M2 Fleet City Cruises London

In response to evolving environmental regulations by the Port of London Authority (PLA), City Cruises London engaged BYD-Naval Architects to upgrade the black and grey water systems across their fleet. The initiative aimed to ensure compliance with new discharge prohibitions and to promote sustainable operations on the River Thames.

Challenges and Objectives

The primary challenge was to retrofit existing vessels with advanced waste management systems that prevent any discharge of untreated sewage into the Thames. This required a comprehensive understanding of the PLA’s updated regulations and the development of tailored engineering solutions for the vessels to ensure compliance.

BYD-Naval Architects set out to:

• Assess the current black and grey water systems capabilities onboard the millenium fleet.
• Design and implement upgrades that comply with new requirements, which prohibit the discharge of sewage into the Thames.
• Ensure minimal disruption to City Cruises London’s operations during the upgrade process.

Regulatory Context

The PLA introduced Byelaw 49 in 2015, prohibiting sewage discharge from houseboats and workboats into the Thames. This regulation was expanded with General Direction 10, effective from July 1, 2024, extending the prohibition to all commercial vessels. While these regulations specifically address black water, the PLA also highlights the environmental impact of grey water and encourages operators to manage all wastewater responsibly.

pla.co.uk

Approach and Execution

BYD-Naval Architects conducted detailed assessments of each vessel’s existing wastewater systems. Upgrades included the installation of holding tanks for both black and grey water, re-plumbing systems to direct all wastewater into these tanks and reviewing the options for the company in order to empty the holding the tanks.

Outcome and Impact

The proposed modifications ensure that City Cruises London’s fleet operates in full compliance with the latest PLA regulations. This proactive approach not only safeguards the River Thames’ ecosystem but also reinforces City Cruises London’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism practices.