The boats have been designed with the area’s focus as a centre for rowing, sailing and other leisure pursuits in mind.  An important improvement is slim twin hulls which generate very little of the wash that can unsettle small leisure boats.

Speaking at the event at Richmond Lock and Weir, PLA chief executive, Richard Everitt said, 'The official naming of these two launches marks another stage in the transformation of our operation on this part of the Thames.  We started this change four years ago, in every case going back to basics and seeing what was best for river users’ safety before seeing how it could be delivered.  As a result today we have a set up which enables staff to be more approachable on the ground, more relevant rules, purpose built patrol boats and improved environmental performance.' 

Guests at the event included Professor Philip Wilson, who led the research into the optimum hull shape for shallower waters at the University of Southampton, and Henry Mayhew, whose company EcoCats designed and built the boats.  In partnership with the PLA they have delivered a design that causes less disturbance on the water, reduced impact on other river users like rowers, and a better environmental performance than conventional patrol boats.  The slimmer, twin hull shape needs just a third of the power and fuel to push it through the water required by conventional patrol boats.

Chelsea and Richmond are now familiar sights on the Thames, patrolling every day to oversee safety and provide emergency support for river users.  They also play an important role in major sporting events on the river, such as the University Boat Race and London’s own waterborne marathon, the Great River Race.

The groundbreaking design of the boats was recognised earlier this year when PLA, the University of Southampton and EcoCats received the annual Ship Safety Award from Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and Lloyd’s Register of Shipping.

'As someone who has taken part in the Great River Race, the naming of these new boats is particularly exciting, said Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park.  'I am really pleased that we now have river patrol boats that are not just fit for purpose, but also right for the environment on this part of the river.'