Thames Clippers selects batteries for ferries

The ferries are to become part of the Thames Clippers fleet in London.

Mars Clipper is an Uber Boat high-speed catamaran that will have 480kWh of batteries installed. It is a hybrid design, which means in the most central zones of London it can run on battery power alone, reducing noise and emissions between Tower Bridge and Battersea Power Station piers.

Excess power from its bio-fuel engines can recharge the batteries for the central London stretch, says EST-Floattech, which means they do not need shore power.

A 960kWh battery system will be installed on the Wight Shipyard’s Cross River Ferry, also belonging to Thames Clippers,

The ferry service has been operating for 20 years and current infrastructure is due for a revamp.

“This creates an opportunity to develop and operate an enhanced all electric, zero emission, roll-on/roll-off ferry replacement,” says EST-Floattech. “This will allow automated docking to reduce journey times and an increased capacity on the craft for foot and cycle passengers. Thanks to the Octopus Series battery system, the vessel will sail quietly over the Thames and will be some of the quietest vessels ever seen in the passenger boat industry.