In a groundbreaking advancement for sustainable river transport, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has announced that the UK’s first fully electric zero-emission cross-river passenger ferry, Orbit Clipper will launch in March 2025. Currently under construction at Wight Shipyard Co in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, this innovative vessel will provide an accessible, green and fast route across the Thames seven days a week, enabling over 20,000 Londoners and visitors to travel every weekday.
Orbit Clipper will operate between London’s Canary Wharf on the north side of the Thames and Rotherhithe on the south, offering an efficient and eco-friendly service for cross-river transport. The vessel will cross the river every 10 minutes from each side on weekdays and every 15 minutes at weekends. The 150-passenger ferry, with capacity for 100 bicycles, features a roll-on/roll-off design that enables automated docking on both sides. This innovation enhances accessibility, reduces journey times, and increases capacity for both foot and cycle passengers.
This zero-emission vessel is part of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ broader sustainable innovation initiative. Following the recent addition of three hybrid high-speed vessels to its main fleet of River Buses, each cutting emissions by up to 90%, Orbit Clipper underlines the business’s commitment to creating green transport solutions for London’s commuters and leisure travellers. The project is a significant step towards Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieving net-zero by 2050.
Sean Collins, co-founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said: “It’s a real British success story. All of our new boats are proudly built in the UK using the latest green technology at Wight Shipyard Co on the Isle of Wight. This new vessel will launch within our 25th year of operation and it reaffirms our investment in both the local Isle of Wight economy and in London.
“This zero-emission solution also comes after the recent launch of our third hybrid boat – Mars Clipper – into our main River Bus fleet and is the next step on our journey to advancing sustainable maritime technology. The Thames is the lifeblood of our great capital and it’s our ambition to continue to push for further progression along the river – we’re calling upon London’s maritime businesses and government bodies to collaborate and ensure a greener future for all.”
Toby Mumford, CEO, Wight Shipyard, said: “At Wight Shipyard we’re thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers by building its first zero-emission vessel. This was our first build accessing the Innovate UK grant funding in partnership with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, Beckett Rankine and Aqua superPower. Having already delivered six vessels, of which three are hybrid boats, for the fleet, this milestone represents not only a significant step forward for sustainable maritime innovation in the UK but also highlights the international potential for British-built electric vessels. We hope and expect that it is the first of many.”
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