Parliamentary launch of Thames Vision 2050

The Port of London Authority (PLA) presented its refreshed strategy, the Thames Vision 2050, at an afternoon reception at the Palace of Westminster yesterday (5 June) alongside 150 guests, including former maritime ministers.

The reception in the House Commons' Terrace Pavilion brought together leading figures from industry, the port and river community NGOs, sporting and recreational groups, alongside politicians and officials, setting out the future intent across the themes of the river development plan, Thames Vision 2050.

The three Vision themes, reflecting the role the river plays for people and the environment, are:

• Trading Thames – The No. 1 Net Zero UK commercial hub
• Destination Thames – A place to live, visit, play and enjoy
• Natural Thames – Clean air, water and land supporting diverse wildlife.

The event also provided a platform for a group of businesses and innovators to showcase their projects seeking to drive forward a more sustainable river operation, including proposed schemes covering shore-side power, electric foiling ships, zero emissions and autonomous hydrogen vessels.

“As we look to accelerate the path to a decarbonised economy, it is our mission to create a truly sustainable operation and environment. Delivering Net Zero is now a golden thread throughout our working and personal lives, even more so for younger generations. The Thames Vision 2050 will provide that guide-rail for the river community as we drive forward progressive change," commented Jonson Cox CBE, chair of the Port of London Authority, in his address to the guests.

He added: “The Vision is broad, combining ambitions for a safe, Net Zero port, clean and wildlife-rich river, an estuary resilient to climate change and a more diverse Thames, open to and providing opportunity for all.”

Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said:

“The Port of London Authority’s new Vision for the Thames in 2050 underlines the crucial role both the Port and the River Thames will play in our economy and the environment, now and in the future.

“As the UK’s largest and most competitive port, it supports over 45,000 jobs, handles over 50 million tonnes of cargo every year, and has an annual gross value added of more than £4 billion – a huge asset as we continue to grow the economy.”