Vision for Thames’ future out for consultation

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has started a consultation on a refreshed development plan for the tidal river, capturing its future as a growing and net zero trading hub, logistics superhighway, inclusive destination for visitors and a rich and valued environment. 

Thames Vision 2050 shows how the river is set to play a critical role in the future of London and the south east between now and the middle of the century, as the country embraces the challenges and opportunities of the new, zero carbon economy. 

The PLA is seeking views on the outlook and what needs to be done to make the most of the river across themes of: Trading Thames, Destination Thames and Natural Thames. The plan has been developed over the last 18 months and is founded on extensive research around the future of port trade, potential for passenger travel, sports participation and understanding public views of the Thames. 

“The tidal Thames is a unique asset,” explained PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer. “Its importance, scale and integration in all our lives is often underestimated. Home to the UK’s biggest and growing port, and busiest inland waterway, the Thames is central to our national economy and life. Thames Vision 2050 provides a fresh plan for the long-term development of the river. 

“It sets out the scale of potential growth in port trade and river use over the next three decades, as we respond to the climate emergency, make the most of technological change to improve safety and drive growth, and work to create fairer access to the river for all.” 

Drawing on stakeholder feedback, the updated Vision captures the river’s key roles as a trading hub, magnet for people and a haven for wildlife. Alongside this it sets out the steps needed to secure a safe, smart, sustainable and inclusive future for the river.

Research undertaken for the PLA by Oxford Economics identifies decarbonisation pathways for the port. They project that trade could rise from just over 50 million tonnes today to a central estimate of 70 million tonnes by 2050. Importantly, the study concludes that this growth is consistent with a Net Zero development pathway, with alternative fuels replacing the majority of fossil fuel imports over the next 28 years. 

Thames Vision 2050 includes more than 40 separate actions to improve the river, including: the proposed development of a new high tech marine control centre at Gravesend; forming a Thames Net Zero Coalition; and enabling more people to take to the river through the Active Thames programme. Delivery partners include the Greater London Authority, Thames Estuary Growth Board, Environment Agency, City of London Corporation, Gravesham and Thurrock councils. 

“In this consultation we are seeking people’s views on both the framework and, vitally, what people and organisations including community and interest groups can do to help us create a better river for the future, humming with potential and opportunity,” added Robin Mortimer.

Thames Vision 2050 can be read online at: www.pla.co.uk/ThamesVision The consultation programme runs for eight weeks, closing at midday on Saturday, 30 April 2022. 

Feedback on Thames Vision 2050 can be sent via online survey, which can be found at: www.pla.co.uk/ThamesVision