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London to build first shipyard in a century

[ June 24, 2021   //   ]

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is working with property developers, London & Regional, and the Royal Docks Team to build a shipyard on the Thames.

Once, London’s river was teeming with boat building and repair yards but the site at Albert Island in Newham will be the first to be built in over a century.

It forms part of Albert Island, London & Regional’s 25-acre, multimillion-pound industrial regeneration scheme in the Royal Docks. PLA says it presents a unique opportunity for a skilled maritime operator to develop dedicated facilities and highly skilled jobs for local people, serving the UK’s busiest inland waterway.

Development of a London shipyard is in line with wider Government moves to reinvigorate shipbuilding in the UK; an updated National Shipbuilding Strategy is due to be released later this year.

PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer, explained that it would allow services can be provided swiftly, saving operators time taking vessels to yards off the river and minimising downtime.

The 3.3-acre shipyard development at Albert Island, one of three strategic sites in the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone, already has outline planning permission. The PLA is now seeking expressions of interest from potential operators of the facility at the eastern end of the Royal Docks.

It is expected to feature a boat lift and other infrastructure. The selected operator will be expected to obtain all relevant consents in accordance with the London Plan, Newham Local Plan, plus permits/licenses from the PLA, the Marine Management Organisation and the Environment Agency.

For more information visit:

www.pla.co.uk/albertisland. All expressions of interest must be received by 16 July 2021.

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