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Vessel Traffic Services Demo Day for UK Shipping Minister
01 Mar 2002
The British Shipping Minister, David Jamieson MP, visited the Port of London earlier this month and included on his itinerary a stop at the Port of London Authority's Control Centre at Gravesend.
He was able to observe firsthand the operation of the PLA Vessel Traffic Services centre, which uses the latest computerised radar tracking systems and communications technology to monitor ship movements within the Port. With some 30,000 vessel movements a year on the River Thames, close surveillance to ensure safety is paramount.
Having travelled downriver from Tower Bridge to Gravesend on the latest Thames passenger vessel Hurricane Clipper, the Minister then concluded his visit with a demonstration of the capabilities of the oil spill response vessel Recover. This specialist craft is part of the comprehensive system in place within the Port to respond promptly to any spillage of oil.
Recover is part of the service offered by the Thames Oil Spill Clearance Association (TOSCA), managed by the PLA in conjunction with the oil companies operating on the Thames.
MJ Information No: 16810
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