00:00The first fully electric ferry in the UK has gisted its maiden voyage across the River Thames.
00:07The Orbit Clipper, as it's known, will run dozens of shuttle services a day between Motherhithe Pier on the south side of the Thames and Canary Wharf to the north.
00:17It will be of particular benefit to cyclists who are at present trying to get your bike from one side of the river to the other in this part of East London is something of a challenge.
00:27So, how much does it cost to use the ferry? Well, it's ÂŁ4.10 per crossing if you're using your Oyster card. The ferry can carry 150 passengers and 100 bikes.
00:39Well, I'm really excited to be in this part of London. We know, look, if you stand on Tower Bridge and look west, there are loads and loads of river crossings which is great.
00:49If you look east, there are very few. Now, we know we're trying to encourage more people to cycle across our great city, but also to walk as well.
00:57I'm really proud, since I became mayor, an increase of more than 40% of people cycling, but around there it's really difficult to get across.
01:05There was a diesel boat running from Motherhithe to Canary Wharf. It can take a maximum of just five bikes.
01:12This new full electric, the country's first full electric ferry will be able to take 100 bikes from Motherhithe to Canary Wharf.
01:19It's a win for cyclists, it's a win for those that care about the environment and it's a win for London.
01:25Now, how does the ferry work? Has it got a giant battery underneath it?
01:30It's got lots of little batteries. They're like almost the size of an old VHS video recorder, if I can relate to that.
01:46And they go into like an envelope and they sit it into a rack and if you can imagine hundreds of those wrapped up in the hull of the vessel.
01:58And then they're all connected together by stringers that produce the nearly half a megawatt of power.
02:08Who do you charge it up?
02:09We charge it up at Canary Wharf on the north side of the river through shore power connectivity.
02:16I hope you do it on a cheap day Sunday then.
02:18It's done every night.
02:20That must cost a bit though?
02:22Yes, it's not cheap.
02:24But nevertheless, NOR is operating on diesel anymore.
02:28So, you know, the key thing is, it's green energy.
02:34Passengers will see the orbit clipper at peak times in the coming months and it will fully enter service next spring.
02:40But on days like today, when the times is a bit choppy, be prepared to bring your sea legs as well.
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