Project Overview
Electric Thames is a groundbreaking initiative led by UK Power Networks to pioneer the electrification of vessels and supporting infrastructure along the River Thames.
With over 9 million passengers and 3 million tonnes of cargo transported annually on the Thames – and both set to grow significantly in the coming decades – the project aims to transform London’s iconic river into a showcase for smart, sustainable inland waterway transport.
Marine Zero is leading the development of technical solutions and energy and power assessments for the project. This case study captures the Electric Thames journey through the Discovery and Alpha phases, highlighting key milestones, partnerships, and learnings.
Project Partners
Electric Thames is a partnership collaboration between Marine Zero – stakeholder engagement, energy mapping and integration, UK Power Networks (UKPN) – project lead, grid connectivity & capacity, LCP Delta – Investment modelling, EV.Energy – Smart charging consultancy, and the Port of London Authority (PLA) – Operational and technical guidance.
Electric Thames has been supported by Ofgem’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, the SIF programme taps into the best of UK and international innovation and aims to align with other public innovation funding for the benefit of customers across the United Kingdom.
The Challenge
With the UK government committing to Net Zero by 2050, inland waterways face mounting pressure to decarbonise. Yet maritime electrification is hindered by complex vessel types, constrained urban sites, and high upfront infrastructure costs.
Electric Thames set out to:
- Assess the technical and commercial viability of battery-electric solutions.
- Identify optimal charging locations and vessel archetypes.
- Design vessel conversion strategies and smart charging infrastructure.
- Engage stakeholders across the Thames ecosystem to build momentum for the transition.
Phase 1: Discovery
In the Discovery phase, Marine Zero undertook extensive operator engagement, data gathering, and feasibility analysis.
A scoring matrix was developed to evaluate vessel suitability, operator motivation, and site potential. Stakeholders included a number of operators with varying vessel archetypes and energy needs.
Nine high-potential charging infrastructure locations were shortlisted, from Tower Bridge Quay to Greenwich and Woolwich, based on:
- Quayside space and grid access.
- Vessel frequency and time alongside.
- Commercial motivation for decarbonisation.
Phase 2: Alpha
The Alpha phase produced detailed engineering designs, cost models, and system integration concepts across four representative vessel archetypes and key charging sites.
Working with UK Power Networks, EV.Energy and site operators, charging concepts were developed for:
- Mixed-use barge and tug charging with potential for 2MWh battery storage.
- Overnight 1MW chargers at suitable terminals for full-day ferry operations.
- Dual 1MW charging infrastructure with battery barge integration.
- A future-proofed charging hub for Bridge Class patrol vessels.
Smart Grid Integration
Smart charging and flexibility (V1G) services were explored to reduce peak loads and enhance cost efficiency. Vessel-2-grid (V2G) options were assessed for ferries and patrol boats with long idle times, offering potential for backup power and energy resale.
Financials & Investment Readiness
While the technical feasibility is clear, LCP Delta’s ongoing modelling confirms that public-private funding blends will be essential to unlock scale. Investor feedback has been positive, especially for infrastructure solutions co-located with active commercial quays.
Enabling Progression to Beta
The project has also built a comprehensive technical and financial model to support scalable infrastructure roll-out along the Thames and other UK waterways. Insights from the Alpha Phase will now be used to shape investor discussions and enable a potential Beta Phase involving real-world vessel demonstrators and charging sites.
It’s fantastic to be involved in such a strategic project that could deliver some real benefits. The project aims to help the marine sector lower their emissions yet also have certainty in their energy source. It will also help to accelerate the energy transition.”
Phillip Twiddy, Senior Consultant, LCP Delta
Outcomes & Next Steps
The Alpha phase proved that zero-emission and vessel-to-grid operation is viable across a range of vessel types and sites. Key outcomes include:
- Four vessel concepts and four charging site designs complete.
- £10M+ potential costed investments scoped.
- Operators and grid partners aligned for transition.
- All components ready to progress to Beta Phase demonstration.
Marine Zero is now securing capital to build, install, and test smart electric maritime infrastructure across the Thames.
