Port of London Authority facts for kids
Logo
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Former headquarters, Tower Hill
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| Predecessor |
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| Formation | 31 March 1909 |
| Type | Public trust |
| Purpose | Operation of the Port of London |
| Headquarters | London River House |
| Location | |
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Region
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Kent |
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Chair
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Jonson Cox CBE |
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Chief Executive
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Robin Mortimer |
The Port of London Authority (PLA) is an organization that manages the Port of London. It was created on March 31, 1909, to look after the busy River Thames. The PLA makes sure ships can travel safely and helps protect the river's environment.
The PLA is in charge of the tidal part of the River Thames. This means the section where the ocean's tides affect the river's water level. They also manage the part of the river that flows into the North Sea. The PLA used to run all the big docks on the river. Today, most of these docks are closed for commercial ships.
Contents
How the PLA is Funded
The PLA does not get money from the government. It pays for itself! It earns money from different services. These include charges for ships and cargo, fees for guiding ships (pilotage), and payments for river work licenses. They also charge for other services they provide.
Where the PLA Works
The PLA's area of responsibility is quite long. It starts at a special marker near Teddington Lock. This is where the river becomes tidal. It stretches all the way to the end of the Kent/Essex strait in the North Sea. This is between Margate and Frinton-on-Sea. That's about 95 miles (150 km) of river and estuary! The PLA does not manage the River Medway or The Swale.
For a long time, the PLA owned and ran many docks and wharves. A wharf is a place where ships can load and unload cargo. Now, all these places are either closed or owned by private companies. Today, the PLA mainly manages the tidal River Thames. They make sure ships are safe and that the port runs smoothly. Another group, the Environment Agency, handles the river upstream from Teddington Lock.
The PLA has many important jobs. These include controlling river traffic and keeping navigation safe. They also place buoys and beacons to guide ships. They check the river channels and keep them clear by dredging. The PLA also helps protect the river's environment. They encourage both business and fun activities on the river. The PLA is in charge of Richmond Lock. However, the Thames Barrier, which protects London from floods, is managed by the Environment Agency.
River Managers
The PLA has a team of experts who keep the river safe for ships. This team is led by a Chief Harbour Master. They create and enforce rules for safe travel on the river. Because the river is so long, other harbour masters help manage different sections. They cover the entire river from Teddington Lock to the sea.
PLA Locations
The PLA's first main office was in Tower Hill in the City of London. Now, their main office is at London River House in Gravesend. They also have an office in the City of London where the Chair and Chief Executive work.
The PLA uses two special centers to control ship traffic on the Thames:
- The Thames Barrier Navigation Centre in Woolwich handles ships upstream of Erith.
- Port Control Gravesend is the main center for ships downstream of Erith.
Both centers use a system called Vessel Traffic Services (VTS). This system uses 16 radar stations along the river and in the estuary. This helps them keep track of all the ships.
The PLA also owns Denton Wharf and Jetty in Gravesend. This is where their fleet of over 40 vessels is based. They also have two pilot stations at Harwich and Ramsgate. Pilots are experts who guide large ships safely into and out of the port. The PLA employs about 360 people.
Piers and Jetties
The PLA owns six piers and jetties along the River Thames. These are places where boats can dock. The PLA's own vessels use them, and other river users can too.
- Barrier Gardens Pier and Unity House, Woolwich
- Royal Terrace Pier and landing stage, Gravesend
- Denton Wharf and Jetty, Gravesend
- Masthouse Terrace Pier, Isle of Dogs
- Peruvian Wharf, Newham
- Royal Primrose Wharf, Newham
PLA Vessels
The PLA has many different types of boats. They have four vessels for surveying the river channels. They also have eight smaller boats for patrolling the river. In total, they have more than 40 vessels. Five new patrol boats were built in 2009.
Harbour Service Boats
- Chelsea and Richmond: These are catamarans (boats with two hulls) that work well in shallow water.
- Lambeth, Kew, Southwark, and Barnes: These catamarans are used in the lower tidal waters and as pilot cutters.
- Easthaven and Crane: These are small, fast RIBs.
Marine Service Boats
- London Titan: This boat helps maintain moorings (places where boats are tied up).
- Driftwood II and Driftwood III: These boats are mainly used to clear driftwood and other trash from the river. They can also help with salvage operations.
- PLA Diver: This boat supports divers working in the river.
- Impulse: This is a tugboat that pushes barges. It also helps with salvage and clearance.
- Recover and Respond: These boats are used to clean up oil spills.
- Gunfleet: An open deck RIB.
- Benfleet: A RIB used to transfer crew members.
Surveying Boats
- Maplin, Thame, Yantlet, and Galloper: These catamarans have special equipment to survey the riverbed. They also have a RIB for very shallow areas.
Pilot Boats
- Patrol and Guide: These boats are based at Gravesend.
- Leader: This is a new boat (from 2019) that uses both diesel and electric power. It is also based at Gravesend.
- Six other pilot boats are based at Ramsgate and Sheerness. They are operated by Estuary Services Ltd, a company partly owned by the PLA.
PLA Railways
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In the past, the PLA had its own railway system. This included train sheds, signal boxes, and level crossings. The trains were used to move goods around the docks and factories. The PLA used steam locomotives from different companies. These steam trains were mostly replaced by diesel trains in the late 1950s. However, with less traffic, the railway system closed on May 1, 1970.
PLA Traditions
The Lord Mayor of London, who is the main leader of the City of London, is also known as the Admiral of the Port of London. This is a special honorary title.
The PLA uses a special flag called a blue ensign on all its vessels. This flag has a gold sealion on it. They also have special flags for the chairman and vice chairman of their board.
The PLA received its coat of arms in August 1909. It features a castle and a figure representing St Paul, the patron saint of London. The crest shows an old ship with the City of London's arms on its sail. Two sea-lions support the shield, holding banners of old English kings.
The PLA's Latin motto is "Floreat Imperii Portvs". This means "May the Port of the Empire Flourish".
See also
