Uber Boat by Thames Clipper has launched Europe’s first hybrid high-speed passenger ferry in London, UK.
The vessel, named Earth Clipper is the first of three new hybrid passenger ferries that will be delivered to Uber Boat by Thames Clipper.
The hybrid vessel will operate using battery power within London’s Central Zone between its Tower and Battersea Power Station piers to release zero tailpipe emissions in Central London. It will then recharge using biofuelled power outside of this zone.
Compared to running on conventional marine diesel, this technology will reduce CO2 emissions by almost 90 percent throughout Earth Clipper’s operations. When compared to running on biofuel alone for the entire route, emissions are reduced by 16.5 percent.
Earth Clipper is Uber Boat by Thames Clipper’s first hybrid boat and is also its largest, with a length of 40 metres and a capacity for up to 230 passengers.
Sean Collins, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers co-founder and CEO said:This is a momentous day for us, and something we’ve been working towards for some time. Being able to offer greener transport through the capital is no small feat but something we’re incredibly passionate about at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
We are committed to not only utilising the most advanced technology to drive down our carbon footprint, but also to playing our part in breaking new ground to advance that technology as much as we can. The new boats push the boundaries in catamaran design to deliver a future-friendly option that can be made even greener as and when technology allows.
Earth Clipper was built at Wight Shipyard Co in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight. It will be joined by its two sister vessels, Celestial and Mars Clipper later this year.
This rollout advances Uber Boat by Thames Clipper’s targets of reducing carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040.
