Thames freight scores again in bid to build back greener

A Thames barge operation, delivering roof parts for Fulham Football Club’s new Riverside Stand in west London, concluded on Wednesday 10 March. It’s the latest example of a major construction project using the river to reduce traffic on the capital’s road network.

The project’s use of the river has won praise from the Port of London Authority (PLA), who work to promote inland, waterborne freight, as part of its Thames Vision strategy.

Lucy Owen, deputy director of planning at the PLA said: “We applaud Fulham FC for their commitment to reducing pollution by floating in the trusses that will form the roof of their new stand.

“Along with Tideway’s continuing use of barges to build the new ‘super sewer’ deep beneath the riverbed, it underlines huge potential the tidal Thames has to help the country build back better and greener, post COVID-19.”

Alistair Mackintosh, Fulham Football Club CEO, said: “Fulham Football Club is situated in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Thames. We are excited to see good progress being made on the Riverside Stand, which will be wonderful for our historic ground and wider local area. Using the river to transport material has been advantageous in accessing the construction site whilst minimising disruption and pollution.”

The final trusses are due to be lifted into place later this month.

A site for trialling energy-generating technology, powered by the tidal Thames, has been established by the Port of London Authority (PLA).

The mooring at Gallion’s Reach between Woolwich and Thamesmead, south east London, close to London City Airport, will enable promoters to test approaches for safe, sustainable energy generation in tidal inland waterways.

Technology providers are being invited to arrange a slot to use the mooring each year, having secured all relevant consents.

The test site is normally passed by a variety of vessels, large and small, including cruise ships and commercial cargo ships, as well as recreational river users

Tanya Ferry, PLA head of environment, said: “Our research shows that the river could provide a power supply for operators and pier owners.

“Whilst traditional turbine technology is unlikely to be a viable option, due to the diminishing space available, this designated mooring provides developers opportunity to test other emerging technologies on the Thames.

“Safety is paramount. This site provides the best balance for safe trials, supported by a consenting regime to ensure negative impacts on wildlife and ecology are avoided too.”

Data from the trials will be used to inform future investment decisions.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has launched its first Sustainable Innovation Fund as a catalyst for trials of new and emerging technology which provide solutions suitable for recognised needs on the tidal Thames.

The initial call for innovation relates to a PLA commitment to seek technical, operational and investment business partners to establish the port’s first zero emission berth. The target date for the berth to be operational is 2025, or before, subject to availability of suitable technology and finance.

The process for submitting expressions of interest is being hosted by KTN, as an extension of the Decarbonising Ports & Harbours Innovation Network that they run. KTN is an organisation expert in matching technology developers with people looking for solutions, commercial analysis and funding solutions.

PLA director of planning & environment, James Trimmer, said:

“The Sustainable Innovation Fund is a major commitment from the PLA to support the ‘green housing’ of new technology. As a Trust Port working to improve the river for future generations, this is part of our support for the transition to Net Zero.

“Our aim is to see new solutions, trialled and tested on the Thames, and then taken forward to grow the clean economy. Developing technology with users on the Thames will help ensure river operators are less likely face problems like stranded assets and misdirected investments.”

As one of the UK’s busiest rivers in the UK, used by a wide array of vessels from the world’s largest container ships to small passenger vessels, the Thames provides the ideal technology test bed.

Last autumn, the PLA committed to achieve Net Zero in its own operations by 2040, or earlier. In 2017 it was the first UK port to introduce a green tariff for cleaner vessels calling in the port, publish the first UK port evidence-based air quality strategy in 2018 and last year released a further UK first: a roadmap for emissions reduction from inland vessels operating on the river.

“Leadership of this sort will help sustain long-term green growth on the Thames,” added PLA chief financial officer, Julie Tankard. “The Innovation Fund will create greater investment certainty and speed up the drive to decarbonisation.”

More information about the call for proposals for a Mobile Power Supply for a Zero Emission Berth on the Thames is available on the KTN website: https://www.ktninnovationexchange.co.uk/.

