As Transport for London (TfL) reassess the proposal to build a bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf due to its escalating cost, MBNA Thames Clippers, the capital’s River Bus service provider, shares details of its proposed zero emission ferry cross-river solution – a UK first.
The business, which is celebrating 20 years of service this year, has been working in partnership with Beckett Rankine and Aus Ship Group on a proposed electric, fully accessible cross-river ferry solution.
Originally tabled as a temporary solution while the bridge was being built and to be relocated once no longer required, the ferry can be delivered at a relatively minimal cost (estimated at £30m for three boats and the pier enhancements required either side); and much faster than a bridge.
MBNA Thames Clippers currently runs the RB4 cross-river ferry service between Canary Wharf Pier and the Doubletree Docklands hotel in Rotherhithe. The new proposal increases the frequency of the current ferry service – from one to three boats running concurrently. Each with a 150-person capacity that could accommodate at least 50% of passengers travelling by bicycle, offering up to 2,250 capacity per hour, per direction, meeting all the demand predictions.
Sean Collins, CEO and co-founder, MBNA Thames Clippers, 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.”
