Woods’ Silver Fleet Unveils Groundbreaking Zero-Emissions Tourist Vessel
Woods’ Silver Fleet proudly announces the launch of the UK’s first all-electric tourist vessel, currently under construction at Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall, England. This exciting new addition to their fleet marks a significant milestone in the company’s long history of delivering high-end river experiences on the Thames.
A Legacy of Excellence
For over a century, the Woods family has been synonymous with Thames river cruises, offering sightseeing tours and exclusive private charters for clients such as Google, Net-A-Porter, and Lamborghini. Now, they take a bold step forward with the introduction of their first fully electric vessel, an industry-first that combines cutting-edge technology with Woods’ rich heritage in river tourism.
Innovative, Sustainable Design
The new vessel, currently named the Thames Explorer, incorporates the latest in lightweight aluminium design and an innovative all-battery powertrain. Developed in partnership with Vulkan Marine, the vessel will be powered by an EST Floattech Octopus Series battery bank, which will be charged at a two-megawatt shore facility using sustainable energy sources. The design aims to create a truly sustainable solution for river tourism while offering a luxury experience for passengers.
Leading the Charge in Sustainability
Chris Kangis, CEO of Woods Tours, said, “This new vessel bridges the gap between the rich heritage of river tourism and the future of sustainable travel.” We’re building on generations of experience operating on the Thames, while embracing sustainability and innovation to lead the industry’s future.
In partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the Thames Explorer will exclusively serve as the official Tower of London River Tour, offering visitors a new way to experience one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The vessel will carry up to 250 passengers per tour, with the capacity to transport up to 500,000 passengers annually.
A Perfect Partnership with Historic Royal Palaces
Andrew Jackson, CBE, Governor of the Tower of London, expressed his excitement about the new partnership: “For centuries, Kings and Queens have approached the Tower by boat. Now, even more visitors will have the chance to experience a unique view of this remarkable place from the Thames, gaining insights into its fascinating history.”
A Modern Tribute to Classic Thames Cruising
The design of the Thames Explorer reflects the golden age of Thames river cruising in the 1920s and 1930s, with elegant clean lines, panoramic views, and luxurious details. The onboard experience features bespoke wool woven carpets, eco-leather seating, solar gain reducing glazing, and state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. The vessel will also support full accessibility, making it an inclusive experience for all.
Educational and Entertaining Onboard Experience
The tour will offer a unique and entertaining perspective on London’s history, narrated by British actress Martha Howe-Douglas, known for her roles in Ghosts and Horrible Histories. The factual tour, enriched with humour and historical insights, will be created in collaboration with leading historians to bring the stories of the Tower of London to life.
A Vision for the Future
As part of the UK Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), the project highlights Woods’ commitment to advancing the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. With the first tours set to launch in summer 2025, this innovative vessel is poised to become a symbol of sustainable tourism in London.
Ticket sales will begin in winter 2024, with the Thames Explorer set to debut on the Thames in summer 2025.
