Double vision – cruise liners pass on the Thames › PLA-issue-July-2017-newsletter.pdf140,000 jobs, the campaign is asking everyone to: P Use the bin – not the gutter, not the

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Ship arrival and departuresArrivals <

Departures >

You wait ages for a beautiful cruise ship, then two come along at once.The tidal Thames enjoyed a rare treat recently when Silversea’s Silver Cloud and Silver Wind passed each other near Greenwich, sounding their horns.Silver Cloud was heading downriver, while the latter, passing near Blackwall Reach, was just arriving in London laden with hundreds of waving passengers.Both ships, which made their maiden voyages in the mid-90s,

have become regular visitors to the capital – but it’s thought they’ve never been in the port at the same time.Silver Wind can hold up to 355 passengers, is 155 metres long and is crewed by 197 people.Silver Cloud can have up to 296 guests, is crewed by 212, weighs 16,800 tonnes and is 157 metres long. She was refurbished in 2015.

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Thames paddlers have a new safety bible to turn to – The Paddling Code.Produced by the Port of London Authority (PLA), alongside input from British Canoeing and other river-based paddling organisations, the new guide is modelled on our Rowing Code.It combines essential safety information (for regular and first-timer paddlers), easily understood graphics and a wealth of tips on trip preparation, equipment – as well as advice about navigating tricky sections of the river.Darren Knight, PLA assistant harbour master (recreational) said: “The Tidal Thames is a diverse water space with relatively calm waters in Richmond, busy fast flowing sections in central London

and an expansive estuary along the Kent and Essex coast."The Paddling Code gives paddlers all the information they need in one place, advising them how to enjoy the river safely. Hopefully, it will give new paddlers the confidence to take to the Thames and plan their passages safely and provide seasoned paddlers new insight for taking on more challenging sections of the river.”Ben Seal, canoeing development officer at British Canoeing, said:"The Tideway is one of the leading venues for water sports in the UK, with thousands of people taking to

the river to exercise, de-stress or take in the scenic riverside views. “The Code is set to be a valuable resource for paddlers that will improve their safety and the safety of others on the river, but it will also help to make padding a more enjoyable experience."

>> See the Paddling Code

Safe paddling guide launched

Double vision – cruise liners pass on the Thames

>> Watch a video of Silver Cloud’s visit to London

Double vision – cruise liners pass on the Thames >Safe paddling guide launched >Keep the Thames tidy... new campaign launched >Ready Mercury – new MBNA Thames clipper launched >

Visiting Indian frigate draws a crowd >Dockland artefacts and a mummified cat – The Museum of London Docklands >Thames air quality research underway >Stand-up Bill’s a stand-up guy >New safety campaign targets ‘deadly Dozen’ >Round-the-world yacht visits London >Thames Skills Academy >Tilbury >London Gateway >

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A forceful new campaign aimed at stemming the murky flow of litter into London’s river has got our backing. For Fish‘s Sake (#FFS) is encouraging commuters and visitors alike to protect and cherish the Thames by not adding to the mess.Research by campaign founders Hubbub (an environmental charity) found that seven in 10 Londoners thought that the Thames was too polluted for fish (despite the fact it’s actually home to 125 different species).And, as the Thames is worth an annual £40 billion to the British economy, providing in the region of 140,000 jobs, the campaign is

asking everyone to:P Use the bin – not the gutter, not the river, not the pavement P If you see some litter and you’re near a bin – pick it up P If the bin is full, find another one or take your litter home.#FFS especially aims to draw attention to food and drink related litter, as it is thought to make up the majority of rubbish dumped in the tidal Thames.PLA chief executive Robin Mortimer said: “We fully support this campaign, especially as it echoes our own efforts to clean up the river. We collect 300 tonnes of driftwood and rubbish each year.”

And research done in 2015 byRoyal Holloway University found that up to three-quarters of some fish species in the river have plastic fibres in their gut. The #FFS campaign will see a series of events, displays and “playful interventions” aimed at encouraging Londoners to rethink their littering habits.

