Since the 1800 private companies competed to develop the London dock system. By 1900 these companies were not making sufficient profit to invest in the Port's future. The situation was so serious that a Royal Commission followed by an Act of Parliament wound up the dock companies and replaced them with a self-financing public trust.

On March 31st 1909, a new era in the Port's history began as the Port of London Authority came into being and was entrusted with the care and development of the docks and the river Thames. Within a few years, the Port of London was seen as a model of modern administration, with global influence. In the decades since 1909 many changes have taken place. Today the PLA is no longer involved in cargo handling. Its focus is on helping all users - commercial, commuters, tourists or sportspeople - to make the most of the river safely. In 2009 we celebrate a century of service given by the Port of London Authority.