Balancing business with the environment

Representatives from representatives from environment and heritage groups, terminal and river operators, regulators and local authorities attended the conference. The four main subjects covered were improving water quality, biodiversity, the uptake of new and green technologies, and appreciation of the historic environment.

Tanya Ferry, PLA environment manager, said: “This first conference is really important, as we were aiming to bring everyone’s attention to some of the existing environment and heritage activities on the river.”

“When we meet this time next year and subsequently, we hope the conference will be a focus for lots of organisations to showcase the progress they’re making towards achieving the Thames Vision environment and heritage goal,” she added.

The conference was organised as part of the PLA’s work with a wide range of stakeholders to deliver the Thames Vision, the 20-year development framework for the tidal river.

One of the Vision’s six goals is making the river the cleanest it has been since the Industrial Revolution, with improved habitats and awareness of heritage.

“The conference has been a great opportunity for us all to discuss the work we are collectively doing and to bring delivery of the Vision fully to life. It’s a good example of a wide range of organisations coming together to deliver the shared Vision for a cleaner Thames environment,” said Katherine Riggs, PLA director of the Thames Vision project.

She concluded: “Attendees where interested to learn how an increase in activities like freight and passenger transport on the river can be achieved while making the river cleaner.”

Estuary Services Limited (ESL), a joint venture between the Port of London Authority (PLA) and Peel Ports London Medway, is currently investing in its fleet replacement plan and buying another new pilot boat which is more efficient.

The new vessel, which is currently in the early build stage, is a £1.3 million ORC 136.E and is being built by Goodchild Marine Services in Great Yarmouth. The ORC is an efficient pilot boat design with 24% fuel efficiency over the older vessels in the port’s fleet.