Kings Reach - RNLI BROW REPLACEMENT WORKS & WATERLOO bridge arch closure

Mariners are advised that on or about 22nd September 2025 contractors will commence brow replacement works at Tower RNLI station. These works are expected to last 5 days. 

To facilitate these works, the crane barge GPS BOXER will be positioned on Tower RNLI. Lifting operations will be undertaken to remove the old brow, and fit the new one.  

Crane Barge 

The crane barge GPS BOXER will be positioned alongside Tower RNLI throughout the works. 

During mooring/unmooring operations, the tug will temporarily encroach up to 6 metres into the authorised channel, until GPS BOXER is spudded down. Ad-hoc Local Traffic Control may be implemented by PLA Harbour Service Launch if required. 

Once in position, GPS BOXER will spud down for the duration of works, moored outside but near the authorised channel edge. 

Vessels should navigate with caution in the area.

Lifting Operations 

To facilitate lifting operations to remove the old brow and fit the new brow, at times No. 2 arch of Waterloo Bridge will be closed to navigation. These closures are expected to last no more than 2 hours, and take place within two of the lifting windows detailed below: 

Arches closed to navigation will be marked in accordance with the Port of London Authority (PLA) Thames Byelaws 2012 as depicted and by night lit with three red lights in a downward triangle.  

During the closure of arch 2, Local Traffic Control will be undertaken from a PLA Harbour Service Launch in the vicinity of Waterloo Bridge. All vessels intending to navigate between Charing Cross Rail Bridge and Blackfriars Bridges are to call ‘WATERLOO CONTROL’ on VHF Channel 14 as follows: 

• Inbound at Blackfriars Bridge  
• Outbound at Charing Cross Rail Bridge 
• Prior to leaving a berth or mooring between Charing Cross Rail Bridge and Blackfriars Bridges

 Requirements to proceed with caution or at slow speed, will be made in accordance with the procedures set out in the Port of London Authority’s Port Information Guide, under ‘London VTS’, ‘Section 4’ with the International Code Flags ‘Romeo Yankee’ displayed, which are illustrated below.   

Vessels should navigate with caution when passing the works, and with full regard to the effects of their wash.  

 Further details will be broadcast by London VTS on VHF Channel 14.