Historic Partnership for Sustainable Tourism
A generations-old Woods family business is making history by supporting British shipbuilding to lead the world in sustainable luxury tourism. Woods' Silver Fleet has announced their first zero-emission tourist vessel, the Silver Reven, powered by General Energies Electric Ship (GEES) technology and scheduled to launch summer 2025.
The 39-meter vessel will serve as the official Tower of London River Tour in partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, offering sustainable tourism on one of the world's most iconic waterways.
Vessel Specifications
Length Overall
39 meters
Beam
10 meters
Draft
1.5 meters
Passenger Capacity
250 passengers (316 seats total)
Indoor Seating
166 seats
Outdoor Seating
150 seats
Annual Capacity
500,000 passengers per year
Tour Duration
40-minute circular route
GEES Electric Propulsion System
The Silver Raven features GEES's comprehensive General Control System (GCS), representing a collaboration between GEES and Vulkan Italy. The system includes:
Propulsion Motors
2 x 165kW liquid-cooled electric motors
Battery System
2 x 360 kWh EST Floattech Octopus Series
Fast Charging
4 x 250kW DC + 2 x 44kW AC charging
Emergency Power
2 x 125kW generator sets
Hotel Load
2 x 50kVA transformers
Smart Systems
Energy Management System (EMS) & Propulsion Control System (PCS)
Innovative Design & Construction
Built by the renowned Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall, the Silver Reven represents cutting-edge maritime technology:
- Ultra-Lightweight Construction: Advanced aluminum design reducing weight while maintaining strength
- Rapid Charging: 2-megawatt shore charging facility using sustainable energy sources
- Heritage Design: Clean, contemporary lines echoing 1920s-30s Thames cruising era
- Premium Materials: Bespoke wool carpet from Kidderminster looms and Scottish leather seating
- Modern Accessibility: Full 21st-century accessibility features throughout
The Tower of London River Tour
In exclusive partnership with Historic Royal Palaces, the Silver Reven will offer the official Tower of London River Tour. The 40-minute circular route includes:
Tower Bridge Quay
Connected by atmospheric stone riverside walkway to the Tower of London
Historic Landmarks
Palace of Westminster, Tate Modern, London Eye, Traitor's Gate, Tower Bridge
Panoramic Views
Single deck design with wide, awning-shaded decks and solar gain reducing glazing
Premium Amenities
Advanced sound system, LED lighting, and luxurious Scottish leather seating
Environmental Leadership
The Silver Reven sets new standards for sustainable maritime tourism:
- Zero Emissions: First zero-emission tourist vessel in the UK
- Clean Maritime Innovation: Part of UK's Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition Round 4 (CMDC4)
- Government Support: Funded by Department for Transport through £206m UK Shore program
- Ecosystem Protection: No risk of fuel spillage in the Thames
- Noise Reduction: Whisper-quiet operation enhancing passenger experience
Industry Impact & Future
Toby Allies, Managing Director at Pendennis, commented: "The start of the Silver Reven project has been an exciting period for the yard and all the team involved. The aluminum construction specified on the project is all in-house providing a perfect backdrop for some of our more experienced team members to transfer their skills and knowledge to a whole new generation of fabricators."
This groundbreaking project supports maritime apprenticeships in Falmouth and demonstrates how traditional British shipbuilding can lead global innovation in sustainable marine technology.
Launch Timeline
Construction Phase
Vessel under construction at Pendennis Shipyard, Cornwall
Ticket Sales Launch
Public booking system opens for Tower of London River Tours
First Tours Begin
Silver Reven commences commercial operations on the Thames
Sustainable Tourism Leadership
Setting new standards for zero-emission luxury tourism worldwide
About the Partnership
The Silver Reven represents a unique collaboration between traditional British maritime heritage and cutting-edge Chinese electric technology. GEES's partnership with Vulkan Italy and Woods' Silver Fleet demonstrates how international cooperation can drive sustainable innovation in the maritime industry.
As part of the UK government's commitment to decarbonizing domestic maritime transport, this project showcases how British shipbuilding can maintain its world-leading position while embracing environmental responsibility.