A detailed look at our aerial operations capturing the historic tow of the ex‑PLA yacht ST Katherine down the tidal Thames, in coordination with MMS Marine.
A Historic Transit on the River Thames
UAS London was recently commissioned by MMS Marine to carry out a comprehensive aerial photography and filming project documenting a highly complex, live river transit: the towing of the historic, ex-PLA yacht ST Katherine from her mooring at Temple Pier downriver to Bay Wharf in Greenwich for dry docking at Thamescraft.
As one of London’s premier marine drone operators, our team managed all operational planning, airspace authorisations, and live coordination for this high-profile Thames tow.
MMS Marine tugboat and the ex-PLA yacht ST Katherine navigating down the River Thames, captured from a cinematic drone angle.
Sourcing the Route: From Temple Pier to Greenwich
The River Thames is a live, highly active commercial highway. Towing a historic vessel of ST Katherine’s size requires meticulous planning and timing. The tow route started in the heart of Central London at Temple Pier, proceeding downriver through some of the river's most congested reaches, before safely arriving at Bay Wharf / Thamescraft dry docking.
For MMS Marine, a leading specialist in towage and marine civils, this transit was an exercise in precision seamanship. Documenting such operations requires a drone team that doesn't just understand cameras, but deeply understands the rules of the river.
Our background as experienced Thames skippers allowed us to plan the aerial capture seamlessly around tidal flows, bridge clearances, and active river traffic.
What UAS London Supplied: Technical Drone Filming and Aerial Operations
To capture the transit with maximum cinematic impact while prioritising absolute safety, UAS London supplied a complete, multi-layered aerial package:
- •**Operational Planning & PLA Coordination**: Securing Port of London Authority (PLA) permits, NATS airspace authorisation for restricted central London zones, and police notifications.
- •**Cinema-Grade Drone Filming**: Utilising our premium drone platforms to capture stunning high-resolution video of the tow convoy.
- •**Aerial Photography**: High-end visual documentation of the yacht, tug, and live river environment from dynamic angles.
Precise drone vantage point capturing the intricate coordination between the tow master and the vessel crews.
Prioritising Safety in a Live Thames Tow
Operating a drone over a live commercial tow is a high-responsibility mission. We maintained close, constant communication with the MMS Marine tow master and vessel skippers via VHF radio throughout the transit.
By establishing clear safe-standoff zones and utilising zoom capabilities, we captured highly detailed, dynamic angles without ever intruding on the crew’s operational field or compromising flight safety.
Our drone vantage points captured the yacht, the towing tug, and the surrounding London river environment in a unified frame—offering the client invaluable operational records and stunning promotional material.
Dynamic drone tracking showing the complete tow convoy with the iconic London cityscape in the background.
Seamless Marine Drone Services
At UAS London, we have built a reputation as the capital's trusted partner for waterway cinematography. From Thames drone filming to specialist Thames marine civil filming and Thames towage filming, our team brings unmatched river credentials.
For more details on our prior marine operations, explore our case study of the End of Tideway Tow with CPBS Marine Services.
Whether you are planning active marine civils or commercial towage operations, we are ready to elevate your project's visual narrative safely and professionally.
Contact MMS Marine Services Ltd
If you require specialist towage services, marine services, dry docking support, or workboat charter on the River Thames and surrounding waterways, please contact MMS Marine Services Ltd directly:
- •Instagram: @mmsmarineservicesltd
- •Email: [email protected]
- •Phone (UK): 07703067480