31.05.2006

Growth continues at Port of London

Cargo handled at port facilities on the Thames grew to 53.8 million tonnes in 2005 – up one per cent on the previous year. The Port of London remains one of the UK ’s top three ports in terms of total cargo handled. It is the largest port in the UK for non-fuel cargoes.

Key highlights of the latest ‘Annual Review’ of the Port of London Authority ( PLA) include:

• total cargo handled up to 53.8 million tonnes (53.3 in 2004)
  
• containerised and trailer cargo up to 14.6 million tonnes (14.3)
  
• aggregates up to 7.9 million tonnes (7.6)
  
• coal up to 2.5 million tonnes (2.0)
  
• PLA operating profit of £1.24 million (£1.07 in 2004)

Commenting, PLA chief executive Richard Everitt said:

“The Port of London plays a pivotal role in the economy and transport system of the capital and the wider south east area. In the period ahead we will continue to work with our partners to increase the amount of trade handled at port facilities all along the Thames and to further increase use of the river.”

'PLA Annual Review’ - available free from: Martin Garside, Port of London Authority, Bakers Hall, 7 Harp Lane, EC3R 6LB (Tel: 020 7743 7915)

Notes to Editors:

The Port of London Authority is the port authority for 150km (95 miles) of the tidal Thames from the sea to Teddington. It provides navigational, pilotage and other services for ships using the Port of London .

The Port of London comprises over 70 independently owned terminals and port facilities, which handle a wide range of cargoes.

London is one of the top three ports in the UK and handles over 50 million tonnes of cargo each year.

Photos of marine activity in the Port of London area are available on request.