Uber Boat By Thames Clippers Archives

September 18, 2024September 18, 2024

Uber Boat By Thames Clippers hosts live comedy and music shows

Trinity Buoy Wharf-based river bus service is also selling New Year’s Eve fireworks sailings

Image shows an Uber Boat By Thames Clippers river bus sailing past the houses of Parliament at Night — Uber Boat By Thames Clippers has unveiled a programme of special sailings

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

When is a river bus not a river bus?

Perhaps when it’s hosting stand-up gigs, or maybe when it’s a live music venue.

Or how about when it’s offering cruises for New Year’s Eve?

There’s nothing new about Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ vessels being used for diverse purposes.

The rapid craft have long been hired out to clients who typically use them to transport people to or from events.

The Trinity Buoy Wharf-based business also offers Illuminated River Official Boat Tours so people can experience the capital’s bridges and buildings lit up from the water.

But 2024 brings something new.

“Our normal river bus service is our core business – and always will be – but we’ve also been looking at the evening time to see how we can engage with some of our customers,” said Adrian White, head of marketing and communications for the Clippers.

“So we’ve set up a series of comedy and music nights. Audiences will arrive at our recently opened Clipper Lounge at Embankment Pier.

“They’ll be able to get a drink there and board their boat.

“From there, they’ll sail up and down the river – London is really beautiful at night – enjoy the performances and then return to Embankment.

“If people have never used one of our services before, hopefully this will be a great introduction to find a different way of travelling in the capital, either for a commute or as a tourist.”

Image shows comedian, a man with short dark hair, in a bright floral shirt covered with roses — Comedian Michael Legge will feature on the second of three comedy cruises

comedy aboard Uber Boat By Thames Clippers

While this is something new for the Clippers, demand has already seen two comedy nights become three after the first date on October 4 sold out.

That show will feature the talents of Ben Norris, Sarah Kendall and Tim FitzHigham, who once raised more than £10,000 for Comic Relief by sailing a paper boat 160 miles down the Thames.

“With that history, we thought he would be absolutely perfect and clearly we’ve seen there’s a demand for this kind of event,” said Adrian.

“Tickets are already going fast for the second show and we’ve only just made the third date live.

“We’ll also look at doing more of these events in future, especially during the darker months of the year.

“We’ll showcase the best that London has to offer in terms of lights and sights, while people listen to comics that will put a smile on their faces.”

Doors for the comedy shows open at 6pm with sailing at 6.30pm-8.30pm. Tickets cost £20 per person and are available for events on November 8 and December 5.

The former will feature Mike Gunn, Jimmy McGhie and Michael Legge, while the latter stars Keith Farnan, Jenny Collier and Funmbi Omotayo.

Image shows a Sofar Sounds performer, a violinist, playing to a crowd. The company has partnered with Uber Boat By Thames Clippers — Sofar Sounds specialises in gigs at unusual locations

mystery performances by Sofar Sounds

Uber Boat By Thames Clippers has also teamed up with Sofar Sounds for a pair of live music dates in the autumn.

Typically those attending the brand’s gigs don’t know the location of the concert, but in this instance ticket holders will know where they’re going.

They won’t, however, know who they’ll be listening to until they arrive.

“London is probably the music capital of the world – everyone comes and plays here,” said Adrian.

“Sofar Sounds is the perfect partner.

“We provide an interesting venue and they have a customer base that are intrigued by the proposition.

“Again, if they prove popular, we’ll put more on.”

Like the comedy nights, audiences will embark at Embankment Pier with boarding at 7.15pm for sailing at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the two scheduled events on October 31 and November 14, cost £41 per person.

The identity of performers will remain secret until the gig, but there will be three acts to watch.

Image shows bridges over the River Thames in central London lit up in bright colours at night — Uber Boat By Thames Clippers offers the Illuminated River Official Boat Tour

a new spot on the river

The opening of Clipper Lounge brings a number of benefits to the business.

Open on Embankment Pier to all-comers whether using the boats or not, its current hours of operation are 11am-9pm Monday-Wednesday and until 11pm Thursday-Saturday.

It serves light bites alongside a drinks menu that ranges from Dom Perignon to bottled beers and boasts views of central London from its position on the Thames.

“It means we have use of the pier, so if a client is hiring one of our boats privately, they can use the Clipper Lounge as a place to meet before they get on board,” said Alison Murphy, head of sales at the Clippers.

“It also means organisations have much longer to get their group together in comfort before they get on board and people can hire the venue itself for an evening too.

“As a company, we’ve always operated elements in addition to our river bus services.

“But these latest additions take that and move it to more of a public offering – using our vessels in a different way.”

