Thames safety workers and watermen bid to boost fundraising for Harbour Master’s cancer battle

The tidal Thames river community is joining forces to support fundraising efforts for Mark Towens, Port of London Authority (PLA) harbour master, who is battling cancer.

Members of the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum (TTWSF), which Mark chairs, gathered at Tower Pier (22 July), in a bid to boost an appeal to enable Mark to secure emergency treatment overseas. The trip is needed urgently as the cancer, first detected over 15 years ago, returned at an advanced stage four years ago and has recently spread to Mark’s brain.

In its first seven days, the appeal raised over £70,000 towards the £100,000 target.

It was under Mark’s leadership, while he was dealing with the impact of advanced cancer and its treatment, that the TTWSF, with the help of HRH The Duke of Cambridge, last year launched a Drowning Prevention Strategy for the tidal River Thames.

Among the organisations who attended the Tower appeal for Mark are the Police, the RNLI, the London Fire Brigade, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the London Ambulance Service. Mark’s deputy, Sarah Macleod, represented the PLA.

Former winners of the Doggett’s Coat and Badge Race wearing their bright red ceremonial jackets and golden armplates also lined up on the banks of the river to add their support to the fundraising appeal. Mark, a member of the Company of Watermen & Lighterman, competed in the race in 2004. Founded in 1715, it is thought to be the world’s oldest continuous sporting event.

Neil Withers from the RNLI, one of Mark’s colleagues on the TTWSF, said: “The entire river community is rallying behind Mark and his family at his time of need.

“There is no greater champion of safety on the river than Mark, a fact reflected in the determination and persistence he showed in making the Drowning Prevention Strategy a reality last year, despite his illness.

“He’s a man of the Thames to his core, who as a rower has long enjoyed the recreational opportunities the river offers.

“He cares passionately about all aspects of life on the river. Now it’s our turn to show how much we care about him and how much we are supporting him in his fight against cancer.”

Access for larger vessels to onshore power points to boost air quality and reduce noise

Investment by the Port of London Authority (PLA) to improve and expand its pier at Barrier Gardens in Woolwich is underway (30 June).

The work, close to the iconic Thames Barrier, will improve environmental performance, reduce noise generation and enhance crew safety.

Due to be fully operational later this summer, the new berth will cost £685,000. It will enable larger vessels, such as PLA flagship, London Titan, to dock directly at the pier, making it quicker and safer for crews to get on and off at the start and end of their shifts.

The investment will also enable London Titan and other vessels to tap into onshore electrical charging facilities, rather than running diesel generators, as they have to on the current ‘mid-stream’ moorings.

The PLA’s fleet of over 40 vessels helps keep a wide range of craft safe on the river, the UK’s busiest inland waterway. Users range from fast ferries to cargo ships and from stand-up paddle boarders to barges carrying building materials.

The improvements require the insertion into the riverbed of two 38-metre long piles, manufactured in Cardiff. They were delivered to Woolwich by boat from Tilbury.

The first is due to be put in position on the river on Wednesday 1 July, with the other one expected to follow on Monday 6 July.

Peter Steen, the PLA’s director of marine operations, said: “This is another example of our efforts to promote safe, sustainable use of the river. It adds to the pier’s ability to welcome a wide array of other vessels.

“It also demonstrates our commitment to help support a green economic recovery, post COVID-19, by rolling out long-term investment projects, which also contribute towards meeting ambitious Net Zero carbon reduction targets on the river.”

Preparations by the PLA for the arrival of the piles have included a specialist survey of the riverbed to check for unexploded World War Two bombs.

To minimise potential noise disruption, the piling works will be limited to between 8am and 6pm.

As the capital prepares for its hottest day of the year, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has issued a reminder not to underestimate the powers of the tidal River Thames.

Mark Towens, PLA harbour master, said: “With temperatures rising, the river is understandably particularly attractive, but our advice to anyone drawn to its waters is: only go afloat if you are an experienced river user and properly prepared.”

The PLA has expressed concern at recent incidents of people taking to the water in inflatable craft, without proper safety equipment. With the heatwave set to make the river appear a great place to find some respite, it has issued an urgent call for people who are inadequately equipped or inexperienced not to venture onto the river.

The PLA’s dedicated website Boating on the Thames includes full details on how the river can be enjoyed safely for recreation.

“Flowing at the speed of an Olympic swimmer, the force of the river can take the inexperienced by surprise,” explains Mark Towens, highlighting the risks the river poses. “With a daily tidal rise and fall of seven metres, even the strongest athlete can find it challenging to keep their head above water, if they end up in the river.”

