Port bosses are making a record-breaking investment to ensure it is ready for the future.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is to spend £10 million to build a new, state-of-the-art control centre in Gravesend as it predicts a significant increase in river traffic.

Director of marine operations Steven Clapperton said: "This is a really exciting time for the Port of London Authority.

"This is one of the biggest projects that we have undertaken in the last 10 or 15 years. It is a big commitment and it is about securing the future of the Thames as a net zero trading hub.

"We are really pleased to be here in Gravesend and we are committed to being part of the Gravesend community. Hopefully this investment demonstrates that.

"It is a statement of intent. It is saying we plan to be here for a long time."

The River Thames is a complex waterway which caters for cargo ships, light freight and passenger journeys.

The PLA's job is to ensure the vessels are able to navigate it and to manage the traffic which comes through.

The control centre at Gravesend is essential in helping ships in the Tidal Thames arrive at ports in Woolwich and Central London.

PLA pilots are taken out to the larger boats entering the Thames where they take control of its navigational systems. They then communicate with colleagues at the control centre to sail up the river.

The amount of traffic passing through the river is expected to grow significantly by 2050 – passenger journeys are expected to rise from 5 million to 20 million.

This is due to an increasing leisure sector and a change in shopping habits since the pandemic as more is bought online and shipped into the UK, explained Mr Clapperton.

He added: "It is right that at this point in time we invest in creating a fit-for-the-future operation centre to allow us to support this growing port.

"This is one of the most exciting projects. There is a massive amount of work to be done between now and over the next three years. It is a really exciting time for us."

Planning permission has been submitted to Gravesham council to construct a new single-storey roof space, remove and relocate the radar mast and improve the inside and outside of the building, including new landscaping to provide a level access between the PLA's buildings.

It will be equipped with the latest technology to make sure it can handle the increased volume of river traffic, provide a seamless service, integrate with the expected change in systems on board vessels and create a better workplace for staff.

If approved, work will take three years with the new centre competed by 2026.

Mr Clapperton added: "The river has already changed. We are trying to future-proof for all the growth we are expecting.

"Three years does feel like a long time but we need to make sure we can support the services we need to. We need to change our operations to keep up with the latest technology.

"We are fit for purpose right now but this expected growth is going to come quite quickly so we need to make sure we are ready."

Meanwhile, the PLA is also investing £800,000 in replacing the roof and refurbishing the interior of Royal Terrace Pier, which is next door to its control centre in Gravesend.

Work began in September last year and is due to be completed in April.

The Grade II-listed building – which dates from the 1840s – is a the base for PLA's vessels as well as the Gravesend lifeboat station.

Civil engineer Nick Jordan said: "This is a major refurbishment. The project includes the use of local roofing specialists and uses Welsh slate, which is in keeping with the original materials used on this important and historic building.

"Once this is completed, the interior will be refurbished which will secure the future use of the building."