Port of London Authority Port Hydrographer recognised for his contributions to hydrography

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) yesterday awarded John Dillon-Leetch, Port Hydrographer at the Port of London Authority (PLA), with the prestigious Alexander Dalrymple Award for 2024. The accolade recognises his significant contributions to hydrography.

John was presented the award on World Hydrography Day during a ceremony organised by UKHO at the International Maritime Organization’s headquarters in London. The event was hosted by the UK’s National Hydrographer, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh OBE, and was attended by representatives from the maritime sector.

The Alexander Dalrymple Award committee recognised John for his crucial role in advancing the PLA’s commitment to navigational safety, conservation, and sustainability. During his time as Port Hydrographer, John has enabled the PLA to develop one of the most proficient hydrographic departments in the UK.

John has also significantly contributed to the UK’s wider hydrographic community, playing a key role in the relaunch of University College London’s Master’s Programme in Hydrographic Surveying, which is supported by the PLA. This program, accredited by FIG/IHO/ICA as a Category A course, is pivotal in increasing the number of trained surveyors dedicated to the essential task of seabed mapping.

Commenting on the award, Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh, UK National Hydrographer, UKHO, said: “We take great pride in presenting this award to John for his significant and lasting contributions to hydrography. We recognise his outstanding impact on the Port of London Authority through his leadership as Port Hydrographer and his pivotal role in advancing hydrographic education. He joins a distinguished lineage of the world’s most influential hydrographers, and it is an honour to acknowledge his remarkable achievements.”

John added: “I am delighted and honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious award. Steve Richie, who was the first recipient of the Alexander Dalrymple Award, wrote a book entitled ‘No Day Too Long - An Hydrographer's Tale’ which first drew me to the profession. Thirty years later, to be counted amongst its alumni is the highlight of my career. 
 
“I see the award as recognition of the Port of London Authority's consistent support and the value it places in the positive impact that hydrography brings to improving safety, efficiency and sustainability on the Thames, as well as the wider ports and shipping industry.”

Under John’s guidance, the PLA has become one of the first ports to sign a Strategic MoU with the UKHO. This partnership has unlocked significant innovations and efficiencies for both the UKHO and the PLA, marking a new era of collaboration and progress in hydrographic practices.

John continued: “Our relationship with the UKHO has been strengthened through our strategic Memorandum of Understanding, which focusses on the collaborative development, production, and delivery of digital charting products, processes, and data services. This will enable significant improvement in safety of navigation in our waters for all mariners.”

The UK Hydrographic Office has annually presented the Alexander Dalrymple Award since 2006. The accolade is named in honour of the first Hydrographer of the British Admiralty and recognises outstanding contributions to the field of hydrography. The UKHO's Executive Committee selects recipients based on their commitment to advancing hydrography, cartography, and navigation standards globally.

Photo: Sarah Dillon-Leetch

Public consultations launched today by the Port of London Authority (PLA) invites residents and stakeholders in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Gravesham Borough Council to help shape the future of the River Thames in their communities.

The consultations, running until 9 August 2024, marks the fourth and fifth in a series covering all riverside local authorities, and are a key step towards realising the ambitious goals set out in the PLA's Thames Vision 2050.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is one of the fastest growing boroughs in London, in part due to ongoing regeneration and housing growth across riverside areas including at the Greenwich Peninsula, Charlton Riverside and Thamesmead. Likewise, Gravesham Borough Council has an ambitious regeneration plan for future development, with 11km of Thames riverfront and excellent transport links to/from London and Kent.  

Both boroughs are supported by a number of essential operational and safeguarded wharves which serve the wider London and South East region, in 2023 transporting over 5 million tonnes of cargo on the river. In addition, they are home to several boat yards and other supporting marine infrastructure which are vital for continuing efficient operations across the Tidal Thames.  

Studies show that by 2050, the Thames will see a significant increase in cargo traffic and passenger services, while the river's potential for light freight and parcel transportation is also expanding rapidly. This consultation is crucial for ensuring that our plans align with the needs and aspirations of local communities.

The Thames Vision 2050 envisions a river that thrives economically, ecologically, and socially. Alongside increased trade and innovative logistics solutions, the vision prioritises environmental protection, the transition to Net Zero emissions, and enhanced access to the river for recreational activities.

These consultations provide a platform for residents and stakeholders to contribute their insights and help shape the Thames' future. By collaborating with local communities, the PLA aims to create a thriving river that benefits everyone.

Martin Rolfe, CEO of NATS, has been appointed Non-Executive Board Director at the Port of London Authority (PLA), with effect from 1 June 2024.

As the serving CEO of NATS, provider of air traffic control for 2.5 million aircraft movements over the UK and North Atlantic each year, Martin is leading a transformation programme aligning technology, training and recruitment, all while maintaining a 24/7 safety critical operation.

An engineer by training and background, Martin held number of roles in the defence and aerospace sector prior to joining NATS in 2015. Martin also has significant experience as a Non-Executive Director, having served on the Boards of a number of technology companies and an NHS trust over the past decade.