The closing date for submissions is noon 30 April 2021.

Spring is in the air and with the end of lockdown in sight illustrator, writer and walker David Fathers is looking forward to getting back on the Thames Path.

Where were you born and where do you live?

I was born in the north-east of England. After studying for a degree in graphic design in Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic, I headed south and have lived in north London ever since.

How many books have you published linked to the Thames?

After completing my first illustrated walking guidebook, The Regent’s Canal (Frances Lincoln), I proposed two further water-based guidebooks to my publishers, and both were accepted. One of the titles was The London Thames Path. The Thames Path seemed such a natural choice after the canal book. The other title was London’s Hidden Rivers. To date The London Thames Path is my best-selling book.

The London Thames Path is my main Thames book, though London’s Hidden Rivers and The Regent’s Canal all make reference to and drain into the Thames.

What is your first memory of the Thames?

I was about ten years-old, when my parents brought me to London for a holiday. There is a photograph of myself with my mother and sister by the Thames just outside the Tower of London with warehouses and cranes visible on the south bank. This was the late 1960s, so by then most shipping activity in Pool of London Docks had ceased. The site with warehouses and cranes now occupied by the City Hall.

How many times have you walked the Thames Path?

I can’t begin to calculate the number of times I’ve walked the Thames Path. I like to take friends and family on walks along the river paths. There is always something new to see.

Have you been able to get to the Thames during lockdown?

I had planned a walk along the Thames from Kew to Teddington in April last year with some friends, but the first lockdown put paid to that.

What is it about the Thames Path that attracts walkers?

A walk along the Thames Path, away from the traffic is often peaceful and calm, and offers glorious views of London’s vast panoramas.

What about the Thames Path could be improved?

There are certain sections of the Thames Path that are closed to the public or where a riverside path simply doesn’t exist, for example on the western side of the Isle of Dogs and west of Queenhithe. I hope that these can be brought into the public domain sometime soon.

What is your favourite part of the Thames?

Without a doubt my favourite walk along the Thames Path is the stretch from Island Gardens to the Thames Barrier (it technically isn’t the Thames Path as it dips inland into the old royal docks – but there is no continuous riverside walk here. The walk takes in Trinity Buoy Wharf, Bow Creek, the Royal Victoria Dock and Pontoon Dock.  It’s is often very quiet and for most people who I take along this route it is usually there first experience of this part of London, even if they’ve lived in the capital for years. If I’m on my own I often carry a sketch book and draw the landscapes.

And your least favourite?

The former Deptford Royal Dockyard – it’s just a vast open piece of derelict ground by the Thames with a huge history. Created by Henry VIII, ships built here were involved in the Armada and the Battle of Trafalgar. But alas we have to walk the perimeter of the site and away from the Thames.

What three words would you use to describe the Thames?

Midwife of London.

What unusual sites have you seen along the Thames?

I consider myself very privileged to have descended twice into the Fleet section of the Bazalgette sewer, close to where it enters the Thames. At one point on one tour we could see the river begin to cascade over the enormous cast-iron sluice gate and into the sewer. Within an hour or so this sewer tunnel would be flooded. The engineering bricks that line the tunnels are in great conditions despite their age of 160 years.

Which part of the new public realm to be created by the Thames Tideway Tunnel are you most looking forward to seeing?

I’m looking forward viewing all the new public spaces that Thames Tideway Tunnel are creating. I’ll have to see them, as I’ll need to add them to the next edition of The London Thames Path.

When is you next book due to be published and what is it about?

My next book, Diverse London, is an illustrated walker’s guide into the history and culture of the major groups of immigrants who have made London their home over the past four hundred years. These are Huguenots, Jews, Afro-Caribbean’s, Chinese, Irish and South Asians. All the walks cover the issues each group found upon arrival in the capital and the positive contributions they have made. To be published by Bloomsbury in early 2022.

Find out more about David's work.