Keep the Thames tidy… new campaign launched

>> Find out more

A flippered-up #FFS volunteer tells London visitors about the campaign

One half of a new £6.3 million addition to the tidal Thames’ transport fleet has arrived and been launched into service.172-passenger Mercury Clipper (pictured) made its London journey from an Isle of Wight shipyard, the first of two new MBNA Thames

Clippers due to enter service this summer. The other is Jupiter Clipper. They took 10 months to build and it’s hoped Jupiter will be launched in August.Sean Collins, MBNA Thames Clippers CEO, said: “It’s fantastic

that we were able to build these ultra-high specification catamarans here in the UK. “This build marks a significant investment in MBNA Thames Clippers and London’s river network and I’m proud of it enabling investment in our team too,”

Ready Mercury – new MBNA Thames Clipper launched

>> Watch a video about the campaign here:



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Visiting Indian frigate draws a crowd

What have a legendary batsman, a souped-up Indian frigate and a London seapilot got in common? All three were part of an event celebrating Britain’s ties with India, and it drew thousands of visitors to the tidal Thames.The Indian Navy’s impressive INS Tarkash was guided in and out of West India Quay by four of our pilots, for a four-day stay.One of two pilots who did the inbound journey, was our long-serving Darshan Tampi. Originally from the Indian state of Kerala, Darshan was proud and thrilled to take temporary control of the125 metre-long, helicopter-bearing battleship from the North East Spit to Gravesend, before handing responsibility forits safe navigation to river pilot Mark Duhig. When she reached her east London berth, crowds of cheering UK-based Indians were there to greet her arrival. Not only that, former Indian cricket captain

Sachin Tendulkar stepped on board.Darshan said: “I was very pleased to get the chance to pilot Tarkash and actually asked for the job.“She is an impressive ship and the job was very straightforward, even if the bridge was a little busy with

people. “Communicating with the crew was not a problem at all, as everyone spoke English. There were one or two words of Hindi, luckily I can speak it.”Darshan was presented with a baseball cap and fruit basket to mark his visit, but wasn’t able to meet the second-best test batsman of all time. And, having worked at the PLA for 19 years, Darshan was especially pleased to do the job as two of his brothers are retired Indian naval officers.During her London stay, Tarkash undertook various training exercises with the Royal Navy.

Classified as a “Stealth Frigate”, she was built in Russia and carries anti-air missiles and anti-submarine weapons, among other formidable weaponry.

Darshan Tampi

>> Watch a video of her arrival at West India Quay:



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Dockland artefacts and a mummified cat – The Museum of London DocklandsIf you've braved a shopping trip amid the skyscrapers of east London's Canary Wharf – without taking a proper look around – you could be missing a historical trick. Tucked away in one corner of West India Quay, not far from the towering One Canada Square, is a treasure trove of tidal Thames history: the Museum of London Docklands.Based in a 200-year-old warehouse, that was once a prime destination for ships bearing goods from Africa and the West Indies, the museum is a fun, family friendly collection of artefacts and exhibitions that offer an illuminating insight into London’s maritime past.Vicky Holmes has been port and river archivist there for almost four years. Overseeing the many thousands of artefacts, documents, photos and works of art (many of which belong to the PLA), she admits it’s a huge and rewarding job.She said: “One of the strangest things we have is a mummified cat and rat that was found in the 1890s. There are also some very large volumes, the biggest being an index to the Thames Naviation Committee minutes (1770-1857). I’m always worried I might drop it on my foot.

“The hardest part of the job is also the best bit really, that the collection is so big and full of information that it attracts interest from all sorts of visitors, from family historians to architects, historians and novelists. I don’t know all the answers to the questions I’m asked, but I can usually find something in the collection to help an enquirer.”The museum’s newest gallery, No.1 Warehouse, opened last year. It looks at how the capital’s docks and warehouses operated at the height of their success. Packed with fascinating photos, artefacts

and testimonies in one of the museum’s many roomy exhibition spaces, No.1 is as welcoming as it is attractive.There’s also the London, Sugar & Slavery gallery, launched 10 years ago – the only permanent exhibition in London which takes a square look at the city’s involvement in the

transatlantic slave trade.Just as absorbing is Tunnel: The Archaeology of Crossrail, an interactive display that includes 500 finds, unearthed during the Crossrail project, an eight-year plan to improve London’s commuter network. This exhibition finishes at the beginning of September. With at least 4,000 items on display (and over 100,000 more in storage) and a gallery just for kids (Mudlark Children’s Gallery, featuring a soft play area with model making) there’s something for everyone at the Museum of London Docklands.“Everyone would benefit from a

visit to the museum,” says Vicky. Vicky suggests “It’s free to get in and we have regular events for kids and their families. There’s also a great café for visitors to take a break from the hustle and bustle outside.”

