Port of London Authority (PLA) is working with property developers, London & Regional, and the Royal Docks Team (RDT) to develop a shipyard at Albert Island in the London borough of Newham, UK.
According to PLA, the development would be the first new shipyard on the River Thames for over a century and is in line with wider government moves to reinvigorate shipbuilding in the UK.
The planned shipyard forms part of London & Regional’s 25-acre (10-ha), multimillion-pound industrial regeneration scheme in the Royal Docks.
The shipyard is expected to feature a boat lift and other infrastructure. The 3.3-acre (1.3-ha) shipyard would be one of three strategic sites in the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone and it already has outline planning permission. PLA is currently seeking expressions of interest from potential operators of the facility at the eastern end of the Royal Docks.
Robin Mortimer, PLA chief executive, said: “The Thames has been the centre of a river renaissance over the last decade, with continuing investment in new vessels and services of all kinds. This shipyard opportunity has major significance, as it will put the essential repair and maintenance facilities at the heart of the busy river. Once developed it will mean services can be provided swiftly, saving operators time taking vessels to yards off the river and minimising downtime.”
