The Port of London Authority (PLA) oversees operations along 95 miles of the tidal Thames, from west London out to the North Sea. The Thames is home to the UK’s largest port, handling more than 50 million tonnes of cargo a year, and busiest inland waterway for passengers and freight. The river generates more than 45,000 jobs and contributes over £3 billion to the economy annually.
The PLA river development framework, Thames Vision 2050 is centred on the river’s role as trading hub, destination and natural haven. It reflects priorities around safety, Net Zero transition, resilience, technological change, access and inclusion.