Maritime Radio Thames Clippers to launch first eco-friendly hybrid ferrys

Thames Clippers to launch first eco-friendly hybrid ferrys

Thames Clippers have announced that they plan to launch the UK’s first eco-friendly high-speed passenger boats by the end of this year,.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which operates passenger riverboat services in south east London, will be welcoming two new hybrid vessels to its fleet – the first of which will take to the Thames this autumn.

The company also recently entered into negotiations with a local council in Gravesend to purchase the town pier, meaning London’s regular riverboat service could be extended as far as Kent.

Built on the Isle of Wight, the two new boats will be powered by batteries while in central London then switching to biofuel power while outside the central zone.

Sean Collins, CEO and co-founder of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said the new vessels will be a “significant” step towards achieving net zero carbon emissions in London.

Mr Collins said: “It’s going to significantly take us on those next steps to net zero. It’s a significant milestone for the business and, indeed, it’s going to be the first eco-friendly passenger boat for London. It’s certainly a first for a high-speed craft in the UK and probably Europe that will be operating solely on batteries for part of its journey.”

He admitted some parts of the River Thames is “not fulfilling its potential” as an alternative means of transport in London and that it has “significant potential to do more”.

The first of two new vessels is planned to enter service this autumn, with the second in service in early 2023.