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Improving air quality is one of the major challenges facing London and other urban areas around the UK. Recent studies show that the equivalent of around 40,000 deaths in the UK and 9,400 deaths in London per year are attributed to air quality related illnesses. This demands urgent and concerted action across all sectors and organisations that can make a difference.As Custodians of the tidal Thames, the UKs busiest inland waterway and second biggest freight port, the Port of London Authority (PLA) is developing an air quality strategy for the river in partnership with other stakeholders. Working with

the Greater London Authority, Transport for London and river operators, we are quantifying the air quality impact of operations on the Thames, and looking at ways in which emissions can be reduced further.This is an important part of the wider Thames Vision, the shared development framework for the river published in 2016. The Vision sets out how we expect river use to grow over the next 20 years to meet the demands of a growing city. We anticipate more trade, more passenger journeys, more sport and recreation and more people wanting to enjoy the improved environment along the tidal river. Our ambition is for this growth to be sustainable in the widest sense.This initial document sets out the work we are doing to establish thebaseline for vessel emissions on the Thames and to explore options for reducing emissions. We will continue to develop this work further, as the evidence base improves.Our work on an air quality plan for the citys river is complemented by theUKs first port charges discount for cleaner cargo ships. We introducedthis from the start of this year and, already, more than 20 ships a monthare qualifying for the lower charges.We will keep you updated on the progress with development of the AirQuality Strategy over the coming months.

Robin MortimerPLA Chief Executive June 2017

Robin MortimerChief Executive

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Work programmeWe are leading on the development of a Thames air quality strategy, working with the GLA, Transport for London and river operators on three initial work streams. The aim of each is to gather data which enhances our understanding of the current level of river related air emissions and the scope to introduce technologies to reduce them.

The work streams are:

Shore side power feasibility assessmentP Background: The use of shore side power is increasingly common as an air quality improvement method at ports around the world, including at berths in Los Angeles and Rotterdam.P Aim: To consider the feasibility and environmental benefits of installation of shore power at specific sites and uses.P Contractors: Schneider Electric P Report due: June 2017

Comparable journey emissions monitoring P Background: The Thames has long been recognised as a low carbon route for moving bulk materials such as building materials and rubbish, however there are no calculations from emissions of pollutants.P Aim: Gather data on typical regular river borne journeys of passengers and cargo, allowing relevant comparisons with the number of vehicles used and routes needed to make the same journey through Londons road network.P Contractors: Aether P Report due: June 2017

Emissions inventory P Background: Create the first port wide air inventory for the Thames, to inform development of the strategy and subsequent monitoring of its impact. The GLA and TfL periodically update the London inventories, which include shipping and inland waterways vessels, so this project is being developed in collaboration with Transport for London.P Aim: Quantify in detail, the emissions from port operations from Teddington to Southend, so that any changes can be

monitored and measured in the strategy. Establish the current contribution of the Thames to Londons emission inventories.P Contractors: Aether P Report due: September 2017

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Air Quality Strategy development and publication About the Port of

London AuthorityWe plan to develop the Thames Air Quality Strategy in the early autumn and expect to publish before the end of the year. The strategy will identify appropriate actions to be taken to continue to improve air quality on the Thames and areas for further research.

Our partners

Our specialist contractors

P At the Port of London Authority we work to ensure navigational safety along the tidal Thames, sharing our marine, environmental, planning and other expertise to promote use of the river and safeguard its unique marine environment. P As Custodians of the tidal Thames our strategic goals are to Protect, Improve and Promote. Under Protect our aim is to create: more sustainable port and river operations and improving habitats.P As the harbour and pilotage authority for the tidal Thames we operate two port control centres, run river patrols 24 hours a day, keeping people safe and have a team of pilots who guide ships into and out of the port.

About the tidal ThamesP 95 miles of river and estuary, from Teddington Lock to the North Sea.P The UKs second biggest port, handling over 50 million tonnes of cargo each year.P More than 46,000 peoples jobs are linked to port operations, which contribute more than 4 billion to the economy annually.P Britains busiest inland waterway, carrying three million tonnes of goods and materials, keeping more than 150,000 lorry trips off roads.P A growing commuter and tourist route used by over 10 million people a year. P Home to almost 100 sporting events every year, including the annual University Boat Race.

CUSTODIANS OF THETIDAL THAMES

PROTECT I IMPROVE I PROMOTE

www.pla.co.uk@LondonPortAuth

www.youtube.com/portoflondon01474-562200