Hazards the PLA has highlighted include:

• Cold water shock on entering the river, which can send the heart into seizure;
• The river being a busy transport artery for vessels with limited scope to act if they see someone in the river;
• The muddy banks of the foreshore, putting people trying to leave the river at risk of being stranded.

Mark Towens concludes by highlighting the risks of mixing alcohol and the river:

“Alcohol and the river do not mix. We urge everyone enjoying a summer drink to stay away from the water’s edge. And just like the roads, never try to navigate a vessel under the influence of alcohol.”

Any member of the public who spots someone in trouble in the river should always call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard, rather than attempt a rescue themselves.

Greener vessels support maritime contribution to sustainable economic recovery

As the capital prepares for its hottest day of the year, the Port of London Authority (PLA) has issued a reminder not to underestimate the powers of the tidal River Thames.

Mark Towens, PLA harbour master, said: “With temperatures rising, the river is understandably particularly attractive, but our advice to anyone drawn to its waters is: only go afloat if you are an experienced river user and properly prepared.”

The PLA hasThe world’s biggest container ship, HMM Algeciras, has docked at DP World London Gateway port in Essex at the end of her maiden voyage to the UK.

At 400 metres, HMM Algeciras is longer than The Shard is tall and 61 metres wide.

Her arrival on the Thames (14 June) concluded a long journey from China, via South Korea, The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

She joins the 3,500 other vessels that have called at terminals on the tidal Thames since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced, keeping the country stocked with essential food, fuel and medicines. She will leave on 15 June, carrying British exports on her return journey home, via Singapore.

Investment by DP World in the new container handling facility at London Gateway has paved the way for large vessels like HMM Algeciras to call on the Thames, on the doorstep of the UK’s largest consumer market. London Gateway is also home to one of Europe’s largest logistics parks.

Ernst Schulze, CEO, DP World UK, said: “The visit by HMM Algeciras is testament to the capabilities we offer, not just at London Gateway, but at DP World Southampton too, where her sister ship, HMM Oslo, is due to call later this month.

“DP World is an enabler of global trade. Sustained investment and innovation mean that we offer customers like HMM world-class and resilient performance. That performance and the commitment of our dedicated teams has been critical as we’ve kept operating throughout lockdown. It sets us up well to play a key role in supporting a long-term green recovery too.”

Peter Livey, Managing Director (Gt. Britain) for HMM, commented: “The maiden voyage of the HMM Algeciras in Europe is a major milestone for HMM. These Megamax-24 ships are ground-breaking, not just in their size, but in world leading environmental performance too. Their optimised hull design and highly energy-efficient engines make a significant leap forward in reducing CO2 and other emissions. It’s all part of our long-term goal to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions across our container fleet by 2050.

“Just as importantly, ships of this size give us the capacity and flexibility to get our customers’ goods to the right place at the right time. Working across Gateway and Southampton, we have great coverage of the UK market and service teams ready to match cargoes and slots to customers’ needs.”

Robin Mortimer, Chief Executive of the Port of London Authority, said:

“The Thames is a crucial part of national supply chains. The arrival of HMM Algeciras underlines how investment by shipping lines and terminal operators creates a compelling offer to customers. Fundamentals like this, allied to a commitment to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions, are key to building a long-term, sustainable recovery. I’m proud that the port has operated uninterrupted throughout lockdown; our focus now is supporting recovery.”

The PLA has been working with DP World and HMM Europe planning for HMM Algeciras’ arrival for over six months. Its team has modelled the vessel’s arrival and departure in a ship simulator and surveyed the seabed en route to the port in advance. Two PLA pilots guided the vessel into port, London Port Control coordinated river traffic and a harbour launch was on standby as the ship went alongside. expressed concern at recent incidents of people taking to the water in inflatable craft, without proper safety equipment. With the heatwave set to make the river appear a great place to find some respite, it has issued an urgent call for people who are inadequately equipped or inexperienced not to venture onto the river.

The PLA’s dedicated website Boating on the Thames includes full details on how the river can be enjoyed safely for recreation.

“Flowing at the speed of an Olympic swimmer, the force of the river can take the inexperienced by surprise,” explains Mark Towens, highlighting the risks the river poses. “With a daily tidal rise and fall of seven metres, even the strongest athlete can find it challenging to keep their head above water, if they end up in the river.”

