Tim Beckett receives the Impact in Transport Award from NCE editor Mark Hansford (l) and award judge Mike Wilson (r)
We are delighted to have won the Impact in Transport category at the NCE100 Awards 2019 with our scheme for a zero emission ferry service between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf on the river Thames. The awards ceremony was held at The Brewery, London on 30th April.
Working together with Thames Clippers and Aus Ships from Brisbane, Beckett Rankine have developed a scheme for three all electric cycle-on cycle-off ferries operating between dedicated berths with a novel auto-docking system to provide quick and safe mooring without ropes. The ferry scheme, which has been costed at £30m, is being promoted as an alternative to a proposed lifting pedestrian and cycle bridge which would cost over £400m.
The scheme will be the first all electric ferry service in the UK and is intended to be a prototype for further ferry services in east London, such as between Barking and Thamesmead.
The judges said of our entry:
“Submission and presentation focused on providing a low-cost, use orientated and environmentally sustainable solution to potentially provide an improved crossing at the Thames. Judges were impressed by the thinking (electric ferry, automatic docking and ride-on ride-off solution with support from local land owners. This, together with using the river current to charge the ferry, showed innovative thinking bringing an old technology into a modern city”.
Mark Hansford, editor of New Civil Engineer said:
“One of the amazing things about the NCE100 is the way we find not just the amazing companies, but also the amazing PEOPLE behind those amazing companies. It’s not the main purpose of the NCE100; it’s not what the awards recognise – but it is – I suspect– what many our judges – our amazing judges – find so enthralling about coming into our office in judging week and listening to all those presentations.
Our NCE100 2019 winners are the most innovative, impactful and inspirational companies operating in the infrastructure sector today.”
Beckett Rankine’s Tim Beckett commented: “I’m thrilled with this recognition by the NCE100 Award judges for our proposals for an enhanced ferry operation at Rotherhithe. London desperately needs efficient, zero emission transport solutions on the river just as it needs them on land, and those solutions must be cost-effective. At less than a tenth of the cost of a bridge, and with a lower operating cost, the Rotherhithe electric ferry scheme can be a game-changer, heralding in a new era of emission free travel on the Thames.”
As part of the NCE100 Awards, Beckett Rankine was also shortlisted for the Innovation in Project Initiation Award.
NCE is the monthly magazine for members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and in 2016 launched the inaugural NCE100. The NCE100 programme is New Civil Engineer’s annual awards recognising and celebrating the most innovative, impactful and inspirational firms operating in civil engineering.
For more information, please visit: https://100awards.newcivilengineer.com/
