Battery powered boats are set to begin operating on Thames river bus routes later this year from Battersea.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is building the UK's first hybrid high speed passenger ferries, which are set to launch this autumn and spring of next year.

The two new vessels will operate solely on battery power whilst transporting commuters and sightseers between Battersea Power Station and Tower piers.

They will be recharged while using bio-fuelled power outside their central London route.

The river bus service runs seven days a week between Woolwich (Royal Arsenal) Pier and Putney Pier, stopping at 23 piers along the way.

Cllr Locker said: "This is a really welcome technological advance that will see these boats operating on battery power only on the busy route between Battersea Power Station and the pier at Tower Bridge.

"And in the outer London legs of the journeys, including from Putney, the boats will use more environmentally friendly bio-fuels.

"People looking for an eco-friendly and convenient form of transport into central London and docklands should certainly consider using the river bus."

Sean Collins, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers' co-founder and CEO said: "This development in technology has enabled us to take the first major steps to meet our future environmental vision.

"For over 20 years we have been at the forefront of innovation for the river marine sector. We are committed to supporting the sustainable growth, infrastructure and economic development on and around the river to endorse the river's importance to London as a form of transport.

"As a business, we are continuing to embrace the emerging technological advances that will see us continue to develop our fleet and infrastructure, thereby supporting a sustainable future in our industry."

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