Port of London Authority

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Port of London Authority We look after the tidal Thames, the UK’s biggest port. Social media not monitored 24/7. At the PLA we oversee operations on the tidal Thames.

The 95 miles of river is home to: the UK's second biggest port; busiest inland waterway for passengers and freight; a valued marine environment; and a centre for sports and leisure activities.

We're exhibiting at this year's IAPH World Ports Conference!The PLA is this year's headline sponsor, but alongside that ...
19/10/2026

We're exhibiting at this year's IAPH World Ports Conference!

The PLA is this year's headline sponsor, but alongside that we'll also be exhibiting.

Come and meet us at Stand 12 in the exhibition area on 3, 4 and 5 November to find out more about the Port of London.

Register for the conference ➡️ https://hubs.ly/Q04Bwm3M0

Last Sunday (11 October), Cadets and Staff from West Kent Sea Cadets joined together in Gravesend to commemorate Nelson'...
17/10/2026

Last Sunday (11 October), Cadets and Staff from West Kent Sea Cadets joined together in Gravesend to commemorate Nelson's famous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

This is an annual event celebrated by Sea Cadets around the country. Within West Kent, the host unit rotates each year – Gravesend will not host the event again until 2037.

Several PLA staff were in attendance, including Class 3 Pilot, Caz Palmer, as 1st Officer of the Guard. She led a group of 36 Cadets selected from the 11 West Kent Units as they escorted the Unit Colour of Gravesend Sea Cadets through the town.

Caz, who has been an active member of the Sea Cadets since age 13 and is currently Officer in Charge at Sevenoaks Unit, said:

"Joining the Sea Cadets as a teenager directly impacted my life and career choices. I do not think I would have chosen a career at sea had it not be for the experiences I had as a cadet.

"Now as an adult volunteer I have the opportunity to support young people in their own personal development."

Find out more about the Sea Cadets ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04BnmPG0

Round-up of Notices to Mariners issued this week🔴 M87-26 - Upper Pool - Tower Bridge: Arch Closures - https://hubs.la/Q0...
16/10/2026

Round-up of Notices to Mariners issued this week

🔴 M87-26 - Upper Pool - Tower Bridge: Arch Closures - https://hubs.la/Q04Bq7Jk0
🔴 M83-26 - Upper Pool - Lambeth Reach: The Thames Act of Remembrance 2026 - https://hubs.la/Q04Bq7Kc0
🔴 L67-26 - Thames Estuary - NeuConnect Underwater Survey Operations - https://hubs.la/Q04Bq7L_0
🔴 L68-26 - St Clement's Reach - Johnson's Wharf Dolphin Repair Works - https://hubs.la/Q04Bq7Sv0
🔴 M88-26 - Lambeth Reach - Waterloo Millenium Pier and Jubilee Gardens: Diving Operations - https://hubs.la/Q04Bq7FD0

See all notices ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04Bq7HK0

16/10/2026

🔎 The curious case of the elusive eel...

European eels are critically endangered, but how do you find out where they're hiding without ever spotting one?

The answer is in the water! 💧🧬

Using environmental DNA (eDNA), volunteers collected water samples across the Hoo Peninsula, detecting traces of eel DNA at 25 sites.

These vital clues will help researchers understand where eels are present and identify potential barriers to their migration, supporting future conservation efforts.

Led by the North Kent Marshes Internal Drainage Board, in partnership with the Medway Swale Estuary Partnership, the PLA and The eDNA Consultancy, this community-led project was supported by the PLA Environment Fund. 💚

And there's more to come! We'll soon be sharing the impact of projects supported by the fund, alongside the next round of funded projects.

15/10/2026

The PLA is currently carrying out vital work at Richmond Lock and Weir to help protect the riverbed and the lock structure 🌊

This work is essential as fast-flowing water around the lock has worn away parts of the riverbed and created deep holes. These holes are being filled with aggregates to protect the lock and weir for the future.

Works began in late September and are expected to last for approximately eight weeks.

Find out more about Richmond Lock and Weir ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04zD1Ld0

Yesterday PLA Deputy Harbour Master David Allsop received Captain Ricardo Lima Maia, Commanding Officer of Brazilian Nav...
13/10/2026

Yesterday PLA Deputy Harbour Master David Allsop received Captain Ricardo Lima Maia, Commanding Officer of Brazilian Navy ship “N.E. BRASIL”, which arrived last week for a port call to London ⚓

N.E. BRASIL is a training ship that carries hundreds of Brazilian Navy officers-in-training on a worldwide trip approximately every 2 years.

The vessel has visited the Thames on a number of previous occasions and will remain alongside HMS Belfast until 15 October.

Crates, cranes and cargo... St Katharine Docks looked very different a century ago ⚓But the docks’ story stretches back ...
12/10/2026

Crates, cranes and cargo... St Katharine Docks looked very different a century ago ⚓

But the docks’ story stretches back even further. Opened in 1828 and designed by engineer Thomas Telford, they were built with warehouses directly beside the quayside, allowing goods to be unloaded from ships straight into storage.

St Katharine Docks became part of our story in 1909, when the newly formed Port of London Authority took responsibility for most of London’s enclosed docks and the tidal Thames.

These images from the PLA archive capture different moments in the dock’s working history, from crates being unloaded by crane in the early 20th century to barges lining the docks beside its warehouses. Some also show the damage suffered during the Blitz.

St Katharine Docks closed to commercial traffic in 1968 as ships became larger and much of London’s port activity moved further down the Thames 🚢

Today, the former working docks are home to a marina, but many features of their maritime past remain instantly recognisable.

Explore St Katharine Docks then and now ✨

Please note: Today (Sunday 11 October 2026) from 08:05 to 18:05, the Thames Barrier will be closed to navigation for its...
11/10/2026

Please note: Today (Sunday 11 October 2026) from 08:05 to 18:05, the Thames Barrier will be closed to navigation for its annual full test closure.

See P2-26 for full information ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04z7xSK0

Address

London River House, Royal Pier Road
Gravesend
DA122BG

Telephone

+441474562200

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