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.

Common issue with gangways

Safety nets rigged incorrectly

The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) provides guidance to crew of vessels operating in UK waters. Chapter 22, Boarding Arrangements, Section 22.3 states that “where there is a risk of a person falling from the access equipment or from the quayside or ship’s deck adjacent to the access equipment, a safety net must be mounted where reasonably practicable. 

“The aim of safety nets is to minimise the risk of injury arising from falling between the ship and the quay or falling onto the quay, deck or between two vessels. As far as is reasonably practicable, the whole length of the means of access should be covered. Safety nets should be securely rigged, with use being made of attachment points on the quayside where appropriate.“ 

It is a common misconception that gangways, with a net that wraps around the gangway and only covers the sides and bottom do not require a separate safety net. This net will not catch you if you fall off, that is why you need a  safety net which is fitted around the entire length of the gangway.