(TDR) ZERO EMISSIONS FERRY LAUNCHES ON THE THAMES

The first fully electric zero-emissions ferry in the United Kingdom has been launched on the River Thames in London by operator Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

Set to operate between Rotherhithe on the south of the River Thames and Canary Wharf on the northern side, the new electric ferry, named Orbit Clipper, will cross the river every 10 minutes on weekdays and 15 minutes on weekends.

Orbit Clipper’s roll-on/roll-off design enables automated docking on both sides and has space for 150 passengers as well as 100 bicycles. “The launch of Orbit Clipper is a significant milestone for sustainable transport in London,” said Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat Thames Clippers. “As the UK’s first all-electric, zero-emissions vessel, it represents our commitment to reducing the city’s carbon footprint while continuing to provide reliable and efficient river transport.

“Orbit Clipper not only showcases cutting-edge innovation but also sets a new standard for eco-friendly travel on the Thames, helping to shape a cleaner, greener future for Londoners and visitors alike.”

Thames Clippers was founded in 1999 and has operated a number of ferries under licence by the London River Services division of Transport for London (TfL). In 2020, Thames Clippers entered into a partnership with global rideshare giant Uber and renamed to Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, enabling tickets for ferry services to be purchased through the Uber app.

The new Orbit Clipper project was brought to life by a number of partners alongside Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. Funding from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK was critical to the project, while the ferry itself was designed by Australian ship builders Aus Ships and built by high-speed aluminium ship builder, Wight Shipyard Company.

Others involved in the birth of the Orbit Clipper include maritime civil engineering consultants, Beckett Rankine and electric infrastructure specialists, Aqua SuperPower.

It will take a few months before the Orbit Clipper is running the Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf route on its own, during which time it will operate in tandem with the route’s current vessel, Twinstar. But Uber Boat by Thams Clippers expects the Orbit Clipper to be operating exclusively on the route by the second quarter of next year. More of this article (The Driven) - link - more like this (shipping) - link - more like this (The Thames) - link