We will create the UK’s leading port, central to the nation’s economy, with Net Zero emissions.

A clean river, free of pollution and rubbish, supporting more sport, passengers and freight. A resilient Estuary, adapting to climate change and richer in wildlife. A more diverse Thames, providing jobs, learning and enjoyment to the whole community, and always, everyone, staying safe.

As a Trust Port, we hold the river in trust, working to hand it on in a better condition to future generations.
 
This approach is at the heart of the Thames Vision. A not-for-dividend organisation, we retain any financial surplus generated, and are consequently uniquely placed to make targeted, strategic investments to support delivery of the Vision.
 
Alongside improving the river, our principal responsibility is enabling people to use the tidal Thames safely. We engage actively and openly with stakeholders through a range of forums, throughout the year.
Download the Thames Vision. (PDF)

DELIVERING FOR PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Thames Vision is built around three interconnected themes, centred on the role the river plays for people and the environment.

The country’s largest and most competitive port, closest to the UK’s biggest market, producing Net Zero emissions. Improved connectivity to road and rail infrastructure. Technologically innovative, expanding the transportation of light freight into central London as urban logistics transform.

The country’s largest and most competitive port, closest to the UK’s biggest market, producing Net Zero emissions. Improved connectivity to road and rail infrastructure. Technologically innovative, expanding the transportation of light freight into central London as urban logistics transform.

Accessible to all, a national and international icon for the city and the country. More visitors, drawn to the river as the best way to enjoy London and the Thames Estuary, and its many cultural attractions. More people from diverse backgrounds enjoying sport and leisure opportunities on the Thames.

Accessible to all, a national and international icon for the city and the country. More visitors, drawn to the river as the best way to enjoy London and the Thames Estuary, and its many cultural attractions. More people from diverse backgrounds enjoying sport and leisure opportunities on the Thames.

A clean river, free of sewage, waste and other pollution, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use. Valued for its clean air, natural flood defence, wildlife and as a carbon sink.

A clean river, free of sewage, waste and other pollution, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use. Valued for its clean air, natural flood defence, wildlife and as a carbon sink.

The essential Thames foundation

The essential Thames foundation

Transforming the Thames economy

Transforming the Thames economy

Robust systems, infrastructure and habitats

Robust systems, infrastructure and habitats

Improving all aspects of performance

Improving all aspects of performance

An inclusive river, accessible to all

An inclusive river, accessible to all

VOICES FROM THE RIVER

We asked partners to share their vision for the Thames.

Trading Thames

Destination Thames

Natural Thames

2022

Investment in growth, including leveraging the benefits of Freeport status, from 2022.

2022

Safety improved, with new Class V passenger regulations introduced in 2022.

2023

Thames Net Zero Coalition formed and a collective action plan to radically reduce emissions on the Thames produced by end 2023.

2023

Thames Estuary 2100 plan updated by 2023, alongside a plan for a resilient network of high-quality protected habitats.

2024

River masterplan published by 2024.

2025

Route map to a zero sewage, zero rubbish, zero plastic Thames published by 2023 and Tideway Tunnel operational by 2025.

2025

New Marine Control Centre developed and operational by 2025.

2025

Busier river, served by London’s first boatyard in a century, fully operational by 2025.

2027

Active Thames programme leveraging some £500,000 over five years to support greater sports participation, by 2027.

2027

Up to 1,000 people undertaking Thames Continuous Professional Development, by 2027.

2030

Three safeguarded wharves  reactivated, and light freight operations promoted by 2030.

2030

Better connected Thames, with Lower Thames Crossing completed by 2030.

SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Thames Vision 2050 will deliver against multiple UN Sustainable Developments Goals.

PARTNERS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE THAMES VISION

Thames Vision 2050 is a shared vision of how the Thames can be a greater resource for local communities and better serve the nation as a global maritime centre.

Our partners collaborating in delivering the Vision include: Government, the Greater London Authority, port and river businesses, local authorities, the Thames Estuary Growth Board, customers, river users, local community groups, voluntary sector organisations and fellow regulators.

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