Father Thames gets makeover

The growth of London’s river trade is a high priority for the Port of London Authority (PLA). Last December it sought expressions of interest for three of central London’s wharves and has reportedly been “extremely encouraged” by the response.

The projected investment is in addition to the estimated £650m proposed investment by P&O in the London Gateway container and ro-ro terminal project.

PLA chief executive Steve Cuthbert highlighted the fact that the port terminals and facilities on the Thames handled over 51m tons of cargo in 2003.

Speaking at the River Thames Society annual conference, Cuthbert pointed out that river borne trade keeps an estimated 400,000 lorry journeys off the roads of London each year, the Port generates over 35,000 full time jobs and it contributes £3.4 billion of value added to the London and south east economy each year.