London river bus service provider Uber Boats by Thames Clippers has secured a £59m funding package to support ongoing investment into its fleet and drydocking facilities.
The funding, which consists of £29.5 million from NatWest and £29.5 million from Santander, will support the London-based firm’s investment plans over the next few years.
They include plans for new vessels, an upgrade to the pier infrastructure and improvements to drydocking facilities.
The facility will also help the business to expand services and increase the number of clean vessels – water ferries powered by electricity – that they employ on the Thames.
Last year, more than 4 million people travelled with Thames Clippers and bosses are expecting continued growth.
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“It’s vital that we have funding partners who are proactive and can provide us with financial support that allows us to deliver on our plans,” said Liam Hather, CFO at Uber Boats by Thames Clippers.
“This latest agreement provided by NatWest and Santander will support our continued investment into our fleet so we can provide the water transport services which customers value and rely on.”
Lawrence House, relationship director at NatWest, added: “As the UK’s biggest bank for business, we are delighted to support Uber Boats by Thames Clippers who are a real UK Marine success story.
“They deliver a vital transport link to the capital, while being mindful of their carbon footprint, and also re-invest into the UK by ordering new vessels from Wight Shipyard on the Isle of Wight.
“This facility will contribute to the improvement of transport infrastructure across the River Thames and London. Uber Boat by Thames Clipper provides a much-loved service to London commuters and visitors, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”
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