London Unveils the UK’s First Electric Tour Boat — Glide Past Iconic Sights Like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye on the Greenest Cruise Ever!

Published on December 11, 2025

Imagine gliding on the Thames at dusk, with Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and the mighty Tower of London all shimmering around you — and knowing your ride leaves zero pollution behind. That’s now a reality, thanks to the launch of the Tower of London River Tour aboard the sleek new electric vessel Silver Raven. As the UK’s first fully electric sightseeing boat, this new cruise blends sustainable innovation with London’s timeless grandeur — offering travellers a fresh, guilt‑free way to soak up the capital’s legendary sights.

A Historic Castle Meets Cutting‑Edge Green Tech

The Tower of London, centuries‑old seat of power, prisons, and royalty, now has a modern companion in Silver Raven. The boat slips off from Tower Bridge Quay — just steps away from the castle — launching a 40‑minute circular cruise along the Thames.

Silver Raven isn’t just any boat: it’s built by renowned superyacht builders Pendennis Shipyard, under the direction of Woods Tours (Silver Fleet), and runs on a powerful all‑battery system engineered by VULKAN UK.

This vessel carries up to 250 passengers per trip — with panoramic indoor lounges, covered outdoor decks or open‑air seats, letting visitors soak in London’s skyline in comfort, irrespective of the weather.

Cruise Through London’s Greatest Landmarks — Silent, Smooth, Spectacular

Once aboard, travellers glide past over 20 of London’s famous landmarks. On the route you’ll spot not just the Tower of London, but also the bustling London Bridge, majestic St Paul’s Cathedral, the modern glass‑and‑steel stretch of the South Bank with Tate Modern, the cultural glow of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, and even the glittering London Eye.

The storytelling onboard is crafted under guidance from Historic Royal Palaces — the same people who manage the Tower — so what you get is more than a boat ride: it’s history narrated, alive, and flowing with each bend of the river.

Whether you pick a cosy indoor seat with panoramic windows or an open‑air deck breathing in the Thames breeze, the experience feels magical. A few sips of mulled wine or hot chocolate — and London’s riverscape becomes unforgettable.

A Glimpse of the Green Future of Tourism

What makes this tour truly stand out is its environmental ambition. Silver Raven is part of a broader green push by the UK maritime sector, backed by a government initiative known as the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC4) under the UK SHORE programme, managed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and delivered by Innovate UK.

Silver Raven runs on an advanced battery system (the “EST Floattech Octopus Series”), letting it operate silently and cleanly — a stark contrast to diesel‑powered boats of old.

Plans are already in motion to build shore‑charging infrastructure at Tower Bridge Quay, with a target of fully renewable‑grid charging by 2026.

For travellers, this means sightseeing with a conscience: less pollution, less noise, and a chance to support sustainable tourism without sacrificing comfort or spectacle.

How It Works for the Traveller

• Start / End Point: Tower Bridge Quay (E1W 1LD), a short walk from Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
• Cruise Duration: 40‑minute circular round trip, running daily — every 60 minutes starting around 10:45 AM.
• Ticket Price (2025): From £18.50 for adults (off‑peak). Children pay less. Tickets available online; joint tickets available with Tower of London admission.
• Accessibility: Boat is wheelchair‑accessible; there are support and companion options for those needing assistance.
• Best Time to Go: Sunset rides offer breathtaking views — and after dark, the city lights reflect magically on the Thames.

Together with a visit inside the Tower of London (to see the Crown Jewels, ancient towers, and the famous ravens), this cruise turns a single day into a layered experience: history, culture, comfort, and sustainability all in one.

Why This Matters to Travellers and London’s Future

The Silver Raven cruise embodies a powerful shift in how travellers experience iconic cities. Rather than contributing to pollution, noise, and congestion, it offers a way to enjoy world‑famous sights with minimal environmental impact. London — a city layered with history, modern hustle, and cultural melt — gains a sustainable gem in its tourism crown.

For the conscious traveller who seeks beauty and history without compromising on green values, this Thames cruise sets a new standard. It proves that luxury, convenience and responsibility can sail side by side.

So next time you land in London — whether for a weekend or a longer stay — consider trading crowded tours and noisy buses for a calm, clean glide down the Thames. Let the lights of Big Ben, the Tower, St Paul’s and more shimmer around you, and know that you are part of a greener path for tourism.

London has just made sightseeing smarter — and a lot more soulful.