Bringing zero-emission maritime operations to the River Thames
October 9, 2025By Seawork Press FP
VULKAN UK
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Electrical design expertise and power profiles provided by VULKAN UK will enable the UK’s first fully electric sightseeing vessel to begin operating this Autumn.
The Silver Raven will carry up to 250 passengers per voyage as she navigates London’s central waterways, demonstrating that large-scale passenger operations can be carried out efficiently and sustainably with electric propulsion.
At the centre of the 39-metre vessel is a battery system specified by VULKAN UK: the EST Floattech Octopus Series, chosen for its durability, efficiency, and ability to power multiple daily journeys. This innovative system is designed for rapid charging between tours.
Managing Director of VULKAN UK, said, “The Silver Raven is more than a boat – it is a statement of intent about the future of clean maritime transport in Britain. Our team is proud to have designed the power solution that will keep the vessel running smoothly and silently in one of the busiest stretches of water in the world. This project proves that advanced engineering developed here in the UK can set new standards internationally.”
The Silver Raven is part of the UK's Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4), funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK. CMDC4 is part of the Department’s UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme, a £206m initiative focused on developing the technology necessary to decarbonise the UK domestic maritime sector.
