Project Summary
The River Thames has an untapped potential when it comes to sustainable shipping methods in a polluted and congested city environment.Previous and most recent studies have justified the competitiveness of the river when it comes to replacing the ‘middle mile’ truck deliveries with river shipping solutions. Small scale pilots have showed its feasibility in an operational environment.This project aims to bring all those knowledge together and develop the detailed operational specification and investable proposition with the involvement of all the key stakeholders at every stage of the specific supply chain.
Project Achievements
Key activities included consolidating existing knowledge, engaging stakeholders, and developing an operational model through literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, and workshops. We created a comprehensive delivery plan that identifies viable locations and secures commercial agreements in principle, while also addressing engagement, operational, technical, and financial aspects. The TRIG programme provided critical funding, facilitating partnerships with key strategic delivery partners and identifying suitable piers and wharves for operation. The project is now advancing towards establishing a pilot operation, strategically designed to gradually increase parcel volume over time, thereby paving the way for long-term commercial success. T u q ( s p c A s a
Conclusions
The RULE project has demonstrated significant potential to enhance urban logistics by utilising the River Thames. Its impacts include reduced road congestion, improved air quality, and economic growth through job creation and increased Gross Value Added (GVA). By establishing the feasibility of river-based logistics, RULE has created a sustainable, scalable solution that integrates into London’s transport ecosystem. The project has identified key operational components and secured essential stakeholder collaboration, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Port of London Authority and Thames Freeport, paving the way for future commercialisation. With support from the TRIG programme, RULE is well-positioned to foster innovation and attract investment in sustainable urban logistics.
Next Steps
The RULE project will transition into the execution phase of the delivery plan in collaboration with our key partners. This phase will focus on developing and implementing a small-scale pilot project that tests the solution in a real-world setting. Key next steps include: • Government Endorsement: Secure formal support from the Department for Transport (DfT), Transport for London (TfL), and the Greater London Authority (GLA). • Pilot: Launch a pilot designed for long-term to assess operational effectiveness, make necessary adjustments for continuous operations and attract client interest. • Commercial Agreements: Secure essential commercial agreements among key stakeholders, potentially utilising a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) or establishing commercial contracts to facilitate cooperation. • Investment Attraction and Policy Adjustments: Address identified gaps in the operational model to secure financial backing and align policies to support river freight. • Volume Commitments: Engage with commercial customers to secure volume commitments, recognising that operational success may encourage future pa rticipation. • Funding Opportunities: Explore grant funding options and initiate discussions with government bodies about co-funding possibilities, with some stakeholders interested in matching government investment.