>> Find out more

Port and River archivist Vicky Holmes



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Thames Air Quality ResearchUnderwayThe Port of London Authority is working with the Greater London Authority and Transport for London on new research to develop an Air Quality Strategy for the tidal Thames. It will focus on the air quality impact of operations on London’s river and how emissions can be further reduced. Recent studies show that thousands of deaths in the UK every year are caused by air quality related illnesses. And as ‘custodians’ of the tidal Thames, the PLA is taking its responsibility seriously – as was outlined in our 20-year Thames Vision. It foresees more passenger journeys, more activity on the river and our ambition – highlighted in the Vision – is for that growth to be as sustainable as possible.The new strategy is looking at a broad range of measures to

improve air quality, including: P The environmental benefits of shore power P Comparing data on carbon used in road journeys vs river journeys (by commercial operators) P Quantifying emissions on certain sections of the river.Our chief executive Robin Mortimer said: “This initial document sets out the work we are doing to establish the baseline for vessel emissions on the Thames and to explore options for reducing emissions. “We will continue to develop this work further, as the evidence base improves.“Our work on an air quality plan for

the city’s river is complemented by the UK’s first port charges discount for cleaner cargo ships. “We introduced this from the start of this year and, already, more than 20 ships a month are qualifying for the lower charges.”It’s hoped the strategy will identify measures that can be taken to continue improving air quality on the Thames, as well as outlining more areas for research.

TV funnyman Bill Bailey has had a paddle board named in his honour – and it was developed on the tidal Thames.The stand-up comedian, who’s well-known for his love of stand up paddleboarding, launched the

‘Billboard’ at Fulham Reach Boat Club in Hammersmith. Designed by Danish design duo Kira and Soren Strange, the Billboard was also the result of vital input from Active 360 paddleboarding guru Paul Hynam.

He said: “Bill started paddling with us about three years ago and he used to have quite a big board that wasn’t that fast. He was looking for something that could handle the River Thames well and be good for longer trips.“We tried the Billboard out on the tidal Thames, and in Norway, Indonesia, Slovenia, Denmark and Scotland, among other places and we’ve all been really happy with it. Bill is happy too.“It’s unlike most paddleboards in that it’s got rescue handles, a compass, lights front and back and lots of reflective strips too.”The new, “high end” board goes on general sale soon and costs around £1,600.

STAND-UP BILL’S A STAND-UP GUY>> Find out more

>> Find out moreBill Bailey (far left), PLA Thames Vision’s director Katharine Riggs, Paul Hymam and PLA’s assistant harbour master (recreation) Darren Knight.



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New safety campaign targets “Deadly Dozen”Our latest safety campaign is urging river users to use their head more.Human Factors was launched after an analysis of accident data showed that human error was the leading cause of "navigational incidents" on the tidal Thames in the past two years.The campaign draws heavily on Maritime and Coastguard Agency guidance which shines a light on some of the top causes of these kinds of accident.Launching the campaign at our annual forum, our chief harbour master, Bob Baker, told stakeholders: “Over the last two years, human error was linked to more than 40% of accidents on the river. Often it’s the simplest of things that trip people up, whether recognising that their mind’s not on the job or suddenly thinking ‘I wasn’t clear in my instructions’.”“Our campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the Deadly Dozen,” Bob added. “Over the next 12 months we will be giving hints and tips to river users on a variety of elements, including best practice, communication and avoiding distractions. “Our statistics show, for instance, that the risk of an accident increases in October, between 5 pm and 6 pm. It’s a real accident ‘hot spot’ people need to be aware of."

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Habits – Don't confuse efficiency with dangerous short cutsUnity – Do you work well together?Mindfulness – What have I missed?Attentiveness – Are you multi–tasking or dangerously distracted?Notifying – Do you speak up when you should?

