' Charity, The Workboat Association, Trinity House, UK Chamber of Shipping and the UK Major Ports Group.
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New Year, new challenge
Andrew Triggs Hodge
After a "life-changing" 2022, which saw him complete a 2,000-mile charity row around Britain’s coastline, London Youth Rowing’s (LYR) Andrew Triggs Hodge has another busy 12 months ahead, working to engage more young people in the sport that bought him triple Olympic glory.
Source of inspiration
“Rivers have always been a part of my life.
“Watching how they change, from calm to excited, fascinates me.
“I love the way water moves, how things interact with it and what it can do.
“I was born in Buckinghamshire, but grew up in the Yorkshire Dales, by the River Wharf.
“We moved there when I was one. The area will always have a special place in my heart."
School report
“I have to say I was pretty rubbish at school – including at sport.
“I was always in the back three for cross country running and last to be picked for rugby.
“I can’t honestly say I had a childhood hero or role model.
“It would only have served to highlight my many failures as a youngster.
“I never really felt like I could aspire to anything.
“I did though from an early age enjoy geography and science – subjects at the heart of my degree later in life."
A social rower
“My introduction to rowing only came when I was a student at Staffordshire University.
“A friend suggested I should try it, because it was fun and a good social sport.
“I thought ‘why not?’, little knowing how it would ultimately change my life."
Olympic memories
“My medal-winning performances will stick with me for ever, obviously.
“But my time competing on the international stage had other really special moments – like just being part of a random crew, with differing abilities, and things going better than anyone thought possible and learning from each other.
“That's a really cool feeling!
“Looking back now, I think I actually learned more from the low points.
“And coming last in the Athens eights final was a low!"
Tideway tales
“My first encounter with the Thames came in 1999, racing the eights Head of the River Race.
“Somehow, it seems to have been part of my life ever since.
“Training on the Tideway was memorable to say the least!
“It could be the most exciting, challenging and dangerous bit of water we used, or the most calm and serine.
“It made us adaptable and tough, great skills to develop for Olympic ambitions.
“When I retired from rowing, my life-long fascination with the marine environment led me to work for both Thames Water and Tideway, during the early stages of the development of London’s long-awaited ‘super sewer.’
“As a rower, my first-hand experience of poo and condoms discharged into the Thames had a bearing too, of course.
”Sewage should never be allowed to overwhelm a natural environment.
”The Thames through central London is no exception.
“Happily, there is not too long to go now before the ‘super sewer’ is in action, adding to the improvements resulting from the Lee Tunnel and Thames Water’s upgrades to its sewage treatment works on the Tideway.
“It’s going to have a transformational effect on the health of the tidal Thames – and, I hope, see many more people engage with and enjoy the river.”
GB Row
“Scientific research was also a key motivator behind my participation in GB Row last summer.
“It wasn’t just about the physical challenge, epic though that was, circumnavigating the nation in a rowing boat.
“We were treated to exceptional views that few get to see.
”Images of our majestic coastline that stand out in my mind include the inner Hebrides, the imposing Scottish highlands and sunlight never truly giving in to the night.
”But nothing prepared me for the emotional charge of rowing back under Tower Bridge and seeing my family again.
”It was an intense moment, which I will never forget. I missed them massively.
“GB Row was all the idea of Will De Laszlo, combining his passion for rowing, environmental protections and connecting young people with sport.
“In crews of six, three resting, three rowing, rotating every two hours, the round trip from Tower Bridge was a fundraiser for LYR’s Active Row programme, which helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds nurture their life skills.
“En route, with the help of University of Portsmouth researchers on board, we collected environmental data to help build our understanding of the oceans that surround these islands.
“It was a huge undertaking, much tougher than I had expected, in a whole range of ways
“Food was army ration packs, and the toilet a pee bottle or 'the bucket'!
”The low point, of course, was the storm that hit us in the Irish Sea, two weeks after setting off, forcing two of our fellow crews to withdraw.
”For hours we had to battle strong side winds and the accompanying waves, exhausted, but with no option but to carry on.
“The RNLI crew who came to our rescue from Cushendall, Northern Ireland, the volunteers from Red Bay RNLI station said they hadn't seen June weather like it for 38 years.
