Thames freight on the rise as ‘Vision’ strategy bears fruit

A 40 per cent surge in the volume of freight moved between wharves on the Thames has been reported by the Port of London Authority.

The update demonstrates progress towards delivering theThames Vision,an ambitious plan to maximise use of the river and lessen the strain on the transport network of London and the South East.

Last year 3.4 million tonnes of freight was moved on the river, just 0.6m t short of the Vision target of four million tonnes. If achieved, it is calculated that this would remove 400,000 lorries from the region's congested roads.

At the same time, the amount of international cargo passing through terminals on the river rose by 10 per cent to 50m t.

The long-term target for port trade is between 60m t and 80m t of cargo a year, growth which will be founded on ongoing investment in new port facilities, including Forth Ports' Tilbury2 development and DP World's London Gateway container port.

Both inland freight and port trade goals are part of the Thames Vision strategy, launched by the PLA two years ago, following extensive consultation with river users and other stakeholders.

The 20-year development framework sets six targets for maximising use of the river for trade, travel, sport, recreation and culture.

The PLA's chief executive Robin Mortimer briefed the annual meeting of the Thames and London Waterways Forum on 17 October on advances in delivering the Vision over the past 12 months.

He said: 'With the strong backing of a wide variety of partners, there is now real momentum behind making the Thames Vision a reality. The substantially increased freight on the river is tangible evidence that working together towards a common goal can really pay dividends.

“It's work that is underpinned by our investment strategy to enhance commercial infrastructure up and down the river.”

London's deputy mayor for transport, Heidi Alexander, who chairs the London and Thames Waterways Forum, added: 'The River Thames was fundamental to London's development as a globally important city and must be centre stage in its future growth.”

Organisations involved in delivering the Thames Vision include: the Port of Tilbury, DP World London Gateway, the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, MBNA Thames Clippers, City Cruises, Livett's Group, the RSPB and British Rowing.