Zero emissions cross-river ferry
The Zero Emission Cross River Ferry project is upgrading the existing River Thames ferry crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, to meet a growing need for more accessible crossings for pedestrians and cyclists on the Thames.
The existing pier, known as the DoubleTree Docklands Pier, was originally designed by Beckett Rankine in 1990 and has now reached the end of its design life. It uses a diesel vessel and requires passengers to enter via the DoubleTree at Hilton hotel lobby.
In 2017, a report by TfL considered the Benefit/Cost Ratios for alternative crossings in this location, including a lifting bridge concept or an immersed tunnel; however, these concepts were deemed unfeasible due to the likelihood that they could exceed the available budget by millions.
Championing the ferry
Beckett Rankine joined forces with Thames Clipper to propose improvements to the existing ferry crossing, which would come in significantly under budget without compromising passenger capacity.
Thames Clippers have developed a concept design for an electric, zero-emission ferry with cycle-on cycle-off capability. When deployed on this route, the new ferry will increase current passenger capacity by around 25% per annum.
Our joint proposal pairs their new ferry with an innovative pier design at Rotherhithe to provide regular, fast and safe journeys with minimal energy usage. The scheme is estimated at a fraction of the lifting bridge’s cost and with lower operating costs.
We received funding to advance the idea from the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC); a Department for Transport research and development scheme that is managed by Innovate UK and focuses on investing in green technologies.
Project outline
The proposed scheme involves:
Beckett Rankine has been appointed Principal Designer under CDM. We brought architect Anthony Carlile on board for the Rotherhithe pier design, exploring how to maximise accessibility for pier users and connect seamlessly with pedestrian and cyclist routes in the surrounding areas.
We are also working in conjunction with Eadon Consulting and Aqua SuperPower for the innovative semi-autonomous mooring and shoreside power infrastructure.
Accessibility, sustainability and innovation
The zero-emission ferry will replace the existing diesel vessel and join Thames Clipper’s existing hybrid ferries, each cutting emissions by up to 90%.
As the first all-electric ferry service in the UK, the Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf crossing will act as a prototype for further services in East London.
The high-capacity pier will have a new floating pontoon with shelter, mooring piles, berthing piles, bankseat, 62m brow and 12m fixed bridge. Due to low water spring tides, we will move the existing berth out towards the navigable channel, which will also minimise the dredging required.
The brow will have a gentle gradient to make the ferries accessible for cyclists and people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
In addition to enhancing the experience for these users, the ability to carry more cyclists will also support wider plans to deploy e-cargo bikes via the waterways. Coupled with the new e-ferries, this will create a more sustainable option for cross-river cargo transport.
The shoreside pathways and infrastructure layouts are also designed to enable greater connectivity with public access routes, removing the need for passengers to go via the hotel lobby to reach the pier.
The architectural vision and planned landscaping will integrate the pier with its surroundings both practically and aesthetically. In particular, the plans to incorporate a walkway within the Old Nelson Dock will be sympathetic to its listed status.
Award-winning concept
In April 2019, the project won the Impact in Transport category at the New Civil Engineer 100 Companies of the Year Award 2019. The award was granted due to the scheme’s ability to act as a catalyst for sustainable transport, with the judges highlighting its relatively low cost and focus on users.