Image shows a couple toasting with Champagne on board Uber Boat By Thames Clippers — Uber Boat By Thames Clippers also has a series of special New Year’s Eve cruises to watch the fireworks in central London

sailing into the New Year

In a similar vein, Uber Boat By Thames Clippers has just unveiled its offering for New Year’s Eve, where guests can join sailings to watch the fireworks.

“People will board one of four vessels, enjoy a welcome drink, snacks and music from Sofar Sounds,” said Alison.

“After a cruise, the vessels will moor up to give those on board an unrivalled view of the fireworks.

“At midnight there will be Champagne and then the boats will return to the piers they left from.”

Cruises leave from Putney, Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf at 10pm.

For those further to the east or south-east, there will be a sailing from Gravesend at 9pm stopping at Barking Riverside and North Greenwich as it makes its way into central London.

Tickets for all options cost £180 per person.

key details: Uber Boat By Thames Clippers

There are tickets still available for comedy nights on board Uber Boat By Thames Clippers on November 8 and December 5.

They cost £20. Sofar Sounds gigs take place on October 31 and November 14. They cost £41.

Sailings for New Year’s Eve take place from Gravesend (stopping at Barking Riverside and North Greenwich), Putney, Battersea Power Station and Canary Wharf.

Tickets cost £180.

Find out more about special sailings here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

September 6, 2024September 6, 2024

Riverscape’s proximity to amenities is of big benefit to buyers

Ballymore’s James Boyce explores the advantages of moving to Royal Docks, an area where regeneration is already well underway

Canary Wharf, as seen through a window at Riverscape. Window is gold framed — Canary Wharf, as seen through a window at Riverscape

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

In many ways, simply visiting Riverscape in Royal Docks is enough to understand its appeal.

Located on a strip of land between Royal Wharf and Lyle Park – running between the Thames and North Woolwich Road – Ballymore’s development is essentially a grand final phase in the story of its neighbour.

“It’s worth looking back to when Ballymore was master-planning Royal Wharf,” said James Boyce, the developer’s associate regional sales director.

“At the time, in 2013, there was nothing in this area – no amenities or services.

“That meant the original development had to be self sufficient.

“Now it is a destination that people in Royal Docks come to.

“The wider development is essentially a town in its own right.

“There’s a doctor’s surgery, a dentist, a pharmacy, a primary school, a nail salon, a beauty parlour and a hairdresser.

“Then there are two estate agencies, a selection of restaurants, a pub and a Sainsbury’s Local – one of the most well-used in London.

“We’re really fortunate to have established one of the most complete, new neighbourhoods of any large new-build project in the capital.”

Those moving into Riverscape, which recently launched a collection of homes in The Pearsall building, can take advantage of these benefits immediately.

This is in contrast to big regeneration schemes, where early arrivals sometimes have to wait years for amenities to arrive locally.

Image shows Ballymore associate regional sales director James Boyce, a man with grey hair, blue eyes and a grey jacket over a white shirt — Ballymore associate regional sales director James Boyce

Riverscape: the right design

“We had real confidence to build Riverscape, with Royal Wharf selling off-plan in five years,” said James.

“We knew the demand was there.

“It was being designed and delivered during the pandemic, however, and there was a lot of uncertainty.

“We postponed the launch of the development, went back to the drawing board and looked at all of the best things from our projects.

“We also looked at how the way people were using their homes had changed.

“Residents were demanding a lot more from the spaces they were living in.

“So we created day rooms – internal spaces that are segregated from the rest of the apartment by acoustic screens.

“They can be used as dining rooms, offices or even as a kid’s playroom.

“We also created workspaces in most of the apartments we have available, so buyers have flexibility.

“Where we could, we maximised the living spaces too.

“Initially we were a bit concerned about the number of three-bedroom homes that we were building, but they’ve turned out to be our most popular properties.

“A few years after Covid – and with businesses requiring people to come into the office more often – there’s been a move into London.

“A development like Riverscape affords people the quality of life that they might have become accustomed to in a less urban area – it’s not high density and there’s a lot of green space.”

Image shows Ballymore's Riverscape development right beside Lyle Park with Greenwich Peninsula and Canary Wharf in the distance — Ballymore’s Riverscape development is right beside Lyle Park

fully opened up

This is a key point regarding the development’s appeal.

It’s right next to Lyle Park, with Thames Barrier Park a short walk away on the other side of Royal Wharf to the east.

“Then there’s the kilometre of land that borders the Thames stretching between the two,” said James.

“We built the Royal Wharf pier in 2019 – the longest in the river – and the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers service will get you to North Greenwich in two minutes and to Canary Wharf in 19 minutes.

“Often with riverside developments, it can feel like there’s a barrier of housing on the water.

“But Ballymore’s master plan has taken a different approach.

“Royal Wharf and Riverscape are arranged around a town square with the estate offices located there.

