Continued from my first article a fortnight ago, is this gallery of my favourite workboat – or small tug – photographs, taken along the central London River Thames from 2019. They are in alphabetical order as seen, though some may have since changed name, ownership, and livery.
In 2021, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust teamed up with CEVA Logistics and Livett’s Group to trial a riverboat delivery service for three months. It was launched on Clean Air Day, 17 June, 2021.
Livett’s Targa boat EQUITY was extensively refurbished in 2023 and repainted in black. Versatile, she is used for a variety of purposes along the river including transport and safety work, and I’ve often seen her involved with filming and, from time to time, surveying.
ERNIE STEVENSON assisting GPS tug ARCADIA with the tow of an impressive piece of structural prefab for the upgrade of Fulham Football Club.
GUARD DOG is a multi-purpose workboat, part of the CPBS Marine Services fleet, described as a “marine support vessel suitable for site work, diving, light tows, surveys, and film work.” I have seen her living up to her name as a safety boat, watching over builders and engineers working along the river and on bridges.
Workboat GUNN belongs to Thames Marine Services Ltd. and is licensed to operate along the tidal Thames from Teddington to Denton Wharf.
Thames Cruises’ ex-Police launch GUVNOR has been acting as a workboat for a number of years and if not out on the river, can be seen at her Lambeth Pier mooring.
HAVEN SUPPORTER, A Stan Tug 1205, is working along the tidal Thames for Collins Waterage & Lighterage.
In the picture above, JEAN T, with her Romeo and Yankee flags is warning boats to slow down when passing. She is owned by Port Flair, based in Bradwell-on-Sea, who provide a comprehensive range of services including tugs, workboats, dredgers and a wide range of marine plant.
A familiar sight on Lambeth Reach between Westminster and Lambeth Bridges, JOANNIE B is busy with crew transfers and other duties for the several boats working for Thames River Sightseeing. The company runs popular tours from Westminster Pier to Greenwich Pier.
To be continued…
Sources and further Information
Absolute Party Boats
CEVA Logistics
CPBS Marine Services
Thames Marine Services Ltd
Thames Party Boats
Thames River Sightseeing
Thanks to Ben:
Thames Waterman & Lighterman. Explore his site the Liquid Highway, the leading River Thames source for news and info, and the worlds largest Thames vessel photo gallery, giving technical details of thousands of boats.