Public Funding for Tower Cruises Limited

The Zero Emission Tourist Vessel ('ZETour') project will develop a high duty cycle, electric tour vessel, plus supporting charging infrastructure, and demonstrate its technical and commercial viability on the River Thames. Using a new design of 30m long, class V vessel, the electric propulsion system and charging infrastructure will be tested and operated to a full commercial timetable over a 2-week period, carrying c.2000 passengers per day between Tower Bridge and Westminster, providing the UK's first ZE tourist vessel of this kind. Onshore charging infrastructure will also be established in a prime central London location to provide the short charging times necessary for the high duty cycle of a tour vessel. Having demonstrated the technical and commercial viability of this vessel, there is a ready-made market for the roll out of ZE vessels and new marine charging infrastructure in London. This will assist the UK's progress towards the Government's Net-Zero goals, Clean Maritime Plan and Maritime 2050's vision for ZE shipping.