New dry-dock facility for Thames Clipper boats

Construction has begun on a new dry-dock facility which will service the 24-strong fleet of clipper boats which run up and down the River Thames in London.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers will use the state-of-the-art facility at the Port of Tilbury, Essex, from early 2027.

Each of its catamaran vessels are required to enter dry dock annually for essential safety and maintenance checks.

The facility - developed by Southbay Civil Engineering - will have the capacity to service five vessels on land and two in the water simultaneously.

The river buses service 24 piers across the capital, including Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Westminster and the London Eye at Waterloo.

Running since 1999, the service carried its 50 millionth passenger in May 2022.

Construction officially began on Thursday, with the facility's first phase set to be open by the end of 2026.

Vessels are currently lifted out of the water with cranes, which cannot operate safely in high winds.

A new dedicated travel hoist at the facility allows the boats to be lifted safely and efficiently in all weather conditions.

The creation of the dry dock facility has led to partnerships with local education providers, including South Essex College and Thames Skills Academy, with apprenticeships being created as a result.

Mia James, an engineering apprentice, said she enjoyed "new challenges to overcome every day and you get a completely unique perspective of London".

"Being part of a team that keeps the city moving on the water is an incredibly fulfilling way to learn the ropes of the transport and tourism industry," she added.

Sean Collins, CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, said: "It is not just about breaking ground on a new facility, it's an investment in people, skills and the long-term future of river transport".

"Tilbury will play a critical role in maintaining and supporting our fleet for decades to come."

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