London’s Cleaner Fleet: BAE Systems Teams Up for a Maritime Green Sprint
BAE Systems has teamed up with the likes of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and waste‑haul superstar Cory to get the UK’s waterways a little greener. Thanks to a top‑up from the Department for Transport, they’re rolling out two pilot projects that could slash emissions across the globe.
What’s the Game Plan?
Think of it as a summer you‑might‑miss‑the‑movie for engineers. The duo is tackling:
- Zero‑Emissions Propulsion & Power Management: Smart controls, electric chariots, and a sprinkle of autonomy to cut down on fuel use.
- High‑Power, Rapid Charging: Both on deck and at port – imagine a dock that can punch a vessel’s battery back to full in a blink.
It’s all part of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, where every innovation gets a reality check: a feasibility study that proves it’s both doable and commercially smart.
Why London Matters
In the UK’s bid for net‑zero carbon by 2050, every river‑based delivery and travel ship counts. BAE says, “We’re at the front of the marine tech race, but we can’t win alone. That’s why we’re bringing the pros together.”
Meet the Partners
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
After 20 years of zipping people up and down the Thames, this operator is all about green gains. They’re pumping current onto:
- 21 swift, sleek vessels that ferry commuters and tourists.
- Intelligent power‑management systems that keep engines humming while keeping the air tidy.
“As a modern, fuel‑efficient business, we’re committed to the river’s future and its sustainability. We’re thrilled to partner with BAE to push the envelope,” says COO Geoff Symonds.
Cory – The Waste‑to‑Energy Trailblazer
Cory is the only UK firm that actually sweeps waste onto a boat and turns it into construction material and clean energy. Their plan is to:
- Introduce autonomous, low‑emission propulsion.
- Feed clean energy back into London’s power grid – potentially power the very same rides along the Thames.
“We’re proud to steward the Thames and want to take our green mission even further,” says Logistics Director Fran Comerford‑Cole.
Timeline & Takeaways
Both studies kick off this month and will wrap up by March 2022. The next step? Build demonstrator vessels that prove the tech works for the wider fleet.
And just so you know – BAE already powers nearly 1,000 of London’s iconic red buses, so this is like a double‑dose of clean energy.
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