Top engineers back Thames Estuary airport

Joining the Mayor on the dredger was Doug Oakervee, the distinguished engineer who masterminded Hong Kong’s island airport and who is currently working on a report for the Mayor into whether a site in the estuary is feasible. Alongside him was Dr Graham Plant, a chartered civil engineer, who has worked on the design and implementation of civil engineering and building projects across the world.

The Mayor, who opposes the planned third runway expansion at Heathrow Airport, said, ‘Today’s trip has reaffirmed in my mind that a new airport in the Thames Estuary has got to be factored in as an option for London’s long-term aviation needs. I am reassured by a number of aspects of this visit and will now eagerly await Doug Oakervee’s initial feasibility study.’

Doug Oakervee said, ‘I’m encouraged. From an engineering perspective it is quite clear that the Mayor’s ambitions could be realised and the construction would be easier than other airports such as Chek Lap Kok in Hong Kong and Kansai in Japan.

‘We have learned that there is a remote site where an airport could be built with minimal disruption to people of Essex and Kent. There are technical issues to be addressed but I see no overwhelming obstacle. We now need to work with other experts to address the challenges.’

Nick Raynsford MP said, ‘I have always believed that the estuary was a potential site for London’s main airport and today’s visit has reinforced that view. This will give the prospect of meeting airport capacity for South East England in the most environmentally responsible way.’

Doug Oakervee’s report is expected to be completed around the end of March.