London launches green scheme

The Thames Green Scheme, a Port of London Authority (PLA) project developed in partnership with vessel operators, will look at performance related to air quality, carbon emissions, energy use, water quality, litter and waste.

“We have introduced this new scheme to help the inland waterways community do their bit in achieving national Net Zero goals, improving air quality and reducing damaging carbon emissions,” said Veronica Chan, air quality adviser at the PLA.

“The rankings will recognise the early adopters of new technology and enable customers to make informed choices in the battle to combat climate change.”

Green ranking

Applicants of the scheme will be ranked in one of five tiers, from bronze, silver and gold, through to the highest ratings of diamond and platinum.

Under the scheme, the PLA’s own fleet is set to earn a silver rating, a ranking aided by its investment in Leader, the UK’s first hybrid pilot cutter boat, which ferries its staff round the clock to and from visiting larger ships, to ensure their safe navigation up and down the river.

The PLA is also introducing facilities enabling its vessels to plug into onshore electrical supplies, rather than running their engines when alongside piers. This is one of the major changes the PLA is currently making as it expands Barrier Gardens Pier in Woolwich.

As a port authority, it has also committed to cut carbon emissions by more than 60% by 2025 and achieve Net Zero by 2040.