Request a Bridge Lift

Eligibility and notice

• Any vessel with a mast or superstructure of 30 feet (9 meters) or more wishing to enter or exit the Upper Pool of London may request a Bridge Lift.
• Requests must be made by a ship’s agent, owner, or Master.
• All requests must be made by emailing BridgeLifts@towerbridge.org.uk and received at least 24 hours in advance of the desired lift time.

Required information

To process a request we require the following information

• IMO* or MMSI** number
• Vessel name
• Air draught
• Contact information for the requester

*International Maritime Organization
**Maritime Mobile Service Identity

Tugs

If one or more tugs accompany the vessel, the tug operator must make separate bookings to allow tugs to depart after berthing operations.

Booking Confirmation

Once your request is submitted you will receive a confirmation by email. Upon approval, Tower Bridge will issue a numbered Bridge Lift order and add the lift to the official Bridge Lift schedule.
 

• Bridge Lifts will publish the the latest schedule.
• You can request a change or cancel your booked Bridge Lift via email to BridgeLifts@towerbridge.org.uk .
• Any changes within 24 hours of the scheduled lift (e.g. time changes, emergencies) must be coordinated with Bridge staff, who are required to notify Emergency Services before making any adjustments.
• Please contact the Tower Bridge Security team, which is staffed 24 hours for any last minute changes, telephone: +44 (0) 20 7940 3975.
   

Pre-lift preparation

30 minutes before the scheduled lift:

• The Bridge and control room will be manned.
• A listening watch will be set on VHF Channel 14.

Communication

• Tower Bridge will contact the incoming vessel as soon as the team is staffed, no later than 30 minutes before arrival.
• Vessels must call Tower Bridge at the same time to confirm ETA.
• Ships must keep Tower Bridge updated on:
  • Progress
  • Whether the vessel will be swung prior to approach
• Tower Bridge will inform vessels of:
  • Any machinery issues
  • Traffic halts
  • Bridge Lifting status
     

Punctuality

• Strict adherence to scheduled time is required.
• Maximum leeway:
  • 5 minutes during busy traffic times
  • More flexibility is possible late night/early morning, but staff will only be present for booked times.
  • Staff typically close down 15 minutes after the final lift.

• Tower Bridge will strive to accommodate all lifts, but operational, security, or safety concerns may cause delays or cancellations.
• The Bridge Driver will maintain contact with the vessel at least 30 minutes in advance and provide updates as necessary.

• The Bridge will be lifted to a nominal height appropriate to the vessel to minimize total lift time.
• If the Master or Pilot believes the lift is insufficient they must contact Tower Bridge via VHF to request a higher lift.
• If there are concerns with vessel handling, weather or water conditions, the Master or Pilot must inform Tower Bridge immediately upon first contact.