By
Alex Smith |
Orbit Clipper, the UK’s first fully electric zero-emissions ferry, has completed its first passenger trip across the River Thames, marking a new phase in the rollout of low-emission river transport in London.
Owned and operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, the ferry was developed with part-funding from the UK government’s Department for Transport and public agency Innovate UK and was built in collaboration with Wight Shipyard Company, Beckett Rankine and Aqua SuperPower. It will operate between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf with zero tailpipe emissions and is designed to offer an accessible service for passengers travelling between the two riverbanks.
A launch ceremony took place today with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, alongside ministers, partners and stakeholders. During the event, a group of cyclists boarded the vessel as part of a partnership with British Triathlon, aligning with ongoing initiatives promoting active and sustainable travel in the city.
Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, onboard Orbit Clipper
“The launch of Orbit Clipper is a significant milestone for sustainable transport in London,” said Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. “As the UK’s first all-electric, zero-emissions vessel, it represents our commitment to reducing the city’s carbon footprint while continuing to provide reliable and efficient river transport.”
“Orbit Clipper not only showcases cutting-edge innovation but also sets a new standard for eco-friendly travel on the Thames,” said Collins. “It will help shape a cleaner, greener future for Londoners and visitors alike.”
Orbit Clipper will enter service alongside the existing Twinstar to maintain route continuity. It will be phased into full operation, with exclusive service expected by spring 2026. Once fully deployed, the 150-passenger ferry, with capacity for 100 bicycles, will cross the river every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes at weekends.
“This is a fantastic new transport option for Londoners – not only cleaner and greener than its predecessor, but providing quicker and more accessible journeys across the river for far more people,” said Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London. “Innovation and investment in travel infrastructure like this will help us navigate the challenges facing our environment and our economy as we continue building a fairer, greener, better London for everyone.”
A group of cyclists boarded the first sailing of Orbit Clipper in a partnership with British Triathlon
Orbit Clipper forms part of the operator’s broader sustainable fleet strategy. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers already operates three hybrid high-speed vessels – Earth Clipper, Celestial Clipper and Mars Clipper – which run on battery power in central London and recharge outside the zone.
“We’re proud to deliver the Thames’ first fully electric ferry, thanks to the support from Innovate UK and our project partners led by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers,” said Toby Mumford, CEO at Wight Shipyard Company. “The quality of the vessel is a testament to the team on the island and the vision of UBTC, who have been driving this project for many years. We hope this is the first of many electric ferries we build both for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and for export.”
The new vessel supports the company’s long-term decarbonisation goals, including reducing carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2035 and achieving net-zero by 2050.
“We are delighted to have partnered on this landmark project and to provide the reliable, fast-charging infrastructure that powers Orbit Clipper,” said Matt Holland, chief project engineer at Aqua SuperPower. “This milestone demonstrates that electrification is not just viable but ready today for critical marine passenger transport – in London and around the world.”