MBNA Thames Clippers has shared details of its proposed zero emission ferry cross-river solution – a first for the UK.
Celebrating 20 years of service this year, the river bus provider has been working in partnership with Beckett Rankine and Aus Ship Group on a proposed electric, fully accessible cross-river ferry solution.
MBNA Thames Clippers currently runs the RB4 cross-river service between Canary Wharf Pier and the Doubletree Docklands hotel in Rotherhithe. The new proposal increases the frequency of the existing ferry service, from one to three boats running concurrently. Each boat will have a 150-person capacity that will allow for at least 50% of passengers to travel by bicycle. The proposed solution will offer up to 2,250 capacity per hour per direction, to meet demand predictions.
CEO and Co-founder Sean Collins said, “This cost-effective and environmentally friendly cross-river solution is the ideal option for connecting Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. It suits the demand requirements and offers commuters and people from the local communities an efficient way to cross the river by foot or bicycle. There are also two additional sites further East where this concept could be replicated as the density of riparian residential development increases either side of the river, improving connectivity between boroughs.
“Our work with Beckett Rankine and Aus Ship Group to develop a plan for the UK’s first zero emission ferry is a huge step forward for the capital and something I’m personally very passionate about. We have been working on this proposal for some time as we hope that following the news of the cancelled bridge plans our proposal will be carefully considered by the Mayor and TfL and we can work together on this much-needed crossing.”
The Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf crossing proposal includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art pier on the south shore and an extension to the existing pier at Canary Wharf. It would also link into the Thames Path on both sides of the river and new cycle routes from Rotherhithe to Peckham, and from Hackney to the Isle of Dogs which are currently being developed by TfL.
