London has taken a significant step towards greener transport with the launch of the fully electric ORBIT CLIPPER, which has completed its first passenger crossing of the River Thames.
Owned and operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, the new ferry has been developed with part funding from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK. It was built in partnership with the Wight Shipyard Company, alongside maritime engineering consultants Beckett Rankine and electric infrastructure specialists Aqua superPower.
The zero-emission vessel will operate between Rotherhithe in south London and Canary Wharf on the north bank, offering a fast, accessible and environmentally sustainable river crossing for thousands of passengers each day.
The launch was marked with an official ceremony attended by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, alongside local leaders and industry partners. As part of the celebrations, cyclists working with British Triathlon were welcomed aboard the vessel in a symbolic show of support for active and sustainable travel, creating a striking spectacle of lime-green helmets on deck.
ORBIT CLIPPER will initially run alongside the existing TWINSTAR service to ensure continuity. It will be phased into full operation, with exclusive use of the route planned for Spring 2026. Once fully operational, the 150-passenger ferry — capable of carrying up to 100 bicycles — will operate every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes at weekends.
The new vessel forms part of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ wider sustainability strategy. The operator already runs three hybrid high-speed ferries — EARTH CLIPPER, CELESTIAL CLIPPER and MARS CLIPPER — which operate on battery power in central London before recharging outside the zone.
The addition of ORBIT CLIPPER strengthens the company’s commitment to reducing emissions across its fleet. The River Bus service is targeting a 50 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2035, with a longer-term ambition to reach net-zero by 2050.
Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat Thames Clippers, believes launching the UK’s first fully electric vessel is a watershed moment for green transport in London.
“The launch of ORBIT CLIPPER is a significant milestone for sustainable transport in London. 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, helping to shape a cleaner, greener future for Londoners and visitors alike.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “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. 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.”
Andrew Brem, General Manager, Uber UK, said: “By boat, bike or car, Londoners now have even more options to take a zero-emission journey across the capital with Uber. Whether you're commuting to work or enjoying the sights of the city, the ORBIT CLIPPER is a brilliant addition to the Thames and is an important milestone in the electrification of London's transport options.” Photo by JuliaC2006 from Rochester, UK, Wikimedia commons.