When the pandemic took hold, decimating passenger traffic on the river, City Cruises apprentice Beauty Marshall thought her career on the Thames was over - till the PLA threw her a lifeline.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2021, she shares her story and growing love for the river – as well as her tips for other school leavers considering their careers options.

“I grew up in Westminster and left school with ‘A’ levels in philosophy, psychology and sociology.

“I’d never really considered working on the river at all.

“As a child, it had not really played any part in my life.

“I was more into football and following Chelsea.

“But I joined City Cruises in November 2019, as cabin crew.

“Mum encouraged me to take up the opportunity. Friends were surprised, but were happy for me and supportive too.

“I first took an interest in what the crew did, arriving at different piers

“Captains and mates soon started teaching me how to tie up the boat, the different lines and how to do a pinch.

“Just when I thought I’d got that all learnt, the skippers kept on testing me on how we should come along side to dock.

“I mostly relied on the big yellow mooring buoys to tell me what direction to berth.

“Then I was shown the engine room and taught little things, such as the bridges, bowline knots, two turn half hitch knots.

“Day by day my interest grew, as well as my love for the river.

“I was soon captivated by it all.  

“I began to see the extent of what the work of masters and mates entails.  It really interested me.

“It's not as simple as just driving a boat in a straight line and throwing some ropes out.

“People think it’s easy, but I can assure everyone it’s not.”

Covid crisis

“Initially at the start of the pandemic, we were given time off, which was OK, even fun at first, but I quickly got bored.

“My motivation soon began to dwindle.

“Then as the economic impact of the crisis on the river deepened, City Cruises had to make me and others redundant.

“It was inevitable, but still hit me hard.

“I was devastated.

“I really thought my time on the river had come to an end.

“But luckily the PLA came to my rescue.

“They offered to take me on to serve out my apprenticeship with them.

“My City Cruises colleagues, Jeremie and Clemence, were in the same boat and luckily have been transferred over to the PLA too.

“We have been very fortunate and are very grateful to the PLA for taking us on.

Guiding light

“I'd personally like to thank the PLA.s Marine Training Manager Rachel De Bont for all the support and encouragement she gives to me and all the other the PLA’s apprentices.

“We all owe her big time and think the world of her.”

Best bit of the river?

“Definitely the middle district, from Greenwich to Westminster pier

“It’s where I started on the Thames.

“I have so many good memories of this stretch of the river.

“I am sure they will stay with me all my life.”

Career highlight?

“In November 2019, my training took me to Plymouth for a sea survival.  That was so much fun!

“We had to do an overnight challenge. It was a bit scary, driving out at night for the first time, but really cool to see all the regulation lights out. It really helped me develop my navigation skills.

“At City Cruises, I loved the bigger M2 vessels, driving the RIBs at high speed and working on the tourists’ tea time cruises.”

Future goals?

“By the time I am 32, I'd love to be a skipper.

“I’d also like to mentor other apprentices

“And maybe spend some time at sea, like my friend and colleague Scarlett, who is just starting a cadetship at Warsash Maritime School.

“I’d ’definitely like to explore other sectors within the maritime industry, to see where I want to specialise.

“At the PLA right now, I want to improve my navigation and driving skills. I'd like to explore the other departments in the PLA too.

“But my focus is getting my boatmasters’ licence.

“It will unlock so many future opportunities.”  

Advice to your younger self?

“Try your best to achieve the best grades you can. It will open more doors for you.

“Join a sports club, or learn a musical instrument, something you enjoy.

“And if you're not sure what you want to do, that's absolutely fine.

“It will come to you much later on in life.

“You'll change your mind about your dream job 100 times before you leave school.

“But it's always good to have a goal.

“I'd recommend looking into apprenticeship, as you will be learning and earning at the same time.

“Keep an open mind too.

“For any young Londoner considering their career options, I’d say the river under your nose could be a route to long and happy career.

“And to my fellow females, my advice would be don’t think a career on the river is just for boys!

“So far at least, I am having fun and learning so much.

“That’s got to be a good thing?”

“Only Chelsea winning the title again could top it.

“Maybe not…”