Hybrid London ferries

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is building two new vessels at Wight Shipyard on the Isle of Wight to a hybrid design which will see the ferries operate solely on battery power. These batteries can be recharged through both environmentally-friendly biofuel on shore and excess power from the engines whilst in transit.

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

“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,” he added.

As well as being the city’s most eco-friendly passenger boats, the ferries, which will operate the Central Zone between Tower and Battersea Power Station piers, will be Uber Boat’s quietest vessels.

Uber Boat is committed to achieving net zero with all new builds by 2025 and for its wider fleet, infrastructure and environmental footprint by 2040.

The company has recently hired a new health, safety, environment & quality manager and work is underway on three green marine feasibility projects funded by the Department for Transport.