Polish-Made Electric Ships On The Thames

The first of 3 new electric ferries has been launched on the River Thames in London. A hybrid system allows the new ships to transport commuters and tourists solely using battery power.

It is not only the first but also the largest hybrid unit in passenger transport on the Thames. It is 40 meters long, almost the length of two interconnected tennis courts, and can accommodate 230 passengers.

Battery recharging is provided for using energy from biofuel-powered engines which gives a nearly 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to when operating solely on conventional marine diesel.

“We not only want to use the most advanced technology to reduce our carbon footprint, but also play our part in opening up new opportunities to maximize the development of this technology,” stresses Sean Collins, co-founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

The Thames is cruised by ferries built in Poland. Located in Gdańsk, Remontowa Shipbuilding Shipyard built plug-in hybrid vessel ferries carrying passengers and cars between the banks of the Thames more than 5 years ago.

The passenger-car ferries, which are more than 60 meters long, have a load line of about 210 meters. They can take on board 150 passengers and 45 cars. They were built at the Remontowa Shipbuilding shipyard of Gdańsk following an order from Transport for London.