20.03.2003

London 'Ship Owners & River Users' Society - Press Releaese

London Shipowners' and River Users' Society
(incorporating the London General Shipowners’ Society)

A Working River

The 176^th Annual General Meeting of the London Shipowners’ and River Users’ Society was held today.

Speaking after the meeting, Chairman Malcolm Lambard said:

“The Society has been greatly encouraged by the emphasis placed on the use of the river in the Greater London Authority’s Draft London Plan. It is significant that, for the first time many of us can remember, the river is being advanced as an asset, not a barrier. Opportunities are there for the taking, either for discrete cargo movements along, to and from the Thames or as part of transhipment carriage. The Thames is a working river and reliant on its ability to handle cargo. This generates prosperity for the many thousands whose livelihood is dependent on a vibrant port and river. If access to the river and its function as an environmentally friendly blue highway is denied, the river will die. The Society is therefore making its voice heard in the promotion of policies aimed at encouraging greater use of the river, and especially greater powers for safeguarding wharves from redevelopment.”

Notes to Editors

1. Founded in 1811, the Society is one of the oldest organisations representing shipping interests. Membership of the Society is open to companies involved in shipping and port activities and includes shipping companies, ships’ agents and terminal/wharf operators.
2. The Society maintains regular liaison with all statutory and commercial undertakings and is represented on many operational, technical and trade committees.
3. For further information contact the Secretary, Donald Chard, at:Tel: 020 7417 2800, Fax: 020 7600 1534

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