Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is set to launch the UK’s first hybrid high-speed passenger ferries in autumn 2022 and spring 2023 as part of its strategy to move towards net zero.
Uber Boat currently operates 20 high-speed river boats that transport commuters and tourists between 23 pier stops along the Thames river in London. The ferries run every 10–20 minutes and are used by around 10,000 daily passengers.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is now increasing the capacity of its popular service and working to make its operations more sustainable with the launch of two new hybrid ferries.
Sean Collins, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ Co-Founder and CEO, said:After the challenges of the last two years that Covid has set upon businesses, in particular in the transport sector, I’m extremely excited to be increasing our capacity to meet the demands of our customers and partners. This development in technology has enabled us to take the first major steps to meet our future environmental vision.
The hybrid design will allow the ferries to operate solely on battery power when transporting passengers through central London. The vessels will then recharge while using biofuelled power outside of the Central Zone. Instead of being reliant on shore-based charging, the new ferries will use excess power from the biofuelled engines to re-charge their batteries before re-entering central London.
The new boats push the boundaries of catamaran design to deliver a future-friendly transportation option. The design also enables easy conversion to other renewable energy sources, such as green hydrogen, for future developments. The new ferries will be London’s most eco-friendly passenger boats, as well as Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ quietest vessels.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has committed to achieving net zero with all new vessels by 2025. It also aims to achieve net zero within its wider fleet, infrastructure, and environmental footprint by 2040.
Collins continued: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. As a business, we are continuing to embrace the emerging technological advances that will see us continue to develop our fleet and infrastructure, thereby supporting a sustainable future in our industry.
