Fact File

The Port of London:

handles over 53 million tonnes of cargo, carried in 12,500 commercial vessels that visit; the port each year
comprises over 70 operational wharves and encompasses the entire tidal Thames, from Margate/Clacton-on-Sea to Teddington, some 150 kilometres
generates over 35,200 full time equivalent jobs and contributes more than £3.4 billion per annum to the London and South East regional economy

has a tidal range of over 7 metres and flows at speeds of up to 3 knots in either direction
attracts approximately 2 million visitors a year, in pleasure boats, cruise ships and private boats
carries over two million tonnes of domestic trade a year within Port limits, including over half a million tonnes of domestic refuse for disposal, keeping 160,000 lorries off London’s roads
supports over 30 piers between the Thames Barrier and Richmond for use by passenger vessels and private boats and has 37 launching sites between Canvey Island and Twickenham
has 6 marinas between Woolwich and Kew, over 55 river-based rowing, sailing and canoe clubs and 8 watersports centres
is a site of importance for nature conservation containing nine Sites of Special Scientific Interest, three of which are designated European Marine Sites

regulates navigation through its river byelaws, general directions, other associated byelaws and in accordance with the Port Marine Safety Code
operates Vessel Traffic Service Centres at the Port Control Centre, Gravesend and the Thames Barrier Navigation Centre, Woolwich (call signs “VTS London”)
provides the pilotage service for the Port
owns 90 percent of the riverbed up to mean high water between Teddington and Southend
licenses commercial vessels trading within the port, structures and moorings placed in the River, and dredging
employs almost 370 staff, of which 90 are marine pilots
provides around the clock launch patrols between Southend and Teddington.
participates with Government, advisory bodies, regional and local authorities to secure the best interests of the Thames in the planning framework
approves and monitors almost 300 events each year, including major sporting occasions, regattas, club and other river events
complies with the Guide to Good Governance of Trust Ports and the Port Marine safety code.