”The human body’s ability to adapt to this sort of physical challenge is incredible.
”The whole thing was an emotional surge like no other I have ever experienced.”
London Youth Rowing
“In 2023, our focus at LYR is diversifying our income stream. That might sound mundane, but it’s a really significant step for us as a charity.
“The money we raise through events is the blood in our veins. We would struggle without it.
“The support of sponsors is also vital. The PLA, for example, is helping us train coaches to develop stand up paddling opportunities.
“The Oarsome Challenge is the big one. It involves people who have been trained up, but never really immersed themselves in rowing before. Their whole perspective of the Thames, of rowing and of teamwork changes in just a few hours. It’s magical to see.
“On 3 March, there’s also the National Junior Indoor Rowing Championships (NJIRC).
“This year, for the first time, it will be a simultaneous event in London and Leeds. It’s such an important event for us and rowing as a sport. Volunteers can help by participating in Race the Thames Live, or supporting the Life Skills Festival.
“Normally I’m not a fan of indoor rowing events, but at this one we raise the roof. I love it!
"In total, we are now working with over 100 schools, in London, Leeds and Nottingham.
“Given all the challenges Covid-19 presented, that’s a phenomenal achievement.”
Quick fire:
- Will rowing always be a sport for wealthy, white men? The sport needs to evolve enormously before we can move the dial on this, but right now we're doing some amazing things, with a lot more to come!
- What is your Thames Vision? All stakeholders working together, to support each other to produce a harmonious and proactive river society.
- How do you relax and unwind? I have kids, I don't relax or unwind!
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Ending the year with a bang
Charmaine Boswarva
The return of the New Year’s Eve fireworks to the river in central London this year has kept Charmaine Boswarva, events and operations planner and her team at the Met’s Marine Policing Unit, busy since August.
Ending the year with a bang
“Having the New Year fireworks back on the river in central London, after a three-year break caused by Covid 19, will be a real tonic.
“Following the Boat Race’s return at Easter, it’s another big step forward in getting people back out on the river post the pandemic.
“My role is to ensure that all spectators have a safe and enjoyable night.
“That means putting in place measures to prevent any potential incidents.
“On the big night, I will be on the command vessel, updating the inspector in charge of anything that happens.
“It’s a long but enjoyable shift, starting at 7am on 31 December and running right through to 3am on New Year’s Day.
“It’s a real team effort, of course, involving scores of highly-professional fellow officers, including dog handlers, as well as colleagues from partner organizations, such as the PLA, London Fire Brigade and RNLI.
“The whole of December is usually a very busy time of year.
“It’s normally January before I can take some time off.”
A police calling
“I joined the Met in 2007.
“It’s a job I had always wanted to do, since I was a kid.
“I was actually quite a late joiner, but my previous jobs have really been helpful in my police work.
“After working in the tourism industry in my early twenties, I had a complete career change, joining my parents’ glazing and window tinting business.
“Like police work, tourism and sales are a service, involving dealing with people and managing expectations.
“Communication, being able to talk to people, is key to them all.
“But it was illegal to be gay in South Africa when I wanted to join the police there, so I didn’t apply.
“Instead, I came to London with my partner, who I had met in South Africa.
“I always said that I never wanted to move to the UK, because of the weather and dark winter days.
“But, I am so happy we made the move.”
Water roots
“I grew up on the east coast of South Africa.
“The beach and water were a huge part of my life as a kid.
“My family back home are all boat people.
“My brother is a skipper out on the oceans - completely different from the Thames.
“When I go back to South Africa, he can’t wait for me to go out on the boat with him.
“Like him, my father was very proud of my work in London.
“Unfortunately, Dad passed away before he could see me out on the River Thames.
“I used to send him photos though.
“He would show them to his friends with great pride.”
Diversity and inclusion
“Covering all waterways within the M25, not just the Thames, my role involves working with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to disrupt and minimise violence against women.
“I feel strongly about getting more women to realise they can work on the river and be accepted.
“Things are changing.
“Recently, we hosted a tour of Wapping Police Station for the Thames Skills Academy’s Women on the Water group, one initiative helping to make a difference.
“I also want to see more young people involved with the river.”