Fitness for duty – Are you fit to carry out your duties safely?Ability – Is your crew capable?Communication – Do you understand each other?Tensions – Are you just busy or dangerously overloaded?Overtired – Are you just tired or dangerously fatigued?Routine – Just because things are going well now, doesn't mean they can't go wrong.Safety Culture – Do it the safe way, do it the right way, do it every day.

The dozen things to watch out for, are:

Round-the-world yacht visits LondonThis recent hi-tech visitor to the Port of London, pictured behind a Svitzer tug, won admirers on her way to central London for a corporate event. Globetrotting IMOCA 60 racing yacht Hugo Boss finished runner-up in last year’s Vendee Globe, a world-famous round-the-world yacht race. It saw skipper Alex Thompson singlehandedly circle the planet in 74 days, 19 hours and 35 minutes. It crossed the line off the coast of France. Welshman Alex, 42, matched Dame Ellen MacArthur as the best British competitior in the Vendee Globe. Our picture shows Alex sailing the yacht to a recent event in Canary Wharf.IMOCA yachts are one of the world’s fastest racing monohulls. Built using composite materials, to keep them as light as possible, they are able to withstand harsh conditions all over the world.

>> Find out more

>> Find out more



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Thames Skills Academy

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The Thames Skills Academy (TSA) is a group training association that was set up last year to support marine-based employers on the tidal Thames. We caught up with its chief executive, Julian Parkes, to find out more about the organisation…Why was the TSA set up and who on the river is it aimed at?

The TSA was established to provide a more cohesive and co-ordinated approach to maritime training on the tidal Thames. We aim to raise standards and the level of skills afloat, as inland waterways operators’ face ever-increasing demands for their services. Tideway has substantially funded our first five years’ operation to both support the marine training needs of the Tideway project and leave a legacy when the project ends. We hope that legacy is a step-change improvement in maritime skills and standards, and a more effective marine training regime.What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced?

The challenges have been getting the organisation up and running. This has been achieved with limited resources and the welcome

assistance of, mainly, the PLA and Tideway. Equally difficult, in some ways, has been persuading organisations of the benefits TSA membership will bring, especially those who either aren’t interested or see no reason for the TSA. Perhaps some have seen us as a potential threat to the way they train staff and operate their vessels? But those fears are unfounded. And, obviously, we can’t force employers to join the TSA.How happy are you with the progress so far?

Very happy – we have achieved a great deal in a relatively short time. We only received our first funding at the end of June last year and didn’t start to build the team until mid-November, when our office manager Gemma McKeady joined. Gemma was followed by Julie Lakin, Group Training Officer, in December.Are there other organisations providing the same service?

I believe we are the only maritime Group Training Association that is working to provide a wide range of marine and non-marine training to a relatively large number of employers.

Do you think its function/role is widely understood? If not, how can this be improved?

We are facing challenges in getting our message across to employers, especially those who see no need for a change and a better way of doing things, both to become involved as TSA employer members and to engage with our training opportunities. We are seeking the advice and support of our partners to see how we can be more effective in getting our message over.I’m very proud – especially of the TSA team’s hard work and dedication. Everyone is really enthused and committed to making this work. They’ve all achieved a great deal in a very short time.What does the future hold for TSA?

Growth and success. We need to be financially viable as a free-standing organisation by 2020 when the founding members’ funding finishes. We also aim to be a training provider in our own right during the next few years, rather than just being a training broker, as we are at present.

>> Find out more

TSA chief executive Julian Parkes



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Playing a secure and efficient role in the international supply chain has given the Port of Tilbury accreditation by the Government.It has been awarded a worldwide-recognised quality mark – the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), issued by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).Tilbury’s thought to be the first multipurpose UK port to win full

AEO status for security and customs-simplification processes. The accreditation follows a full-site audit by HMRC which reviewed the port’s operational processes, IT, security, storage, procurement and HR procedures.The AEO status rubberstamps the customs controls and procedures at the port and identifies them as efficient, compliant and, most importantly, secure.

Paul Dale, Tilbury’s asset and site director said: “This is excellent and significant news for the Port of Tilbury as we are the first multipurpose port in the UK to be recognised with full AEO status. We have always provided an efficient and secure process, but this accreditation also gives our customers the reassurance that we have robust processes in place.”

