FAQs
About Imperial Wharf Marina
What is Imperial Wharf Marina?
Imperial Wharf Marina is a non-residential mooring facility on the River Thames, set in front of the prestigious Imperial Wharf development between Chelsea and Fulham. Opened in 2011, we were the first private pier to be built on the Upper Reaches of the Thames.
Is Imperial Wharf Marina residential?
No. The marina is strictly non-residential.
Who runs the marina day to day?
Our resident Pier Master, Glyn Richmond, is based on-site and oversees the day-to-day running of the marina, from bookings to berth holder support.
Is the marina affected by tides?
Our original moorings offer 24/7 access to the river with no tidal restrictions. Following our 2026 extension, some craft using the new inside pontoons may be subject to tidal restrictions. Please contact our Pier Master for details specific to your vessel.
Can I stop over at Imperial Wharf Marina while travelling through London?
Yes. We’re ideally located for vessels travelling through London by boat – whether coming down from the Upper Thames for a stopover, or transiting west. Visitor moorings are available on application.
Moorings & Booking
How do I book a mooring?
Moorings are strictly by appointment only. Please contact our Pier Master, Glyn Richmond, at pm@imperialwharfmarina.co.uk or on 07932 603 284, or complete the form on our contact page.
What do I need to provide when applying for a mooring?
Every application must include a current photograph of the vessel, proof of third-party insurance (minimum £3 million), and a valid vessel licence.
What's the minimum length of vessel you accept?
The minimum length overall (LOA) for all tariffs is 8 metres.
Do I need a qualification to moor here?
Yes. We require a minimum of RYA Powerboat Level 2, or an equivalent certificate of competency, to be shown or copied as part of your application.
How much does a mooring cost?
All our mooring and pier rates are available on application. Please contact our Pier Master for further information.
How is payment structured?
For annual moorings, a minimum of six months’ fee is payable on arrival. For six-month moorings, the full six months is payable on arrival. For short stay moorings, full payment is due on arrival.
Is mooring space currently available?
We’re currently taking applications for our newly extended pontoons. As space is limited, we’d recommend enquiring with our Pier Master as early as possible to discuss availability.
What's the largest vessel you can accommodate?
We can accommodate vessels up to 35 metres LOA with a maximum draft of 2 metres. Vessels must be able to take the ground on spring ebbs, and on particular berths within the facility.
Facilities & Safety
Is the marina secure?
Yes. We provide 24/7 security with CCTV surveillance, a secure restricted access gate, and regular patrols by security personnel.
Are electricity and water available?
Yes, electricity and water are available to berth holders.
Do I have to wear a life jacket?
While not compulsory, we strongly recommend wearing a life jacket while on the pontoons or pier. Use of the Marina Premises is at the individual’s own risk, and a risk assessment is available on request from the Marina Office.
What footwear is recommended on the pontoons?
Suitable footwear such as deck shoes is recommended, particularly when walking on the pontoons. High heels, flip flops and slippery-soled shoes are best avoided.
What happens if there's an accident?
All accidents, whether to a person or to a vessel, must be reported to the Marina Office as soon as possible.
What rules and regulations do I need to follow?
All Owners, Guests and Visitors are required to comply with our pier rules and regulations, as well as the rules and regulations of the Port of London Authority, the Environment Agency, and any other relevant statutory authority. Full details are available on our Terms of Use page.
The 2026 Extension
What is the Imperial Wharf Marina extension?
In 2026, we completed a significant expansion of the marina, extending our moorings along the inside, lower end of the site. The project added more than 500 metres of new mooring space, bringing our total mooring space to over a kilometre.
When did the extension open?
The new pontoons opened at the end of August 2026, following the completion of the remaining mechanical and electrical works.
How was the extension built?
The extension was delivered as a phased construction programme, working in partnership with Inland and Coastal Marina Systems. Twelve new piles were installed in summer 2025, followed by the new finger pontoons in July 2026.
How many new berths does the extension add?
The number of berths available depends on the size of the vessels being moored – we’d be happy to discuss availability for your specific vessel with you directly.
Can I book a berth on the new pontoons?
Yes, we’re currently taking bookings for the new mooring pontoons. Please contact our Pier Master for availability.
Do the new pontoons have the same facilities as the original marina?
The new pontoons form part of the same secure, well-served facility, with water, electricity and 24-hour security among the key features. Some craft on the new inside pontoons may be subject to tidal restrictions, unlike our original, non-tidal moorings.
Our Pier
Can I use the pier for passenger transfers?
Yes, our private pier is available to book for embarking and disembarking passengers, and serves as an ideal starting or finishing point for a cruise on the River Thames. Please contact us to enquire.
Can the pier be used for events?
Yes. Beyond passenger transfers, the pier is available for use by cutters taking part in traditional Thames rowing events, and as a location for film and television production. Please contact our Pier Master to discuss your requirements.
Is the pier available to commercial craft?
Yes, the pier is available to commercial craft, passenger vessels and private boats. We also offer visitor moorings for charter boats and other commercial activity, on application. Commercial rates are available on application.
Location & Getting Here
Where is Imperial Wharf Marina?
We’re located at The Boulevard, London, SW6 2ZT, on the north shore of the River Thames, in front of the Imperial Wharf development.
How do I get to the marina by train?
Imperial Wharf Rail Station, on the London Overground (Mildmay line) and National Rail, is a 5-minute walk away.
Is there an Underground station nearby?
The nearest London Underground stations are Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green, both approximately a 20-minute walk away.
Can I arrive by river?
Yes, a riverbus service operates from Chelsea Harbour, next door to the marina, with routes running east to Barking and west to Putney.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there are two pay-as-you-go car parks within a 5-minute walk: Imperial Wharf Car Park on Townmead Road, and Chelsea Design Centre Car Park on Chelsea Harbour Drive.
Buying & Selling
Do you help facilitate the sale of vessels?
Yes, we’re happy to help facilitate the sale of vessels based at Imperial Wharf Marina. Please visit our Vessels for Sale page for current listings, or contact the Marina Office for more information.