An unforgettable year
“The passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II will be the defining moment of 2022 for many of us.
“After years of reviewing our role in Operation London Bridge, I was humbled by the way everyone came together to make it work.
“It involved long hours for ten days, but no-one complained.
“The whole river community came together, as always.
“I felt incredibly proud to be part of it.”
Quick fire
- The river in three words? Historical. Magical. Diverse.
- Best view of the Thames? Sunrise over the river, viewed from the top of Wapping Police Station. It is so quiet and peaceful.
- Other interests: Virtual reality gaming, dog agility and general outdoors.
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Vanessa Howlison appointed to the Port of London Authority Board
Vanessa Howlison has been appointed a non-executive Board director of the Port of London Authority (PLA).
Vanessa is chief financial officer at National Highways, a post she took up in June 2016. Before joining National Highways, Vanessa was group finance director at the Department for Transport. She has previously been finance director for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and Ofsted.
Vanessa also brings experience and enthusiasm for carbon accounting, which is very relevant to our ambitions for Net Zero at the PLA.
Jonson Cox, Chair of the PLA, said: “Vanessa will be a welcome new member of the Board, bringing highly relevant experience for the priorities on which we are focused. As an organisation our focus is on safety and delivering the Thames Vision. I expect Vanessa’s experience in infrastructure and the transition to Net Zero, within a complex and varied stakeholder environment, will prove especially valuable.”
Vanessa Howlison will join the PLA Board with effect from 1 January 2023 and will chair the audit and risk committee. She is a council member of the Accountancy body, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and also sits on its Sustainability Panel.
PLA non-executive director, and audit committee chair, Judith Armitt will step down from the Board at the end of the year, having concluded two terms on the PLA Board.
“Judith has been an invaluable member of the Board, chairing the audit committee and contributing actively to the evolution of the river development plan, Thames Vision 2050. We have also seen her active commitment to the Thames environment. She will leave with our thanks for all her contributions to the PLA,” concluded Jonson Cox.
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Isle of Dogs’ pier of opportunity for more light freight on Thames
With a view to increasing light freight on the river, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has acquired Masthouse Terrace Pier on the Isle of Dogs in East London.
PLA Finance Director, Julie Tankard, said:
“Through our investment strategy, we are working to encourage more trade on the river.
“With good connections to nearby Canary Wharf, we plan to expand the pier to make it the first in the capital with space dedicated to the transportation by river of parcels and other light freight.
“It’s a win-win. More river trade boosts the economy, creating jobs, and helps reduce carbon emissions in the capital, by taking lorries off the region’s roads.”
The pier will remain a stopping off point for Uber Boat by Thames Clipper River Bus services.
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Going for green on the Thames
Dave Watson
With family links to the river dating back over a century, Dave Watson of tug operator Svitzer is looking forward to a cleaner, greener, and busier Thames.
In the family way
“I was born and bred in Cliffe Woods on the Hoo peninsula and still live there today.
“The river has always been a part of my life.
“I guess it’s sort of in my blood.
“When I was growing up, my dad, Ray, worked on the river for the Alexandra towing company.
“His dad and three brothers were also employed on Thames tugs.
“It was perhaps inevitable that I would follow them into a life working on the river.
“Today my cousin works with me at Svitzer as chief engineer.
“I must have been around five years old when I first went afloat as part of a family day.
“Everyone looked forward to the family days.
“They provided a fantastic insight into how tugs operated, moving vast cargoes up and down the river."
A career afloat
“I have been working on the river for 36 years now.
“After leaving school, I started out as a trainee manger with Tesco.
“I joined Alexandra Tugs in 1986. It was taken over first by Howard Smith and then Adsteam, before Svitzer acquired the business in 2007.
“My first job afloat was as a cook.
“Gradually I rose my way up through the ranks to become chief engineer.
“In July 2017, I was asked to help out the Svitzer shoreside technical team.
“The following year, I took up the position of London technical superintendent."
Life-long learning
“At the age of 49, to get the qualifications I needed to further my career, I started a course with the Isle of Man University.
“Passing my Competence of Ships Superintendents course, within the time frame Svitzer had set, was the most memorable day of my working life.
“It is never too late to learn.
“I am pleased to say that Svitzer runs an apprenticeship scheme.