Jonson Cox CBE, Chair of the PLA Board, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Martin to the Board. NATS, like the PLA, is responsible for the safe and effective management of a critical piece of our national infrastructure. I know his experience leading NATS’ investment in transformational change, technology and decarbonisation, will be invaluable to us in delivering our Thames Vision.

“Martin joins the PLA Board at a particularly interesting time, as we invest significantly in capital projects like the Marine Centre Transformation Programme, delivering a state-of-the-art port control centre which will ensure the port is ready to support our customers with their next 25 years of growth.”

Martin Rolfe, said:

“I can already see strong parallels between NATS and the PLA, not least the challenges and opportunities that come from running a safe, continuous operation to move goods and people as well as deliver services within the UK and beyond.

“I’m particularly looking forward to contributing through the PLA to the next chapter of one of the world’s most iconic rivers for the benefit of everyone that uses or relies upon it.”

Active Thames Tideway Boost – fund recipients

Greenwich UK Parkinson's Support Group

Walking, Thames Path

£1,554.52 of funding will deliver bimonthly Pole Walking session (using specially designed strapless poles) for people living with Parkinson's and their care partners. A local Parkinson’s exercise specialist will deliver the sessions. Exercise tools called ‘Smoveys’ will be purchased to ensure the programme is accessible and provide an alternative to walking poles, and two volunteers will be trained to support future walks.

Around and Around - Lively Lady

Sailing, Thames and Medway Estuaries

£3,970.98 will update Lively Lady, the boat that the late Sir Alec Rose used to make his famous single-handed voyage around the world in 1968. The funding will be used to provide updated electrical, navigation, and safety equipment that is essential to supporting the volunteer team to achieve their ambitions, including getting people out sailing who would never normally have the chance to do so, and maintaining this historic yacht.

The Line

Walking, Thames Path and Lee navigation

£5,000 will go towards The Line’s Youth Guides’ programme, which supports local young people to develop transferrable skills and improve employability by providing training and work opportunities in the arts and heritage sector. The grant will go towards paying the London Living wage to the Youth Guides (18-21), who will work as guides on the route around Greenwich Peninsula, visiting artworks along the Line, every Saturday for eight weeks from mid-July. 

Tideway Sailability

Sailing and Windsurfing, Greenland Dock

£5,000 will go towards purchasing a new Hansa 303 Access Sailing boat, which is specially designed to cater for people with a broad range of disabilities. This will expand their existing fleet to eight, increasing their capacity for each session to 20 people. This purchase is part of their strategy to expand and renew their existing fleet to meet the ever-increasing needs of disabled and disadvantaged members of the community.

Re-Instate

Walking, Thames Path

£5,000 will provide weekly guided walks for adults with learning disabilities and autism, exploring the Thames Path. Walks will provide physical activity and learning, connecting people with the Thames. The funding will pay for a coordinator to manage the regular walks and support the learning sessions back at Re-Instate's Hub in Bexley.

4th/6th Leigh-on-Sea Sea Scouts

Kayaking, Thames – Old Leigh

£3,687.50 will enable the Sea Scouts to replace their ageing buoyancy aids and single-seater kayaks, supporting over 70 young people to get active on the Thames Estuary this summer. The group also plan to organise taster day for adults, and to raise their profile in Essex.

Gravesend Rowing Club

Rowing, Thames

£1,500 will enable five volunteers from the club to gain powerboating qualifications, meaning they can provide safety support for junior and beginner rowing sessions. The club will run two taster sessions and a ‘Learn to Row’ course this summer, recruiting from a broad network of community organisations in Gravesham.

Laburnum Boat Club

Paddling, narrow boating

£4,795 of funding will support this charity to provide six, paid week-long work experience placements in paddlesports for disadvantaged young people, narrowboat trips for adults with mental health challenges, and three clean up days on the Regent’s Canal which will promote environmental awareness. Over 200 people will benefit from the funding this summer. 

Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre

Paddling, rowing, sailing and outward-bound activities

Each summer, Shadwell Basin runs an exciting programme of watersports and outward-bound activities for young people in Tower Hamlets. £4,992 will go towards the cost of employing coaches to deliver the courses, and the purchase of new buoyancy aids. In total, Shadwell intend to work with 300 young people over the summer, many of whom will be from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Popular HARCA

Paddling, Limehouse Cut

The community paddling club, now known as ‘Oar & Explore,’ will use their funding of £4,500 to provide family, disability and women-only paddling sessions on the Limehouse cut. Having grown to over 50 paddlers, 95% of which are minority ethnic women, the club is looking forward to reaching new audiences this summer.

Fulham Reach Boat Club

Rowing, Thames

A new sport will arrive on the Thames in West London: beach sprint rowing. A form of coastal rowing, beach sprints require skills in sprinting on land and turning the boat quickly around buoys on the water. It is a relatively new sport that will feature in the 2028 Olympics. With their funding of £4,074, Fulham Reach Boat Club will launch taster sessions for this sport, and sliding-seat rowing, reaching adults with little or no rowing experience.