Maritime Industry Briefing: Thames Incident Investigation and US-Japan Container Trade Data

## PLA Seeks Witnesses After Serious Westminster Bridge Vessel Incident The Port of London Authority (PLA) has issued a public appeal for witnesses following a serious incident involving a vessel near Westminster Bridge on the River Thames. The incident occurred at approximately 15:40 on 24 July 2026, and the authority is urging anyone with relevant material to come forward. The PLA is specifically requesting mobile phone footage, photographs, CCTV recordings, and eyewitness accounts that may assist investigators in establishing the full circumstances of the event. Westminster Bridge is one of the most heavily trafficked stretches of the tidal Thames, passing through the heart of central London and in close proximity to significant infrastructure and high volumes of river traffic, including passenger vessels, tourist craft, and commercial barges. The appeal underscores the PLA's statutory responsibility for the safe navigation of vessels across the 95-mile tidal Thames. Investigations into serious river incidents typically involve coordination between the PLA, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), and, where applicable, the Metropolitan Police. Further details on the nature of the incident have not yet been disclosed, and the investigation is understood to be at an early stage. --- ## US Container Imports from Japan Dip Marginally in June US container imports originating from Japan recorded a modest year-on-year decline of 0.2 per cent in June, falling to 51,326 TEUs based on volumes measured at ports of origin, according to data published by Descartes Datamyne. While the annual comparison points to near-flat performance, the month-on-month picture was considerably more positive, with volumes rising 9.1 per cent compared to May — a signal that demand may be stabilising or recovering heading into the second half of the year. Direct shipments accounted for the majority of cargo moved during the period. The figures come against a broader backdrop of shifting trans-Pacific trade flows, as US importers continue to navigate tariff uncertainties, inventory management pressures, and evolving sourcing strategies. Japan remains a key origin market for high-value manufactured goods, including automotive components and industrial machinery, making these volumes a useful barometer of bilateral trade health. The marginal year-on-year contraction is unlikely to raise immediate alarm, but industry analysts will be watching subsequent months closely to determine whether the monthly uptick represents a sustained trend or seasonal variation.