MARINE CONSTRUCTION

Wight Shipyard to build two battery-powered boats

5 years ago

Isle of Wight boat builder Wight Shipyard has won a contract to build two catamarans that will be solely powered by batteries as they transport commuters and tourists up the River Thames.

When it comes to recharging they will be able to use biofuel power outside central London, thus avoiding shore-based charging, the company says.

The river buses will be used on London’s Uber Boat line, which is run by Thames Clippers between Battersea Power Station and London Bridge.

Wight Shipyard has been building Thames Clipper vessels since 2017, when it was first commissioned.

“Uber Boat is committed to achieving net zero with all new builds by 2025 and for its wider fleet, infrastructure and environmental footprint by 2040,” said Uber Boat founder and CEO Sean Collins.

“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.

“We’re looking ahead with this hybrid design, ensuring easy conversion to green hydrogen or another renewable energy source – something we’re also focusing heavily on with the new projects we’re undertaking thanks to recent DfT (Department for Transport) funding.”

Uber Boat began in 1999 with one boat servicing 80 passengers between the piers of Greenland and Savoy. In 2006 AEG, the sports and entertainment company, bought a majority stake in Uber Boat and it now operates 21 vessels along four lines, serving 23 piers.