Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has called on the Government to restore Renewable Transport Fuel Certificate (RTFC) eligibility for vessels operating on tidal rivers and estuaries.
The operator says changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) in late 2025 have left vessels on the River Thames unable to access RTFCs when using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). It argues that this has increased the cost of using the renewable diesel alternative and could slow emissions reductions from river transport.
According to the company, the change has added an estimated 30–40 pence per litre to HVO costs for Thames operators, with an average operator potentially facing around 200,000 GBP in additional annual fuel costs. Thames Clippers says it has had to return to conventional diesel on parts of its fleet as a result.
The company estimates that using HVO can save around 17,152 tonnes of CO₂e. HVO can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 per cent compared with conventional diesel, depending on the feedstocks and production process.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is not calling for a new subsidy or tax exemption. Instead, it wants RTFC eligibility extended to tidal rivers and estuaries, arguing that river transport should be treated consistently with other public transport modes using renewable fuels.
Geoff Symonds, Chief Development Officer at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said:The River Thames should be one of London's greatest assets in the journey to net zero, but the current policy makes it extremely challenging for operators to commit to the us of cleaner fuels today.
We are investing in viable hybrid solutions for our high-speed vessels whilst technology for marine vessels develops further. The current policy makes lower-carbon fuel more expensive while leaving conventional diesel comparatively more attractive.
This isn't about asking for special treatment. It's about making sure river transport is treated fairly and consistently alongside other public transport modes. Levelling up RTFC eligibility would remove an unnecessary barrier to the decarbonization journey and help operators continue investing in cleaner transport for London.
The company carries more than six million passengers a year and has four hybrid vessels operating on electric power in central London.
The policy change has also prompted concerns from other organisations. Forth Ports, which owns the Port of Tilbury, said clearer incentives could support businesses switching to lower-carbon fuels. The company has introduced HVO100 across port handling equipment where possible.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is asking the Government to restore RTFC eligibility for tidal rivers and estuaries and remove what it describes as policy barriers to the use of renewable marine fuels.
