New barge named after long-serving employee’s daughter
By Davina Hyde
A waste disposal and energy recovery company has named a new barge after its longest serving employee’s daughter on her 21st birthday.
The proud dad, whose father, grandfather and father-in-law also worked for Cory Riverside, has worked for 44 years at the company.
John Daley and his daughter, Gemma, (pictured) who live in Belvedere in Bexley, were joined by a small group at a socially distanced launch ceremony at the company’s Riverside site in Charlton.
Gemma sealed the launch of “Gemma D” in traditional style by smashing a bottle of champagne on the bow.
John said: “I was delighted to be given the distinction of naming the first of the new fleet of barges. It was a simple decision to name it after my daughter.
“It has made Gemma’s grandfather particularly happy to know that the barge will carry his granddaughter’s name, as he is proud of his lighterage heritage having worked for Cory and other lighterage companies during his career.
“Today marked a special moment for the family.”
Dougie Sutherland, CEO at Cory Riverside Energy, said: “John has a long and successful career at Cory, so in deciding who should be given the naming rights, he was the obvious choice.
“As well as naming the barge, John was involved in its procurement by providing recommendations at the design stage – so today is the culmination of another project for him!
“We are delighted that “Gemma D” will have added significance as part of our new fleet of barges. As Cory approaches its 125th anniversary next year these longstanding relationships are part of what makes the company what it is today.”
The new 20 box barges will eventually replace the fleet currently operating from Smugglers Way in Wandsworth, Cringle Dock in Battersea, and Walbrook Wharf in the City of London.
Cory operates a fleet of five tugs, more than 50 barges and in excess of 1,500 containers. Their fleet is used to transport non-recyclable waste from waste transfer stations along the River Thames to Cory’s energy from waste facility in Belvedere. This use of the river removes around 100,000 vehicle journeys from London’s roads each year.