How we are funded

As a self funding public trust, our aim is to cover the cost of our operations from the fees we levy and make a small surplus to ensure the long-term viability of the operation.

Our main sources of income are:

• conservancy charges (fees charged on ships and their cargoes entering and leaving the port for the maintenance of the channel and facilitating safe navigational access); 
• pilotage dues (charged for providing a pilot who guides the ship into port);
• river works licensing and rents for facilities in, under or over the river

Our main costs are:

• Running the Vessel Traffic Services systems;
• Providing the pilotage service;
• Running the harbour service, including patrols;
• Running marine services including diving, salvage, Thames Oil Spill Clearance Association (TOSCA) operation and driftwood collection;
• Undertaking hydrographic surveys of the river and estuary bed;
• Maintenance dredging
• Environmental management and monitoring

Click here to view the latest PLA Annual Report and Accounts