TILBURY

Expansion plan consultation continuesThe second consultation stage on a proposed expansion of Tilbury begins later this month.Views on Tilbury 2, which could be built on a 51-hectare site at the former Tilbury Power Station, including a new deep water jetty, were recorded during the first informal stage in April. More than 400 people, in five community consultation events, expressed opinions on the plans.

Port chiefs will develop the scheme in light of feedback received. More details on the second stage wll be released soon. During this period there will be a further opportunity for the community to engage with the process before a formal application for a development consent order (DCO) is made later this year.Tilbury2 will act as a satellite of the main port with a roll on/roll off ferry

terminal for importing and exporting containers and trailers. It could also include a facility for importing and processing bulk construction materials. The project will also include surface access proposals to link the site to the existing road and rail networks.It’s hoped that a Tilbury2 planning application will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate later this year.

Port of Tilbury chiefs have unveiled plans to further revitalise its rail freight offering.A conference at Orsett Hall, Thurrock recently heard about the port’s strategy to revitalise its rail freight offering. Forth Ports asset manager Ross McKissock told delegates that there’s set to be a rise in freight traffic following the launch of a rail connection at its planned new terminal: Tilbury2.

Tilbury’s commercial director Peter Ward said: "As part of our sustainable and multi-modal approach, Tilbury is making the most of its assets and seeking to build afresh to ensure that our customers and tenants think rail, river and road when seeking the most effective delivery solution.”Peter added: "We are underway with a major overhaul of our rail offering. This year, the port took

possession of the Freightliner operated rail terminal and we have reconfigured the site to create a first for Tilbury, a dedicated bulk materials rail terminal. Initially, the port will be establishing regular movements of recycling glass to Cheshire and other UK locations. In time, we hope to grow the port’s rail freight offering across a range of bulk materials, with associated growth in rail movements.”

Tilbury on track for rail refresh

Tilbury’s secure – Port wins AEO status



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London Gateway

GB Railfreight has signed a three-year contract to manage load-laden trains in and out of the DP World London Gateway.The company started its

operations at London Gateway in March and under the new contract will expand its presence at the port, adding eight employees. “GB Railfreight is delighted to

announce that it will be supporting DP World in the smooth operations of its London Gateway facility,” said John Smith, GB Railfreight managing director.

Rail company on the right track

A storage space for empty containers is to be opened at DP World London Gateway.Operated and managed by Solent Stevedores, an award-winning company with a range of bulk and general cargo handling services elsewhere, the facility will be based on Berth 7, near the port’s main gate. A number of associated container services will also be offered by that company at the site. Work to develop the yard starts

next month and it’s due to open next year. The announcement of further investment in the port comes just as the first THE Alliance vessels, operating on Asia-Europe and transatlantic routes, recently started calling at the port. This complements the continued expansion of the Logistics Park, with Lidl starting operations out of the London Gateway Logistics Centre from April and work on UPS’s 345,000 sq ft sorting hub progressing.

James Leeson, Head of Port Commercial, DP World London Gateway, said: “It will provide more choice at the port for our customers when they’re seeking solutions for the storage of empty containers. “The DP World London Gateway logistics hub is growing fast; the network of services operating out of the port is now truly global, with access available into or out of the port from all of the world’s major economic centres.”

‘Fast-growing’ London Gateway set for new five-acre storage yard

Out of Africa – new service launches at Gateway

A container ship laden with goods from West Africa landed at DP World London Gateway recently – marking the start of a new trade route to the continent.Panamanian-registered, 242 metre-long MSC Sabrina, called at the port last week. The new service means a fast link between the UK,

northern Europe, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Nigeria – with transit times of around 22 days. DP World London Gateway Port now has 15 weekly services calling into the terminal and from more of locations around the world than any other UK container port.

DP World’s head of port commercial, James Leeson, said: “We’re delighted that MSC has chosen DP World London Gateway as the port-of-choice for the West Africa Service’s UK call, opening up a new trade route out of our state-of-the-art logistics facility.

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Double vision – cruise liners pass on the Thames › PLA-issue-July-2017-newsletter.pdf140,000 jobs, the campaign is asking everyone to: P Use the bin – not the gutter, not the