Venus Clipper is a light-weight, fast ferry that will operate as a river bus in Central London
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
On 1 March Wight Shipyard Co delivered its third and largest vessel for MBNA Thames Clippers, Venus Clipper, which will operate as a river bus in Central London.
Wight Shipyard Co built the 38-metre Hunt Class Mk3 ferry over 10 months at its yard on the Isle of Wight. The vessel is designed to carry 220 passengers and meets MBNA Thames Clippers’ requirements, which included being able to transport passengers between floating piers at no less than 25 knots. The catamaran has twin symmetric hulls designed by One2three Naval Architects to tackle frequent and repeated berthing at the Thames’ floating piers, contact with obstructions and harsh weather conditions.
Venus Clipper is powered by two Scania DI16 077M diesel engines and propelled by two Rolls-Royce/Kamewa 40A3 waterjets fitted to each hull.
“MBNA Thames Clippers is very pleased to receive our third build by Wight Shipyard Co, bringing our total fleet to 19 vessels,” said Sean Collins, managing director of MBNA Thames Clippers. “Venus Clipper was delivered on time and on budget to full specification and with an exceptional standard of British workmanship.”
All new Clipper vessels have been designed and built for the unique tidal conditions of the River Thames, allowing them to navigate its shallow reaches and pass under some of London’s low bridges. The vessel is equipped with four life rafts, two from Zodiac carrying 151 people and two RFD Ferryman open reversible life rafts.