Three potential routes for a “green” ferry service across the Thames have been identified as a way of improving transport links and boosting the economy in east London.
A report commissioned by the Port of London Authority, which supervises safety and commercial and leisure use of the river, proposed a short-list of routes that could be operated on a “turn up and go” basis by 2026.
It said an electric ferry service carrying pedestrians and cyclists was feasible between North Greenwich and Isle of Dogs, the Royal Docks and Charlton and Barking Riverside and Thamesmead.
It comes in the wake of the river’s largest ferry company, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, unveiling plans in September for a high-speed battery-powered ferry service for pedestrians and cyclists between Surrey Quays and Canary Wharf. It hopes to launch the service by spring 2025.
The Port of London Authority commissioned the study in with the Thames Estuary Growth Board as part of an action plan to deliver the Thames Vision 2050, which aims to maximise the economic, social and environmental potential of the tidal river between Teddington and the North Sea.
All three proposed routes are near major development areas that suffer from dire north-south connections. Each of the southern piers would be within a 15-minute bike ride for more than 100,000 Londoners.
The report said a ferry link would cost between £120m and £132m – a third of the cost of a bridge. Pre-pandemic, Transport for London axed plans for a walking and cycling bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf when the likely cost soared to £460m.
Cyclists looking to cross the river in east London currently have the option of using the cable car – which is free in the morning for cyclists – or walking their bike through the Greenwich or Woolwich foot tunnels, though both suffer frequent lift closures, meaning bikes have to be carried up and down the steps.
Other options include the Woolwich ferry or riding through the Rotherhithe tunnel, which many cyclists do not recommend due to traffic levels and pollution.
Robin Mortimer, Port of London Authority chief executive, said the Thames had the potential to shape London’s “net zero future”.
He said: “Based upon the experience of Auckland and Amsterdam, this report shows that the river can help create an affordable, low-carbon way of tackling transport inequity in east London.
“We hope that the London mayoral and Assembly candidates will recognise the river’s huge potential to support connectivity, reduce emissions and improve quality of life for Londoners by progressing these concepts.”
Kate Willard, chair of the Thames Estuary Growth Board, said: “New and improved river crossings are essential. The river is too often seen as a barrier and we must overcome this.
“We already see a resurgence in travel along the Thames; it’s essential we also have more options to cross it. New opportunities for growth in the Thames Estuary must be accessible to all – a business on the north of the river must be able to employ people from the south and on the south from the north.”
Currently, within London, there are 22 pedestrian and/or cycling crossings over the Thames west of North Greenwich, compared to just six to the east. Two stretches – between the cable car and Woolwich Foot Tunnel, and east of the Woolwich ferry – have none.
