Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on board to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that supports trade ties between the UK and the Pacific nation.
The agreement is for an energy efficient water propulsion system produced by Kiwi company HamiltonJet that will be installed on the River Bus company’s newbuild vessels.
Mr Luxon met with Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, and Toby Mumford, CEO of UK-based shipbuilder Wight Shipyard Co, on April 22 to endorse the deal. Wight Shipyard Co. is building the River Bus company’s new vessels.
Making London transport more sustainable is a key objective for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, with the River Bus service aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The company, whose sustainable goals are partially supported by Department for Transport funding, is launching Orbit Clipper later this year. The electric ferry will offer zero-emission, cross-river services from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has a modern fleet featuring three hybrid high-speed ferries: Earth Clipper, Celestial Clipper, and Mars Clipper. Operating on battery power in Central London, the hybrid vessels recharge while continuing their journey outside of this zone.
“The UK has a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship with New Zealand, which is extended by the deal between us, Wight Shipyard and HamiltonJet,” said Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
“We are delighted that Prime Minister Luxon has taken the time to endorse an agreement that will further strengthen trade ties between New Zealand and the UK. The MoU also supports Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ objective to provide a sustainable, energy efficient River Bus service for Londoners and people visiting this great city.”
New Zealand’s Prime Minister was recently in London to discuss trade and security with his British counterpart Prime Minister Keir Starmer and to meet King Charles.
