Last month marked the launch of our new Business River Forum, bringing together voices from transport, infrastructure, research and innovation, and investment to reimagine the Thames as a central force in London’s future transport offering. The discussion was especially timely as the capital seeks new ways to decarbonise, connect communities, and unlock underused assets.
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, opened the session with a clear message: the Thames is an asset, not a barrier. With approximately 10% of London’s freight already moving via the river, there’s a real opportunity to expand its role in reducing congestion and emissions. The Mayor’s Transport Strategy aims for 80% of all trips in London to be made on foot, by cycle or using public transport by 2041 – and the river can help deliver this ambitious target. An “Elizabeth Line for water” may not be so far-fetched – it’s a vision that could reshape how Londoners move and how goods flow.
On investment, the group stressed the need for a robust business case for river infrastructure. Planning permission remains a key challenge, and unlocking private funding will require political leadership and public sector engagement. Concerns around cost certainty and maritime infrastructure prompted calls for clearer incentives. International models – from New York to European waterways – offered valuable comparisons in ownership and delivery. There was strong interest in connecting supply chains under a unified structure, with ideas around standardisation, enterprise zones, and infrastructure funds to create greater certainty.
Innovation was another major theme. Attendees called for ringfenced trials and regulatory pilots to test new ideas, alongside open data platforms and AI. Questions were raised about London’s standing compared to its European peers, with support expressed for expanding shuttle services and enhancing the digital visibility of river transport options. A 32% increase in TfL pier traffic during recent Tube service interruptions highlighted the potential for behavioural shifts when services are accessible and well-publicised. The group also discussed how London could lead in maritime tech and smart infrastructure.
The roundtable closed with a call to raise the river’s profile. Business working in partnership with the public sector and wider river stakeholders should seek a new partnership with Government that truly unlocks the Thames’ economic potential. Whether through investment, innovation, or policy change, the river has a vital role to play in London’s future, and our Business River Forum will explore how to turn ideas into action – ensuring the Thames is no longer overlooked but embraced as a key part of the capital’s infrastructure story.