The first fully-electric passenger ferry in the UK has made its maiden voyage – carrying more than 100 cyclists and pedestrians across the Thames to Canary Wharf.
The £15m vessel, named Orbit Clipper, set sail from Rotherhithe Pier on Friday morning with London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and dozens of other VIPs on board.
Will Norman, the mayor’s walking and cycling tsar, who brought his Brompton bike on board, said: “This is a ferry fit for a cycling city.”
Operator Uber Boat by Thames Clippers said the roll-on, roll-off battery powered ferry would be of particular use in transporting cyclists across the river.
In this part of east London, the main alternative for cyclists wanting to cross the river is to cycle through the narrow and traffic-clogged Rotherhithe tunnel.
Each crossing – which lasts barely 10 minutes - costs £4.10 using a TfL Oyster card, though cheaper journeys can be secured by purchasing a “carnet” book of tickets for multiple trips.
The Orbit Clipper will operate at peak times alongside the existing diesel-powered ferry, Twinstar, that makes the same crossing. It is expected to come fully into service by next spring.
Sir Sadiq said the zero emissions ferry was a great example of how London transport was becoming “greener” – and of great benefit to cyclists.
It can accommodate 100 bikes – compared with a maximum of five on the diesel ferry it is replacing – and 150 foot passengers.
Once fully operational, it will cross the river every 10 minutes from each side on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends.
The ferry was part-funded by the Department for Transport and Innovate UK and built on the isle of Whight by the aluminium ship builder, Wight Shipyard Company.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers already has three hybrid high-speed ferries: Earth Clipper, Celestial Clipper, and Mars Clipper.
These operate on battery power in central London and recharge while continuing their journeys further down the river.
Sir Sadiq said: “This is a fantastic new transport option for Londoners – not only cleaner and greener than its predecessor, but providing quicker and more accessible journeys across the river for far more people.
“Innovation and investment in travel infrastructure like this will help us navigate the challenges facing our environment and our economy.”
Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat Thames Clippers, said: “The launch of Orbit Clipper is a significant milestone for sustainable transport in London.
“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.”
Toby Mumford, CEO at Wight Shipyard Company, said: “We hope this is the first of many electric ferries we build both for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and for export.”
