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London on track to be leading UK
port within a decade
Study shows London handles
50m tons of goods from 80 different nations...
A new study has shown that the Port of London handles the movement of
goods to and from more than 80 countries.
The research confirms that the Port is an essential global, national
and local transport hub, handling trade with countries as diverse as
Morocco, Singapore, Puerto Rico and Canada.
The largest port in the south east of the UK, London handles over 50
million tonnes of cargo a year. Development plans in hand, including
the construction of the UK s first new container terminal in over 15
years, should see London reclaim its position as the UK s leading Port
within the next ten years.
The study - The Port Trades Origins and Destinations Report - was
officially launched at a gathering of representatives from the 60-plus
port facilities along the Thames and other members of London's
shipping and river business community.
Speaking at the event, PLA chairman Simon Sherrard said:
"This report underlines the continuing importance of London as a
critical transport hub for the country. It is the backdrop to the new
business wins, investment and development plan announcements we have
seen for the Port recently. The Government go ahead for the London
Gateway container port was particularly welcome and the successful
arrival of the largest container ship handled on the Thames set an
important new benchmark."
Mr Sherrard also highlighted the expansion of the Thames Clippers fast
passenger vessels in central London - with brand new vessels now in
service and extended routes and services for commuters and visitors to
the capital.
"The outlook for the Thames overall is very positive, both for cargo
activity, commuters, tourists and leisure users."
The Port Trades Origins and Destinations Report is available to
download from the PLA website here:
http://www.portoflondon.co.uk/pdfs/pp/Origins_-_Dest.pdf
Alternatively anyone who wishes to receive a copy can call the
PLA on 01474-562200.
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