Thames Freeport - Britain's Trading Future

[ 26 ] Accelerated net zero commitments are key areas for action by Great River Cities like London, according to snapshot research with 16 global cities we released last year; it’s an area in which we are leading. As an organisation the PLA is working towards a target to cut its carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025, compared to a 2014 baseline and reach net zero carbon by 2040 or earlier. As an environmental leader in the UK ports industry, we were the first to develop and publish an evidence-based Air Quality Strategy in 2017; last summer we published the first roadmap for inland vessels emissions reduction. Key net zero development projects include assessing future energy needs of vessels operating in the port and sparking technical innovation too. Future energy demand and supply on the tidal Thames is being modelled for us by Royal Haskoning (DHV) as we look to shape the zero-carbon port for the future. “The future of Thames river use is going to be shaped by substantial change as the economy decarbonises in response to climate change, new technologies emerge, trading patterns adjust, and we recover from the pandemic,” explained PLA head of environment, Tanya Ferry. “We have been looking at what this means for the port over the last 18 months. This latest study will assess both the energy demand and the infrastructure needed to meet it, so we can ensure that the port meets ships’ needs as they evolve between now and 2050.” The findings of the energy mapping study will shape the refreshed river development framework, the Thames Vision 2050, the PLA’s own net zero plans and support the Thames Freeport’s net zero ambitions. Our Sustainable Innovation Fund has been set up as a catalyst for trials of new and emerging technologies which provide solutions suitable for needs on the tidal Thames. The initial call for innovation, launched earlier this year related to our commitment to seek technical, operational and investment partners to establish the port’s first zero-emission berth by 2025, or earlier, subject to availability of suitable technology. Submission and assessment of bids has been through KTN’s Decarbonising Ports & Harbours Innovation Network. KTN is expert in matching technology developers with people looking for solutions, commercial analysis and funding solutions. PLA director of planning & environment, James Trimmer, concluded: “The Sustainable Innovation Fund is a major commitment from the PLA to support the ‘green housing’ of new technology. As a Trust Port working to improve the river for future generations, this is part of our support for the transition to net zero.” Towards net zero UK’s first hybrid pilot cutter in operation on the river PLA-convened Greening Inland Shipping events provide a platform for knowledge exchange P O R T O F L O N D O N A U T H O R I T Y