Hazards the PLA has highlighted include:

• Cold water shock on entering the river, which can send the heart into seizure;
• The river being a busy transport artery for vessels with limited scope to act if they see someone in the river;
• The muddy banks of the foreshore, putting people trying to leave the river at risk of being stranded.

Mark Towens concludes by highlighting the risks of mixing alcohol and the river:

“Alcohol and the river do not mix. We urge everyone enjoying a summer drink to stay away from the water’s edge. And just like the roads, never try to navigate a vessel under the influence of alcohol.”

Any member of the public who spots someone in trouble in the river should always call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard, rather than attempt a rescue themselves.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has released an update of its Air Quality Strategy for the tidal Thames, reflecting progress made in the two years since the strategy was launched and new actions responding to rapid changes in technology and regulation.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has released an update of its Air Quality Strategy for the tidal Thames, reflecting progress made in the two years since the strategy was launched and new actions responding to rapid changes in technology and regulation.

The Air Quality Strategy, launched in May 2018, was the first evidence-based air quality strategy for a UK port. Since then, the PLA has worked with customers and stakeholders to deliver a number of the actions the strategy identified. These include: publishing the emissions reduction roadmap for inland vessels on the tidal Thames; convening London’s first Greening Inland Shipping conference; and completing an air quality monitoring programme around its Greenwich Ship Tier mooring.

Over the same period, Government regulation related to maritime air quality has evolved. In particular, the Department for Transport published the Clean Maritime Plan in July last year, following on from the Government’s adoption of a legally binding Net Zero target by 2050.

The PLA is updating its Air Quality Strategy in line with Department for Transport requirements for major ports to share their understanding of the impact of port operations on air quality and provide an action plan for mitigation. The update features five new actions including proposals for developing a River Ultra Low Emission Zone, green technology demonstration project, diffusion monitoring of ozone from river operations and investigating port call optimisation.

PLA head of environment, Tanya Ferry commented:

“Over the last two years we have made substantial progress, completing six of the actions identified and making strong progress with the others. The same period has seen amazing progress in regulation, technology and understanding of air quality. We’re taking the opportunity of the DfT’s call for major ports to produce air quality strategies to review and update our strategy, in light of what we’ve learnt and the new options now available.”

The PLA is running a survey to gather customer and stakeholder feedback on the updated Strategy. The survey closes on 3 July 2020.

You can access the updated strategy on the PLA website here.

A surge in swimmers and unsuitable inflatables on the Thames in London during the COVID-19 lockdown is putting lives at risk.

That’s the warning from the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum (TTWSF), representing all the bodies involved in preventing drownings on the river, from Teddington to the North Sea.

Ahead of the Royal Lifesaving Society’s Drowning Prevention Week (12 -19 June 2020), the group’s advice to all those taking to the Thames is that hidden dangers lie in entering the capital’s river, particularly for untrained and inexperienced water users.

Mark Towens, the Port of London Authority (PLA) harbour master for the river in London, chairs the TTWSF. He said: “The early summer sunshine, possibly linked to people being either furloughed or working from home, saw a marked increase in people venturing out into the river, many using inflatables suitable only for use in swimming pools.

“We recognise the allure of the river for people seeking rest and recreation, particularly at this time, but our advice to anybody taking to the river on impulse, particularly less able swimmers and the inexperienced, is clear: Stay out of the water. It could cost you your life.

“Even the fittest athlete can find themselves challenged by the river’s powers. It flows at the speed of an Olympic swimmer and has a daily tidal rise and fall of seven metres.

“The risk of cold water shock – causing the heart to go into seizure - is also a year-round phenomenon.

“On top of this, there is the risk of colliding with vessels on the river or being injured by infrastructure along the banks of the foreshore, often hidden beneath the waterline. The deep mud of the foreshore can also trap people, creating a serious risk of death, given the speed of the river’s ebb and flow.”

The TTWSF’s other members (the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, London Ambulance Service and Maritime & Coastguard Agency), have recently been involved in helping swimmers in the river who have unexpectedly found themselves in difficulty.

Any member of the public who spots someone in the river in trouble should always call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard, rather than attempt a rescue themselves.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has announced the results of the air quality monitoring programme around its mid-river mooring at Greenwich.

Greenwich Ship Tier is principally used by visiting cruise ships. Seven monitoring stations were installed close to the mooring, on the north and south riverbanks. Operational since Spring 2019, they captured data around the clock, with the raw data available via the websites of both the PLA and Breathe London. The PLA committed to share the analysis of the calibrated results from the monitoring, a commitment it is now fulfilling. The summary air quality monitoring report can be found online here.

