Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has announced plans to operate two new hybrid passenger catamarans along the London river’s commuting and sightseeing line.
The high-speed Mars Clipper and Cross River Ferry are being built by UK aluminium shipbuilder Wight Shipyard Company and will feature 480kWh and 960kWh Octopus Series battery systems, respectively, supplied by Dutch energy technology company EST-Floattech.
The hybrid design will limit emissions and exhaust fumes during the routes of the two commuter services by enabling the vessels to operate solely on battery power throughout the River Thames’ central zone between the Tower Bridge and Battersea Power Station piers.
What’s more, the Octopus Series technology is not reliant on shore-based charging with the new boats using excess power from bio-fuel engines to re-charge their batteries for the Central London stretch.
Operation of the new vessels supports a wider overhaul of Thames Clippers’ current infrastructure, which is reportedly reaching end of life.
The company, which has operated a cross river ferry service on the Thames for more than 20 years, plans to develop and operate an all-electric, zero-emission, roll-on/roll-off ferry replacement, featuring automated docking to reduce journey times and an increased capacity on the craft for foot and cycle passengers.
Sean Collins, founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said: “For over 20 years we have been at the forefront of innovation for the river marine sector.
“We are committed to supporting the sustainable growth, infrastructure and economic development on and around the river to endorse the river’s importance to London as a form of transport, with all new builds by 2025 and for its wider fleet, infrastructure and environmental footprint by 2040.
“We’re looking ahead with this hybrid design, ensuring easy conversion to green hydrogen or another renewable energy source – something we’re also focusing heavily on with the new projects we’re undertaking thanks to recent DfT funding.
“It is the next step in our strategy to net zero and, ultimately, tailpipe zero.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable urban mobility will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
