Orbit Clipper: London's First Fully-Electric Ferry

London has officially welcomed a fully electric, zero-emissions ferry into its public transport mix as Orbit Clipper sets sail on the River Thames.

Operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, the new vessel connects Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, marking a shift in how commuters and visitors experience water transport in the capital.

Built with part-funding from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK, the project involves multiple partners across shipbuilding, civil engineering and electric charging infrastructure. With room for 150 passengers and 100 bicycles, Orbit Clipper is being phased into operation alongside the existing vessel, Twinstar, and is set to become the exclusive service on the route by spring 2026.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, called it "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".

Clean crossings

Orbit Clipper’s introduction expands the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers' modern fleet, which includes hybrid high-speed ferries Earth Clipper, Celestial Clipper and Mars Clipper.

These vessels switch to battery power while in central London and recharge on routes outside the low-emission zone. Orbit Clipper, however, offers a fully electric model with zero tailpipe emissions throughout its service.

Orbit Clipper operates a high-frequency route,  crossing the river every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. With capacity for both passengers and bicycles, the ferry directly supports multi-modal travel in London.

During the launch, a fleet of cyclists boards the vessel as part of a collaboration with British Triathlon, highlighting the ferry’s bike-friendly design and focus on sustainable commuting.

Ruth Daniels, CEO at British Triathlon, says: “With space for up to 100 bikes, the Orbit Clipper gives triathletes, commuters, tourists and anyone traveling across London a greener, more convenient way to get around. The ability to integrate River Bus services into their routine adds a welcome, sustainable alternative.”

Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said the launch represented "a significant milestone for sustainable transport in London".

He adds: “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.”

Collaboration across land and water

Built by Wight Shipyard Company, the ferry is part of a collaborative push for greener marine infrastructure.

Project partners include engineering consultants Beckett Rankine and electric marine charging specialists Aqua superPower. These organisations support the build, technical design and charging network, with the goal of ensuring high-performance operation and swift recharging at each stop.

Matt Holland, Chief Project Engineer at Aqua superPower, says: “This milestone demonstrates that electrification is not just viable but ready today for critical marine passenger transport – in London and around the world.

"It also underscores Aqua superPower’s expertise in designing, installing and operating robust charging networks that will drive the next generation of zero-emission marine ferries."

Tim Beckett, Director of Beckett Rankine, adds: "London desperately needs efficient, zero-emission transport solutions on the river just as it needs them on land. With Orbit Clipper now launched, Rotherhithe’s electric ferry crossing is a game-changer.”

Building for a zero-emission future

Orbit Clipper plays a central role in Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ sustainability plans. The company is targeting a 50% cut in carbon emissions by 2035 and aims to reach net zero by 2050.

The all-electric ferry serves as a functional example of how marine transport can lower emissions without reducing frequency or accessibility.

Andrew Brem, General Manager at Uber UK, notes: “By boat, bike or car, Londoners now have even more options to take a zero-emission journey across the capital with Uber.”

From ferry engineering and civil infrastructure to charging capability and passenger experience, Orbit Clipper reflects a coordinated push towards clean marine mobility. It also brings together commuters, cyclists, tourists and event participants through a transport link that is quiet, frequent and zero-emissions.

The vessel now joins the Thames transport network with the backing of both public and private sectors, offering London a daily, all-electric alternative that supports active travel, low emissions and fast connections across the river.