Each year, according to the Port of London Authority (PLA), approximately 2 million visitors, and more than two million tonnes of cargo move on the River Thames, including almost three quarters of a million tonnes of domestic refuse transported by river for disposal. The PLA estimates that this keeps 400,000 lorries off London's roads each year.

The craft that carry all this traffic on the river need regular servicing to keep them maintained and in good repair - as do the piers and pontoons they use. These essential support services are few and far between these days, due mainly to re-development along the river.

Paul Deverell, Thames Craft's founder and general manager says these circumstances have resulted in his business having a greater workload than ever.

'Our new dry dock means we can handle a greater volume of work', he says. 'Our workforce has grown to more than 10 staff and we're always looking for qualified people with marine engineering skills'.

As well as the routine work for London's major fleet operators, Thames Craft has carried out work on highly individual projects, including the Grand Turk , a replica of a 22-gun frigate built originally for film work before being cast in the 'Hornblower' TV series.

MJ Information No: 20042