The monitors were capturing data on two pollutants: Particular Matter (PM) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) over a 146-day period. Cruise ships were moored at Greenwich on 41 of those days. Analysis of the calibrated results of the monitoring shows that when a cruise ship was moored at Greenwich Ship Tier there was:

• no exceedance in the National Standard for the daily (24 hour) PM10 mean for 97.6% of the time (40 out of 41 days) – this is a statistically insignificant difference compared to the two exceedances of the PM10 National Standard (24 hours) over this period when there was no cruise ship berthed at Greenwich Ship Tier.
• no exceedances in the National Standard for the hourly NO2 mean at any monitoring sites, except at Greenwich Pier; it is considered that, rather than cruise vessels, the strong influence of other river activities at Greenwich Pier was the reason for the hourly NO2 mean exceeding the National Standard for approximately 1.5% of the entire monitoring period; of this, 0.17% occurred when a cruise vessel was mooring at Greenwich Ship Tier.

“Monitoring air quality in a congested urban environment is a complex thing to do,” said PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer. “These results help us all understand better the impact of cruise ships on the Thames at Greenwich. The conclusion is that there are not breaches of legal standards for air quality attributable to cruise ships berthing at Greenwich Ship Tier.

“In the longer term, we are committed to exploring options for Net Zero berthing operations when vessels are in port. We are seeking technical, operational and investment business partners for this project with a target date of 2025. This is a technically challenging goal, particularly given the economic impacts of the pandemic, but will be our focus as part of a wider green recovery.”

Robin Mortimer added that the PLA has today released its ‘emission reduction roadmap for inland shipping on the Tidal Thames’. The roadmap, developed by specialist consultants, E4tech, working in consultation with the PLA and river operators, is the first of its kind for a UK port. It sets out the feasibility of technological steps for progressive reduction of emissions from river operations including passenger ferries, tugs, freighters and service boats. The report also identifies barriers to reach the 2050 target for domestic shipping, which the PLA is already working with operators and other regulators to eliminate. The emission reduction roadmap is online here.

The Greenwich Ship Tier air quality monitors were installed in accordance with a recommendation in the PLA’s Air Quality Strategy, published in May 2018, the first to be produced by a UK port. The strategy features challenging 25-year targets including halving emissions from river-related sources, whilst continuing to grow use of the river for both freight and passengers.

The network of air pollution monitors was funded by the PLA. Supplied by Gloucestershire-based Air Monitors Limited, the state-of-the-art technology used in Greenwich mirrors that used in other major studies around the world. The monitoring was undertaken alongside the Breathe London Network and the Councils covering both Greenwich and Tower Hamlets, close to Greenwich Ship Tier. The calibration work has been undertaken by Ricardo UEA who is supporting DEFRA Automatic Urban and Rural Network (AURN) monitoring sites and they are now maintaining the sensors. In the busy and complex London environment, the monitors picked up emissions from all sources, particularly road transport.

The PLA will be discussing the air quality monitoring results at the next local public meeting, when COVID-19 response regulations make this again possible. In the meantime, it will be welcoming stakeholders’ questions to the email address: [email protected]

Robin Mortimer concluded:

“The ongoing situation with the COVID-19 virus means that the public and face-to-face meetings we had expected to host about this data are not currently possible. We look forward to further discussion with stakeholders, once the public health crisis has passed and are open to online feedback and engagement.”

PLA initiatives to improve air quality on the tidal Thames include the UK port-first Green Tariff for environmentally cleaner ships calling at terminals on the river. The Green Tariff discount has been increased this year, with those ships calling on the Thames that perform at an even higher environmental standard now qualifying for a 20 per cent discount.

“I am away from my family for eight months. The phone top up allowed me to see my children. Thank you.” Rustan (Seafarer, Philippines)

Mobile phone credits, donated by the Port of London Authority (PLA), are keeping seafarers calling at terminals on the Thames connected with family during the COVID-19 crisis.

Pre-paid SIM cards, along with essential toiletries and a home comfort or two, like confectionary, are being distributed to the crews on vessels from around the world, who are keeping international trade flowing.

Since the UK COVID-19 lockdown started (23 March), over 3,000 vessels have delivered vital supplies to the capital by river, including food, fuel and medical supplies.

The parcels are proving a lifeline for the seafarers, who are unable to disembark in port due to public health restrictions.

Leading the operation to distribute the parcels is Mark Moeller, a chaplain with the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest (QVSR), who run the seafarers’ mission at Tilbury in Essex. He said: “The crews greatly appreciate the PLA’s donations, which are making life more enjoyable for them at this worrying time.

