Who we are

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

As a trust port, we reinvest all the money we make back into the tidal Thames region – caring for the river and supporting the communities who live and work along it.

Our people bring together their passion and expertise as harbour masters, workboat crews, river and sea pilots, hydrography surveyors, environmental scientists, engineers, commercial and planning experts, business service professionals, and more.

Working together, we are committed to doing the right thing, championing our customers and their growth, promoting sustainability and the voice and interests of people who live and work on the river – and always putting safety first.

Our Purpose and Mission

Purpose: Protect and improve the tidal Thames for all.

Mission: A thriving river, home to the UK’s number one port.

Our Objectives

Safe – Putting the safety of our people, contractors, and everyone who uses the river as our first priority.

Sustainable – Working with partners to achieve net zero, improve the natural environment of the Thames, and champion diversity and inclusion.

Commercial – Providing quality services and making business decisions that support the growth of the Port of London as a thriving, competitive port.

Our Behaviours

Do the right thing – We operate safely and honestly, taking accountability for our actions and decisions.

One team – We work together and support each other to deliver the best outcomes.

Always improving – We share knowledge and learning, to do better every day.

Our future

We want to leave the tidal Thames in a better condition than we found it – more prosperous, sustainable, thriving, and vibrant.

Our vision is for a clean river, free of pollution and rubbish. A resilient tidal Thames, adapting to climate change and richer in wildlife, and Net Zero by 2040. A more diverse Thames, providing jobs, learning and enjoyment to the whole community.

For more on Thames Vision 2050, visit the Port of London Authority's website.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

The PLA is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and has significantly improved the gender diversity of its senior management team over the last few years and has achieved a gender balanced Board but remains keen to achieve greater overall diversity. The PLA is a member of Inclusive Employers, who supports the organisation on awareness and training, and to refresh policies and procedures to ensure diversity and inclusion are at the centre of the PLA’s culture. All qualified applicants will be equally considered.

Further information on the PLA, its history, role and wide remit can be found at www.pla.co.uk.