“Trade on the river is expanding, so it’s a fantastic opportunity.”
Environmental progress
“In recent years, alongside the welcome expansion of Tilbury and Gateway, there has been a much-needed shift in public and business environmental attitudes.
“In 2018, I attended the PLA’s annual environment conference.
“It was following a presentation on the Thames Green Scheme, that I made it my mission to get Svitzer accredited.
“I started running a fuel-efficiency programme, which Svitzer now operates globally.
“We are continuously looking at new designs and fuel types.
“Our switch to hydro-treated vegetable oil is part of our EcoTow offering, which enables our customers to reduce their carbon footprint.
“I felt very proud when we received the silver award earlier this year.”
A safer working river
“In 1976, Dad was on board the tug Vanquisher, when she sank at the entrance to Tilbury Dock. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.
“Dad was awarded a medal by Princess Alexandra for swimming round the vessel to rescue a colleague, trapped in the engine room.
“Incredibly, years ago personal protective equipment (PPE) wasn’t even considered.
“Now it’s rightly a requirement.
“The safety culture has improved so much during my time on the river, so happily there are fewer serious incidents.”
Working philosophy
“At Svitzer, we put safety first and our customers at the heart of everything we do.
“Based at Denton Wharf, Gravesend, there are three of us in the tech team.
“We are on call 24/7 for emergencies.
“I am responsible for the successful running of the Svitzer fleet, including dealing with breakdowns, arranging for vessels to go into dry dock, and liaising with the Maritime Coastguard Agency.
“Our services are essential to the smooth operation of the port.
“Solving needs and pain points for customer, ports and marine communities is our core passion.”
Quick fire
- The river in three words? Ever-changing, unique and fascinating.
- Favourite time of day and year on the river? Evenings, when the sun is setting. I do enjoy the different colours autumn brings too.
- Best view of the Thames? Passing through Tower Bridge, in either direction.
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New trainee pilots to support Thames pilotage demand
The Port of London Authority (PLA) has welcomed its latest intake of trainee pilots to meet growing demand for pilotage services in the UK’s biggest port.
The new recruits join a team of over 100 pilots, providing statutory pilotage to vessels visiting the tidal Thames, day and night.
In 2021, the PLA’s sea pilotage team delivered a 98.8 per cent service record to customers, in their busiest ever year, during which they guided almost 11,000 vessels, along the river and estuary, as trade recovered, following the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The four new trainee pilots have now embarked on a comprehensive training programme, to equip them with the skills and knowledge to tackle the specific challenges of navigating the Thames.
- Niall Egan began his seafaring career as a Trinity House cadet in 2010. After qualifying, he worked with Arklow shipping for a short time, before moving to the cruise industry, sailing worldwide for a decade.
- After starting his career with P&O Ferries in 2007, Tom Markram left the ferry industry to gain more deep-sea experience, joining Seabourn Cruise Lines, sailing worldwide. He then returned to the ferry industry, working his way through the ranks to become staff captain.
- Richard Peake also began his sea-going career joining Trinity House as a cadet. Since qualifying, he has worked on passenger vessels for both Carnival UK and Saga Cruises, progressing to serve as staff captain.
- Starting his career as a cadet at Holland America Line, Chris Seaman qualified in 2012 and continued to sail with them around the world for eight years. He then spent a short time working for Scotline as chief officer, learning lots about cargo handlings and gaining experience of being onboard small coaster vessels.
PLA pilots board vessels in all weathers and at all hours, including container ships, bulk carriers, dredgers and car carriers. The vessels carry everything from food to fuel, gravel for construction to the latest laptops. Guiding them to and from their berths of the river demands a high level of specialised training and safety awareness.
Bob Baker, PLA chief harbour master said:
“As demand on the river is on the up, and to backfill retiring pilots, increasing our pilotage team is key to delivering a reliable service to customers.”
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Active Thames Fund opens for applications
Grants of up to £5,000 are available from the latest round of the Active Thames fund, a partnership programme led by the Port of London Authority (PLA).