“That really encourages people out of their homes to access those core amenities and that’s part of the success of the scheme and the community we’ve created.”

Image shows a day room as part of a living area at the development — Apartments at Riverscape include day rooms separated from the rest of the property by glass walls

a wealth of facilities for Riverscape

Richard added: “The Clubhouse was built for Royal Wharf, but it was built in terms of capacity with Riverscape in mind.

“We’ve also recently refurbished it and extended it by 20% to ensure the facilities satisfy the residents.

“There’s a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and spa, a big cardio and weights area and two dedicated studio spaces.

“It’s the biggest residents facility of its kind in east London and it’s been incredibly popular.

“There’s also the Community Dock, which is managed by the residents and is essentially a town hall.

“It has a pretty jam-packed timetable of activities ranging from ballet lessons for kids to language sessions and a table tennis club that’s based there.

“Specifically for Riverscape, we decided to replace a three-bedroom property on the top floor of one of our riverside buildings with a lounge for residents.

“It’s a co-working space but it also has a private dining space so people can host dinner parties up there too with views over the river.”

Image shows a bedroom in an apartment at Ballymore's development — Riverscape properties feature large format glazing to maximise natural light

a broad appeal

One, two and three-bedroom homes are available in the latest launch, featuring interiors designed by Jaki Amos of Amos & Amos.

These promise brushed brass, fluted glass kitchen cabinets and natural wood finishes inspired by Lyle Park, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year.

But while Riverscape and Royal Wharf have their specific attractions, their appeal is part of something bigger.

James said: “Since the opening of the Elizabeth Line, we’ve seen that it’s unlocked this area for people who would never have considered moving to the Royal Docks before.

“Young professionals are relocating from more central locations because the cost of living crisis is making it harder for them to stay in those areas.

“What we’ve found is that when they come here, they find they get value for money and that their lifestyle is actually improving.

“They have more space, nearby amenities and the transport is superb.

“We’ve been delighted to see that trend, because it’s something that’s really needed in the capital.

“I think the movement of London to the east started with the 2012 Olympic Games.

“Royal Docks has so much potential.

“For the future, we’re very fortunate to have the site on the other side of Lyle Park too.

“We’ve opened up the riverside with these developments and eventually further regeneration will bring even more benefits.”

Image shows Riverscape buyer Sophie Gong in her east London apartment, a woman in a blue dress on a beige sofa with a stuffed cat — Riverscape buyer Sophie Gong in her east London apartment

case study: Sophie Gong

As a fan of Royal Docks, Sophie Gong has been living in the area for more than six years and decided to buy a home at Riverscape having previously had apartments at Royal Wharf.

Here’s her perspective:

“I first moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Royal Wharf at end of 2018, hence I know the area and neighbourhood quite well,” said Sophie Gong.

“In 2020, I felt the need to move to a two-bedroom property, as my dad had started staying with me from time to time.

“Following the end of the pandemic, I started to actively look for properties and the launch of Riverscape in 2021 came at the perfect time.

“I had been living in Royal Wharf for about three years and found the area had developed a lot since I moved in.

“It became very convenient to live in, with an NHS clinic, a pharmacy, a hairdresser, a couple of grocery stores and a number of restaurants within the development.

“Additionally, Lyle Park and Thames Barrier Park are within a short walking distance for green space.

“The transport around Riverscape is ideal for me to travel into central London, with the Elizabeth Line and DLR the two main options.

“Even more conveniently, the new 241 bus route goes through the development, linking us to Custom House station and Stratford.

“Additionally, the Uber Boat By Thames Clipper stops at Royal Wharf Pier, which makes travelling to central London, as well as The O2 and Greenwich, both easy and exciting.”

key details: Riverscape

Homes in The Pearsall building at Riverscape have recently gone on sale, with prices starting at £471,500.

One, two and three-bedroom homes are all available.

Find out more about the development here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

October 5, 2023October 5, 2023

Leamouth: How Uber Boat By Thames Clippers is cutting emissions of the river

CEO Sean Collins on the launch of hybrid vessel Earth Clipper and forthcoming cross-river services

Uber Boat By Thames Clippers CEO Sean Collins

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

The passenger craft Sean Collins has been running on London’s great river have always had a futuristic edge to them.

Starting with three Hydrocats in 1999 – each able to carry 62 people from Greenland Pier in Rotherhithe into the City – the zippy little twin-hulled craft helped carve out an image of Docklands’ modernisation that boosted the area’s ongoing regeneration.

As Canary Wharf, east and south-east London have grown and developed – so too has the river bus service, now based at Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Today, the vessels in Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ fleet are larger – long slender craft that hug the water as their engines blast them rapidly along.

While to the untrained eye, the sleek lines of the 220-passenger vessels might appear similar, don’t be fooled.

There’s change afoot – a journey that started with the arrival of Venus Clipper in 2019 as the service targeted green improvement.

