Pioneering zero-emission vessel named and launch date set for March 2025
New vessel increases crossing capacity, enabling over 150,000 passengers to cross every week

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.

A commitment to a greener future

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 25^th 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.

“It’s an honour to contribute to Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ 25-year legacy, and we’re proud that our work here on the Isle of Wight supports both the local economy and the evolution of cleaner, greener transport solutions for London and beyond.”

Tim Beckett, Director, Beckett Rankine, said: “It’s now five years since Beckett Rankine and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers came up with the concept for a zero-emission roll-on/roll-off ferry at Rotherhithe, as an alternative to the then proposed bridge. I am delighted that this vision is now being realised, with the aid of Wight Shipyard building the vessel and Aqua Superpower providing the shore power connections.

“Orbit Clipper is a groundbreaking vessel in many respects, not least in that it is a double-ended, self-docking, auto-mooring ferry. This has, in turn, required the design of a novel new pier for Rotherhithe and a pier extension for Canary Wharf. The new pier is designed with a gentle gradient to make the ferries accessible for cyclists and people with restricted mobility. Improved cycle access supports wider plans for e-cargo bike river crossings. Beckett Rankine is proud to have been responsible for the design and consenting of these pier works, on which construction is due to commence in January. As London extends eastward, there is an increasing need for cross-river pedestrian and cycle links across the Thames, so Orbit Clipper couldn’t be launching at a better time.”

Matt Holland, chief project engineer, Aqua superPower, said: “Aqua superPower is proud to contribute its marine fast-charging expertise to this pioneering project, which sets a benchmark for future initiatives. The launch of Orbit Clipper marks a significant step in decarbonising diesel ferries on the Thames, playing a vital role in London’s clean mobility efforts. Our involvement highlights Aqua’s commitment to marine electrification and cutting-edge infrastructure, and we are excited to collaborate with fellow industry leaders to drive this transformation forward.”

Orbit Clipper (designed by Aus Ships Group) will replace the current cross-river ferry service, continuing to serve the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Rotherhithe and meeting the demands of Canary Wharf’s growing employment centre and burgeoning residential neighbourhoods on both sides of the river. A new step free pontoon is being built on the south side as part of the project, and the existing pier at Canary Wharf will be modified to accommodate the new fully electric ferry berth. This initiative has been made possible through partial sponsorship from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 3 (funded by the Department for Transport with Innovate UK), and with project partners high-speed aluminium ship builder, Wight Shipyard Company; maritime civil engineering consultants, Beckett Rankine; and electric infrastructure specialists, Aqua superPower.

For over 25 years, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has spearheaded innovations in the marine sector, consistently supporting the Thames’ role in Greater London’s sustainable transport future. As part of this mission, the business has also been exploring advanced fuel options, including compressed hydrogen gas, liquid hydrogen, and methanol.

For more information about Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and its sustainability initiatives, please visit uberboatbythamesclippers.com.

We’re at the cusp of a whole bunch of awards celebrations and we have plenty to celebrate! We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for multiple awards for our innovative communications solutions. Of course, the pride and glory of awards are always enjoyable, but more than anything, we’re pleased with what this recognition says about our work.

Having judged many awards ourselves, we know that creativity, innovation and impact are what’s needed to make an award entry stand out from the crowd. At Barley, we blend strategy, creativity, expertise and passion into social purpose communications that deliver real impact for our clients.

Here’s a snapshot of the work we’ve been shortlisted for:

Rebranding a charity for ETP

To mark a new era for ETP, we designed a bold visual identity that unifies perspectives, clarifies the organisation’s message and charts a course for the future. We developed a new website that’s been shortlisted for Best Website or App at the Memcom Excellence Awards and Best Marketing Initiative or Project at the Association Excellence Awards.

Membership organisation, EACTS

The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) – a 4,000+ membership organisation for the cardiothoracic surgical community that aims to improve outcomes for heart and lung patients around the world – has been shortlisted for Best In-Person Event of the Year at the Memcom Excellence Awards.

The shortlist for EACTS is for the 37th EACTS Annual Meeting which took place in Vienna in 2023 – and we’re proud to support EACTS to deliver the flagship event. At Barley, our work includes managing organic and paid social media to drive over 5,000 participants to the event, publishing a daily newspaper over the four-day event and working with Go Forth Films to produce a daily highlights video. Barley is again supporting EACTS with this year’s Annual Meeting, which is being held in Lisbon from 9-12 October.

Environmental behaviour change campaign for Keep Britain Tidy

Based on eye-opening data about people’s buying habits, we created and delivered a topical campaign across digital and social platforms, setting our audience the task of buying nothing new for a month. This one is up for Behaviour Change Campaign of the Year at the Global Glood Awards and the Education, Training and Communication Award at the National Sustainability Awards.

Charity communications for Nordoff and Robbins

We’re shortlisted for PR Team of the Year at the Charity Times Awards for our strategic approach to media relations for the inaugural Northern Music Awards – helping Nordoff and Robbins raise their profile, raise funds and demonstrate the impact of their life-changing work as the UK largest provider of music therapy.

Local authority communications for Suffolk Waste Partnership

Our #ShakeItOut campaign to reduce recycling contamination has made a lasting impact, resonating with Suffolk households through eye-catching creative across multiple communications channels. This standout campaign of this year’s awards has so far been shortlisted a whopping eight times.

And there’s more! In addition to our client work, Barley has also been shortlisted for several agency awards, including the Women in Green Business Awards and the Association Excellence Awards.

This recognition is true testament to the dedication, imagination and enthusiasm our team brings to every project. And we’re ever appreciative of our marvellous clients for choosing Barley to deliver across a wide range of their communications needs.

Bring on the celebrations!

Get in touch