PLA News Releases

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has broken new ground in the maritime sector, publishing the first draft Air Quality Strategy for a UK port. The PLA has been developing the strategy in the light of projected growth in river use over the next twenty years and concerns about air quality in urban centres. The aim of the strategy, which covers the tidal Thames from Teddington Lock to Southend, is to reduce emissions to air from marine sources within the tidal River Thames, while facilitating the Port and London’s future growth. The move comes less than 12 months after the PLA made London the first UK port to offer a ‘green’ discount on charges for ships using cleaner technology.

A riverside haven for visiting mariners from all over the world has been giving a helping hand this Christmas by the Port of London Authority (PLA). Every year, Tilbury Seafarers’ Centre volunteers wrap up more than 1,500 parcels for crew members whose ships are calling at the Port of London over the festive period. Many of the visiting seamen have not seen loved ones for months and are really happy to accept gifts at a time of year when they’re most missing home.

A Port of London Authority (PLA), marine services deckhand who put forward a bright idea at the right time is now helping trainees make their way in the marine world of work. Rachel De Bont was recently made training and liaison officer at the PLA just as the authority added two more apprentices to its books and expanded the marine training offered to staff.

Twenty two apprentices this week celebrated the start of their journey towards careers on the tidal Thames, at the official launch of the Thames Skills Academy’s (TSA) Thames Apprenticeship Programme.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) this week hosted nine students from St Angela’s Ursuline School in Newham on a trip on the Thames, kicking off a three-year partnership with the school as part of London Youth Rowing’s ‘Breaking Barriers’ campaign.

The largest short sea roll-on/roll-off freight vessel in the world, CLdN’s Celine called on the Thames for the first time this week. Celine is the first ship in a series of eight that CLdN is adding to its fleet; she has just arrived in Europe from builders Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. CLdN is deploying Celine on its weekly itinerary, calling at Purfleet on the Thames, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Dublin.

Newborn baby Archie O’Doherty, pictured in mum Laura’s arms, made a dramatic entrance into the world – as his family sat down to watch The X Factor. Archie, son of PLA driftwood master Martin, was due at the beginning of November but made an early appearance at the End of Part One. Laura Osbourne, 27, knew it was her moment as she climbed the stairs of her Gravesend home and shouted at Martin, 29, for help.

As has been reported widely via the internet, there is currently a lone common dolphin in the upper reaches of the tidal Thames. Solitary dolphins are not uncommon around the UK coast and occasionally they will swim up rivers further inland. When this happens, their welfare can be threatened as people who are not used to seeing a marine animal may inadvertently cause it stress.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has unveiled a smart new eco-friendly £400,000 boat hoist to give its fleet – and other vessels on the Thames – a lift. The Power Hoist Atlantic (PHA) 100, made by Roodberg in the Netherlands, was recently brought into service at the PLA’s Marine Services boatyard in Denton, Kent. It can lift 70 tonnes – 10 more than the authority’s previous lift, which was in use for about 10 years.