The next step on that path, somewhat delayed by the pandemic, was the recent launch of Earth Clipper – a vessel that is aesthetically similar to the rest of the fleet, but is also completely different.

Earth Clipper runs purely on battery power in central London

Firstly, at 40 metres long, she can carry an extra 10 passengers.

But this is a mere tweak in comparison to the main difference – the way she is propelled. Earth Clipper uses a hybrid combination of electric power and biofuel power to slice through the brown waters of the Thames.

In central London, she uses only an electric motor with a biofuel engine kicking in out east to recharge her batteries and push water through her jets.

“Earth Clipper has been just under three years in the making.

“We started working on the specification in 2019,” said Sean, CEO of Uber Boat By Thames Clippers.

“We needed extra capacity, to be able to serve our routes with the expansion down to Barking – the increasing volumes that were there and those in the pipeline, such as Battersea.

“We’d just commissioned their predecessor – Venus Clipper – and we were already focused on reducing weight and therefore power in that vessel.

“That was already a 20% emissions improvement on the core boats in our fleet for the same carrying capacity.

The boat is similar to other vessels in the fleet but produces 90% less CO2 emissions

“With that one, we were asking how we could make the boat lighter while providing an enhanced level of comfort and all the facilities our passengers expected.

“We worked on that whole design with 123 Naval Architects and came up with Venus.

“From that, we decided we had to move it on to the next level.”

The drive to do that came from the company’s goal to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and to achieve net zero for the overall business by 2040.

Sean said: “Boats have to last 25-30 years – they haven’t got a similar shelf life to most other above ground vehicles.

“With that in mind, to reach our sustainability goals, we realised we had to have a significant step forward.

“We looked at the options, took a lot of data from the operating profile of Venus and used it to establish what might be achieved by using a hybrid model.

“From that, we realised we were not going to be able to achieve 100% battery power at high speeds, but that we could when going more slowly, as we do in central London.

“We formulated a specification and went to the shipyard that had built our previous five vessels and signed contracts to move on with building Earth Clipper.

She has a biofuel engine that charges her batteries and provides power outside the centre of London

“It does exactly what we wanted it to do.

“The model has resulted in a 90% reduction in our CO2 emissions and a 65% drop in oxides of nitrogen and sulphur.

“Those are figures based on measurements we’ve taken during actual running on the Thames.

“There are two more in build – Celestial and Mars – which will both have joined the fleet by spring 2024.

“We all have a duty of care and a duty to deliver on improving the environment.”

There are other benefits too.

Earth and its two sister ships hail from the Wight Shipyard Co on at East Cowes on the Isle Of Wight – a boost to the local economy with 65 people involved in their construction, including 14 apprentices.

There are also other operational benefits closer to home – welcome news as passenger numbers are already exceeding levels seen in 2019.

“Earth is significantly quieter and smoother on battery and that’s even the case when the engine is running,” said Sean.

“From a noise perspective, it’s a significant improvement and there’s absolutely no compromise at all from the customer’s point of view.

“The seating is also an upgrade in design – we’ve managed to make all 230 lighter, improving the efficiency of the vessel.

“We had to add nearly nine tonnes of additional weight with cabling, batteries and the motor to enable us to use this method of powering the boat.

“So that’s a process we’ve been through with every component.

“When stepping on Earth Clipper, we feel a sense of achievement.

“We’re really inspired by feedback from the public and also the crews that are working on the boat.

“They really love it – the technical advances and the sense of having taken that step forward.”

The use of battery-only power in central London equates to an extra 16.5% reduction in emissions in comparison to using the biofuel engine alone.

In the future, Sean said hydrogen would likely provide further cuts in emissions as electrical power was currently impractical as a way to deliver high speed services on the river, given the charging times needed.

Earth Clipper can carry 10 extra passengers

A Rotherhithe – Canary Wharf Crossing

However, Uber Boat By Thames Clippers is also pressing ahead with plans for an all-electric cross-river service for pedestrians and cyclists.

The aim is to have this up and running on the company’s Rotherhithe-to-Canary Wharf route by spring 2025 and then use it as a template for similar services elsewhere.

Sean said: “We’re committed to delivering that as part of our plans to invest £70million in new boats up to 2030.

“There are also opportunities between Silvertown and Charlton as well as Thamesmead and Barking in the east.

“We’re also aiming to add more stops including a pier that has planning permission at Blackwall Yard, which the developer will hopefully build over the next few years.

“One of the things that happened over the pandemic is that more people discovered the river and we’ve had three record days this year.

“Our figures for 2022 were higher than 2019 and Canary Wharf, for example, is thriving. The footfall at that pier is exceeding pre-Covid levels.”

Find out more about Uber Boat By Thames Clippers here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com