We will create the UK’s leading port, central to the nation’s economy, with Net Zero emissions.
A clean river, free of pollution and rubbish, supporting more sport, passengers and freight. A resilient Estuary, adapting to climate change and richer in wildlife. A more diverse Thames, providing jobs, learning and enjoyment to the whole community, and always, everyone, staying safe.
DELIVERING FOR PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Thames Vision is built around three interconnected themes, centred on the role the river plays for people and the environment.
The country’s largest and most competitive port, closest to the UK’s biggest market, producing Net Zero emissions. Improved connectivity to road and rail infrastructure. Technologically innovative, expanding the transportation of light freight into central London as urban logistics transform.
The country’s largest and most competitive port, closest to the UK’s biggest market, producing Net Zero emissions. Improved connectivity to road and rail infrastructure. Technologically innovative, expanding the transportation of light freight into central London as urban logistics transform.
Accessible to all, a national and international icon for the city and the country. More visitors, drawn to the river as the best way to enjoy London and the Thames Estuary, and its many cultural attractions. More people from diverse backgrounds enjoying sport and leisure opportunities on the Thames.
Accessible to all, a national and international icon for the city and the country. More visitors, drawn to the river as the best way to enjoy London and the Thames Estuary, and its many cultural attractions. More people from diverse backgrounds enjoying sport and leisure opportunities on the Thames.
A clean river, free of sewage, waste and other pollution, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use. Valued for its clean air, natural flood defence, wildlife and as a carbon sink.
A clean river, free of sewage, waste and other pollution, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use. Valued for its clean air, natural flood defence, wildlife and as a carbon sink.
With stakeholders, we have agreed five cross cutting priorities for action.
With stakeholders, we have agreed five cross cutting priorities for action.
The essential Thames foundation
The essential Thames foundation
Transforming the Thames economy
Transforming the Thames economy
Robust systems, infrastructure and habitats
Robust systems, infrastructure and habitats
Improving all aspects of performance
Improving all aspects of performance
An inclusive river, accessible to all
An inclusive river, accessible to all
VOICES FROM THE RIVER
We asked partners to share their vision for the Thames.
Trading Thames
Destination Thames
Natural Thames
Investment in growth, including leveraging the benefits of Freeport status, from 2022.
Safety improved, with new Class V passenger regulations introduced in 2022.
Thames Net Zero Coalition formed and a collective action plan to radically reduce emissions on the Thames produced by end 2023.
Thames Estuary 2100 plan updated by 2023, alongside a plan for a resilient network of high-quality protected habitats.
River masterplan published by 2024.
Route map to a zero sewage, zero rubbish, zero plastic Thames published by 2023 and Tideway Tunnel operational by 2025.
New Marine Control Centre developed and operational by 2025.
Busier river, served by London’s first boatyard in a century, fully operational by 2025.
Active Thames programme leveraging some £500,000 over five years to support greater sports participation, by 2027.
Up to 1,000 people undertaking Thames Continuous Professional Development, by 2027.
Three safeguarded wharves reactivated, and light freight operations promoted by 2030.
Better connected Thames, with Lower Thames Crossing completed by 2030.
SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Thames Vision 2050 will deliver against multiple UN Sustainable Developments Goals.
PARTNERS IN THE DELIVERY OF THE THAMES VISION
Thames Vision 2050 is a shared vision of how the Thames can be a greater resource for local communities and better serve the nation as a global maritime centre.
Our partners collaborating in delivering the Vision include: Government, the Greater London Authority, port and river businesses, local authorities, the Thames Estuary Growth Board, customers, river users, local community groups, voluntary sector organisations and fellow regulators.
THAMES VISION 2050
The UK’s leading port, central to the nation’s economy, with Net Zero emissions. A clean river, free of pollution and rubbish, supporting more sport, passengers and freight. A resilient Estuary, adapting to climate change and richer in wildlife. A more diverse Thames, providing jobs, learning and enjoyment to the whole community, and always, everyone, staying safe.
PORT OF LONDON AUTHORITY
As a trust port, the Port of London Authority has no shareholders and operates for the benefit of customers and stakeholders now and in the future. Our operations cover 95 miles of the River Thames, from Teddington to the North Sea. We work to keep commercial and leisure users safe, protect and enhance the environment, and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.Download