London’s primary River Bus Operator, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is moving to operating greener vessels on its routes. As part of its commitment to decarbonising of the River Thames, as a minimum any new vessels will be hybrid and where possible, full electrified or zero emission technology will be employed.
Already a modern and fuel-efficient passenger boat service, the organisation successfully won DfT funding via the Innovate UK Clean Maritime Demonstration Competitions to drive its green tech ambitions forward and undertake research into the new generation of river transport.
Part of their ambitions is to develop a zero-emissions ferry route between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe – a UK first.
The route will be serviced by two self-docking vessels which will accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. It is expected that this route improvement will encourage greater numbers to walk and cycle in the city.
Challenge
To accommodate the new ferry’s semi-autonomous mooring system, shoreside charging infrastructure and marine/passenger needs, demolition works and changes to pontoons and docking structures at both Rotherhithe Pier and Canary Wharf are required, as well as dredging of the Thames riverbed.
As part of planning conditions, a Navigation Risk Assessment (NRA) for both the construction and operational phase of the Zero Emissions Ferry Crossing project was required.
Solution
Having been involved during the feasibility and concept stage, NASH Maritime was invited by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers to join the project team.
Following Port of London Authority outline methodology, we undertook the formal NRA, drawing on our initial Navigational Impact Review prepared during the concept phase.
Work undertaken included:
> a comprehensive understanding of the proposal, by reviewing the scheme design and construction programme.
> revising our existing baseline vessel traffic environment
> AIS data analysis to identify any navigational issues.
> collision modelling to ascertain the magnitude of navigation risk change that results when the ferries would be operating.
> engaging with local stakeholders to understand navigational risks, impacts on different users and risk mitigation measures for both the construction and operational phases.
It is anticipated that the ferries will begin operating between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe in the spring of 2025.
Image copyright Callum Marius Transport Journalist
