Woolwich to get new low-emission ferries

The two 55-year old ferries that cross the Thames at Woolwich, south-east London, are to be replaced with new low-emission boats from January 2019.

The free vehicle ferry service provided by TfL, linking Woolwich and North Woolwich, will be closed from 6 October until the end of the year while new berths are installed. The new berths incorporate high-tech auto-mooring systems, which will secure the vessels in the berth using magnetic technology. This removes the need for engine power while mooring is taking place and helps reduce emissions further. 

The new ferries have increased capacity, with cycle-specific facilities and use a quieter, low-emission engine. The Woolwich Foot Tunnel will remain open for foot passengers and cyclists throughout the work period.

The new vessels have been named ‘Ben Woollacott’, (after a former deckhand who died while working on the ferry in August, 2011) and the legendary singer from east London, ‘Dame Vera Lyn’. 

Each vessel will be able to carry 150 passengers, with a total of 210 metres of space for vehicles and dedicated cyclist spaces across four lanes. The ferries are powered by a hybrid-propulsion engine, which provides greater fuel efficiency and low noise. They are fitted with equipment to reduce emissions to 90% less particulate matter and 70% less NOxx than current legal standards.

A ferry service across the Thames at Woolwich has existed since 1308, pre-dating any bridge or tunnel river crossings in London. The current Roll-on Roll-off ferry facilities opened in the early 1960s and currently carries around a million vehicles and circa 1.8m passengers a year across the River Thames.