Assessment of Boatyard Facilities on the River Thames - Mayor of ...

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4.7 The only significant increase in capacity has been provided by Thames Craft
Dry Docking Services Ltd. At Greenwich. In 2004 the firm installed a new floating
dry dock that is 58.5 metres long x 14.5 metres wide that is capable <strong>of</strong> lifting vessels
up to 1600 tonnes. A larger dry dock that is capable <strong>of</strong> docking the largest Thames
passenger boat is moored downriver, awaiting the proposed relocation <strong>of</strong> Thames
Craft Dry Docking Services Ltd. to Bay Wharf.
Lack <strong>of</strong> facilities for emergency repair
4.8 There is a lack <strong>of</strong> facilities for emergency repairs to rudders etc. This is
particularly so in Central London where most passenger boats operate. Boat
operators overcome this problem by beaching vessels at low tide in Central London
or using the hard at Putney for emergency repairs.
Use <strong>of</strong> facilities outside Greater London
4.9 There are inadequate facilities within London to meet all the needs <strong>of</strong> vessel
operators. This is particularly so for the larger catamaran type passenger vessels and
for piers and pontoons. The key facilities are listed in Table 2.2. George Prior at
Ipswich has closed since the last study and A & P Ramsgate has gone into liquidation.
Acorn Shipyard Rochester is one <strong>of</strong> the few commercial uses to survive in a
residential – led Rochester Riverside scheme and Denton Ship Repair is subject to
residential proposals by Gravesham Borough Council on both sides <strong>of</strong> the slipway.
4.10 The Thames passenger boat operators seek to avoid using East Coast yards
if they can because their vessels are not designed for coastal voyages. There is a
danger <strong>of</strong> becoming weather bound or sustaining damage during these trips (the
Dixie Queen was damaged on an East Coast passage recently).
4.11 Given the threats to boatyards outside London and the Mayor’s objectives in
the London Plan to accommodate London’s growth in sustainable ways, it is
appropriate to consider whether a greater proportion <strong>of</strong> London’s need for boat
maintenance can be undertaken within Greater London. We report on potential sites
in Section 5.
Public sector requirements
4.12 The biggest marine workshop in London in terms <strong>of</strong> numbers <strong>of</strong> employees
is provided by Transport for London and operated by Greenwich Council to maintain
the three Woolwich ferries. TfL also has a significant requirement to maintain piers
and linkspans on the Thames. Other public bodies operating vessels on the River
Thames include the River Police, the London Fire Brigade and the PLA. In addition
the RNLI, a voluntary organisation, operates inshore rescue boats from three lifeboat
stations in London.
Operational changes in some passenger boat fleets
4.13 Traditionally, Thames passenger boats have been operated by watermenbased
companies that have taken responsibility for marketing their services, and the
funding and operation <strong>of</strong> their boats. In some instances the firms have also
undertaken repair and maintenance. This pattern remains the predominant business
model today. However, entertainment groups are now investing in some operations
to ensure that there is the appropriate quality <strong>of</strong> vessels to serve their visitor
attractions. The Tussauds Group has bought the Silver Bonito from Woods River
Cruises who will continue to operate the vessel. The Silver Bonito will continue to
<strong>Assessment</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Boatyard</strong> <strong>Facilities</strong> on the River Thames Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd - April 2007