New battery powered boats set to begin operating on Thames river bus routes

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is building the UK’s first hybrid high speed passenger ferries, which are set to set to launch this autumn and in the spring of next year.

The hybrid design will allow their two new vessels to operate solely on battery power while transporting commuters and sightseers between Tower and Battersea Power Station piers – and recharge while using bio-fuelled power outside their central London route.

The river bus service operated by Thames Clippers stops at 23 piers along the Thames between Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) Pier in the east and Putney Pier in the west. Services run from early in the morning until late at night seven days a week.

Cllr Locker said: “This is a really welcome technological advance that will see these boats operating on battery power only on the busy route between Battersea Power Station and the pier at Tower Bridge.

“And in the outer London legs of the journeys, including from Putney, the boats will use more environmentally friendly bio-fuels.

“People looking for an eco-friendly and convenient form of transport into central London and docklands should certainly consider using the river bus.”

Sean Collins, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ co-founder and CEO said: “This development in technology has enabled us to take the first major steps to meet our future environmental vision.

“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.

“As a business, we are continuing to embrace the emerging technological advances that will see us continue to develop our fleet and infrastructure, thereby supporting a sustainable future in our industry.”

For information on routes visit the company’s website which also contains details of the service timetable.