Port of London Economic Impact

SQW’s new research for the Port of London Authority (PLA) demonstrates the continuing importance of the Port to the country’s economic life.

Our economic impact analysis (the latest of several the PLA has commissioned from us over the years) shows that activity in the Port generates significant economic value (£4bn of GVA) and supports 43,500 jobs. These figures are broadly similar to those we found in 2008, despite the economic turbulence in the intervening years.

Nevertheless, as the case studies we carried out showed, usage of the river continues to change. The huge new London Gateway development, for example, will allow ever-bigger container ships to bring their cargo into the Thames. Passenger travel is growing fast, both from tourists and commuters, while the demand for upmarket entertainment on river boats is also expanding. Managing these varied uses will be one of the main challenges the Port of London Authority faces over the coming years.

The PLA Report     available to download here