Syon Reach - Kew Embankment Repair and Dredge

On Monday 28th April 2025, contractors working on behalf of London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, will commence works for the repair of the south shore embankment between the Old Deer Park and Queen’s Cottage Grounds. Works are expected to last for approximately 16 weeks and will include dredging operations, heavy lifting, persons on the foreshore and at the water line. 

The approximate location is indicated by the red box on the chartlet below:

Hopper barges and pontoon barges, loaded with machine plant, will likely take the ground during low water periods. Tugs PROGRESS and PROTECTOR will be in attendance. Work vessels will be positioned outside of the authorised channel for the majority of the works, and utilising the inshore area which may be obstructed to navigation up to the pecked line indicating the limit authorised channel on PLA Chart 305. 

Local Traffic Control will be implemented in the vicinity of works, if works are required to encroach the authorised channel. This will be undertaken by a PLA Harbour Service Launch exhibiting flashing blue lights. All vessels intending to navigate between Syon Reach Buoy and Isleworth Ait will be required to call ‘KEW CONTROL’ on VHF Channel 14 as follows: 

Inbound at River Brent Entrance 

Outbound at Thistleworth Marina 

Prior to departing any berth or mooring between River Brent and Thistleworth Marina 

Any requirement for Local Traffic Control will be broadcast by London VTS on VHF Channel 14, in advance. 

At times works vessel will be manoeuvring between Isleworth Drawdock, Syon PLA Driftwood Moorings and the works area. 

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, with the International Code Flags ‘Romeo Yankee (RY)’, which are illustrated here, displayed.

Barges within the works area will exhibit: 

• By Day, three shapes in a vertical line, the highest and lowest of these shapes shall be balls and the middle one a diamond; 
• By Night, three all-round lights in a vertical line, the highest and lowest of these lights shall be red and the middle light shall be white; as well as anchor light and deck lights. 

Day Shapes	Lights (by night)

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