Busy year for PLA

A busy year on the Thames is reported in the latest 'Annual Review’ published by the Port of London Authority.

Highlights include:

• total cargo handled at Port of London terminals amounted to 51.0 million tonnes
• economic impact study shows that Port of London contributes £3.41 billion to regional economy and provides over 35,000 jobs
• completion of public inquiry into ‘London Gateway’ container and ro-ro port

Port of London Authority chief executive Steve Cuthbert said:

“The Port of London is vital to the UK – as this review underlines. It is at the heart of the London and south east economy and transport system. The tidal Thames is also central to the tourism and leisure economy. This Review illustrates our commitment to maintain a safe and sustainable river for all users – commercial, tourist and leisure.”

Copies of ‘Annual Review 2003’ are available from: Martin Garside, Port of London Authority, Bakers Hall, 7 Harp Lane, EC3R 6LB (Tel: 020 7743 7915; Fax: 020 7743 7998) Email: pressoffice@pla.co.uk

Note to Editors:

1. The Port of London Authority (PLA) is the port authority for 150 km (95 miles) of the tidal Thames from Teddington to the sea. It provides navigational, pilotage and other services for ships using the Port of London. London is one of the top three ports in the UK and handles over 50 million tonnes of cargo each year. The Port of London comprises over 70 independently owned terminals and port facilities, which handle a wide range of cargoes.
2. Photographs of marine activity in the of London area are available on request.