“The opportunity to connect with their family and friends, often thousands of miles away, has been particularly welcomed. It’s been a real morale booster to be able to check on the welfare of their relatives back home.”

“The work of seafarers often goes unnoticed, so it’s also good to see their efforts being recognised.

“We are very grateful to the PLA for their help in providing the parcels.”

Alistair Gale, corporate affairs director at the PLA, said: “‘The QVSR works extremely hard supporting seafarers all year round.

“Partnering with them to boost their work at this time is a small way of us showing that the efforts of crews from around the globe are greatly valued.”

“They are the keyworkers of the seas, continuing to deliver everyday things that we tend to take for granted.”

A PLA film highlighting the contribution of seafarers during the COVID-19 crisis is available on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/LFp5OC1HcBc

PLA staff’s online fundraiser to help estimated 150,000 crew members unable to return home due to COVID-19 lockdowns

Boats, bikes and boots - and a horse - have helped Port of London Authority (PLA) staff reach the halfway point in a virtual voyage around the world, via other trading hubs, raising money to help seafarers stranded by COVID-19.

Since Easter, the 400-strong workforce has been totting up the miles they have covered, both afloat for work, keeping the port open for trade, and for relaxation - walking, running and cycling.

They are aiming to raise £1,500 for the Mission to Seafarers, supporting crews stranded away from home by COVID-19 lockdowns. The campaign group Human Rights at Sea reported (14 May) that an estimated 150,000 seafarers around the world are currently unable to return to their loved ones after ending long contracts, and face an uncertain future.

Heading into the bank holiday weekend, the PLA team’s online global journey sees them fast approaching Sydney, 16,340 miles from their starting point, the company’s headquarters at Royal Terrace Pier in Gravesend, Kent.

Their efforts have now inspired others in the sector to join in, with employees of Cory Brothers Shipping Agency and trade association the United Kingdom Major Ports Group (UKMPG) among those accepting the challenge to “catch us if you can.”

PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer, has contributed over 130 miles to the tally, mainly by bike. He said: “This started as a way of encouraging all our employees to keep both physically and mentally fit during the COVID-19 crisis.

“It’s involved both our front-line staff, who have done a sterling job keeping the river safe for vessels transporting key supplies in and out of port, and back-office teams, who have been working from home now for nearly eight weeks.

“The motivation to exercise regularly during lockdown has been a key factor, but sharing stories across the company has also buoyed morale and helped people feel connected in very challenging times.

"Added to this, we are raising much-needed funds to help the Mission to Seafarers with their work supporting crews on vessels all around the world, who continue to play such a vital, but often overlooked, role in keeping us all supplied with food, fuel, medicines and other key goods."

Sights and sounds enjoyed by the PLA team on their travels across the country, include tranquil sunrises over the river, seals on the estuary, an eerily quiet central London and spring bluebell woods in full bloom.

The UK Government has released revised information on the continuing COVID-19 (‘coronavirus’) pandemic.

The overriding guidance is to stay at home as much as possible, but it is now possible to undertake unlimited exercise each day and to drive, walk or cycle to outdoor open spaces. Public transport should be avoided.

As a result the Port of London Authority (PLA) confirms that the Thames is suitable for appropriate recreational activity, including all foreshore searching activities. Therefore, anyone who holds a current foreshore permit may now return to the foreshore. The existing rules on restricted locations and on finds apply and, in line with Government guidance, social distancing of two metres must be maintained.

Those going to, being on and leaving the foreshore must take a cautious and responsible approach and keep a minimum of two metres distance from anyone else. Particular care should be taken at access points and appropriate hand washing or sanitising equipment must be used before and after being on the foreshore.

Anyone considering recreational activity must consider carefully the risks. The Thames remains a challenging environment and all reasonable precautions should be taken to ensure safety.

Please be aware that Government guidance may change at short notice which may return to restrictions in recreational activity. As a result, users are recommended to keep up to date with the latest guidance on COVID-19 and to regularly check the PLA website.

For those with applications for foreshore permits currently with the PLA, requests for refunds are being processed and will be made as soon as possible; your patience is appreciated. Other applications already with the PLA will, once validated, be processed and permits despatched.

A new application system will be available from the PLA website next week and applications for new or renewal permits will only be accepted through the new system.

As a gesture of goodwill, all holders of permits that are valid as of today’s date are granted a one-month extension beyond the end date shown on the permit.

Any enquiries should be directed to [email protected]