The programme aims to enhance access and improve diversity and inclusion among under-represented groups, such as encouraging activity organisers to provide opportunities for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Supported by Active Essex, Active Kent and Medway, London Sport, British Canoeing, British Rowing, RYA, Canal & River Trust and Thames Path National Trail, Active Thames promotes the development of watersports on the tidal Thames and inland waterways in London, Kent and Essex.
Now in its second year, the fund made 24 awards in 2021/2022 including; The Bluetits Chill Swimmers (Whitstable), the Royal Dolphins Rowing Club (Newham) and Dittons Paddle Boarding Club (Thames Ditton).
PLA sports manager, Jenny Cooper, said: “Active Thames is a key part of the Thames Vision, as we raise awareness of the benefits of blue space and promote the tidal river as a destination for physical activity.
“There are so many people living close to the Thames and inland waterways that haven’t used the water as an active environment.
This funding aims to change that perception by making watersports more affordable, accessible and inclusive, and bring new audiences to the river.”
The deadline for applications is 27 November 2022.
Apply on the Active Thames website.
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London to host 2023 British Ports Association Conference
Next year’s British Ports Association (BPA) Conference is to be hosted by the Port of London Authority (PLA) in London, home to the UK’s largest port.
The conference will be held next autumn. The annual event attracts up to 300 delegates and provides a forum for debating key sector trends, keeping up with the latest technology developments and networking.
PLA director of corporate affairs, Alistair Gale, launched the London event at the close of the 2022 conference in Aberdeen. He said next year’s London conference would offer: “Opportunity to come together in the city that is home to the UK’s largest port. Opportunity to debate again the new and emerging challenges. Opportunity to explore and enjoy the sights, the sounds, the culture, the diversity of our historic capital city.”
He invited delegates to help shape the agenda for our next conference. Possible topics could include: marine and port safety; transport’s transition to Net Zero, at sea, at the dockside and on into landside infrastructure; Biodiversity Net Gain; and what want shippers want from ports.
BPA chief executive, Richard Ballantyne commented:
“We’ve had a great few days in Aberdeen, with fascinating industry insights and robust debate. Now we want to know what’s on the conference wish list of port and shipping industry delegates interested in joining the 2023 event. What would you like to hear about and who would you like to hear from?”
Alongside the busy conference programme, the PLA/BPA London event is expected to include river trips and a gala dinner. The PLA premiered a short film showcasing London to interested delegate at the conclusion of the Aberdeen event.
“It gives you a flavour of the London we know and love: the city, the river, the people and the energy,” said Alistair Gale.
Register your interest in joining the 2023 event below or at our dedicated website.
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PLA’s Thames Vision 2050 'brought to life' on National Poetry Day
To mark the launch of the Port of London Authority’s (PLA) Thames Vision 2050, a poem called ‘This River’ has been created, which celebrates the Thames’ past, present and future.
The poem ‘This River’ was developed during a series of workshops led by poet and founder of The Creative Writing Breakfast Club, Laurie Bolger, and young people, with a range of connections to the River Thames.
Thames Vision 2050 puts an emphasis on establishing the river as an excellent place to work, live, visit, get active as well as be a thriving habitat for nature. By creating the poem, the PLA wanted to bring the Thames Vision alive. The river should be protected for future generations, so it was important to have young people coming together across key areas of the vision, to talk about what the river means to them.
“I held various workshops, writing with participants, and then I took different lines that they wrote, and different ideas, and put them together in a poem... I think it’s come out beautifully.” - Laurie Bolger
Once the poem had been created, the group of young people took part in a recital of ‘This River’, which was filmed on the banks of the Thames.
The participants were; Beauty Marshall from the PLA, Tommy Allison and Rosie Johnson from Port of Tilbury, Storm Smith-Suckoo from Thames Active, Chloe Russell from Thames Estuary Partnership, Annabel Taylor-Munt and Sean Ross from Thames Festival Trust and Tashi Spence from Fulham Reach Boat Club.
Alistair Gale, PLA Director of Corporate Affairs said: “Making the Thames accessible to all is one of our five priorities for action. It’s fantastic to see this demonstrated through the words of the young people who created this poem.”
Beauty Marshall said: “I loved working on the poem, it was nice to hear everyone’s stories as to how they are connected to the river. I really enjoyed writing and getting creative and the final product was so meaningful to everyone involved”.
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