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UK's First Hybrid High Speed Passenger Ferries Built On Isle Of Wight

Photo from Uber Boat by Thames Clipper.

An Isle of Wight boatbuilder is behind the UK's first hybrid high speed passenger ferry.

Wight Shipyard, in East Cowes, is building two new vessels, with the first due to set sail on the River Thames later this year.

The Uber Boats, by Thames Clippers, will operate solely on battery power, between Tower and Battersea Power Station piers in London.

They will recharge using biofuelled power, outside of central London.

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.

“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.”

The boats are set to launch in autumn 2022 and spring 2023.

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