Merging state-of-the-art architectural design with the latest technology, Oceandiva London is set to revolutionise the marine environment, as London’s newest floating events space. Launching Autumn 2022, the UK’s first CO2-neutral venue on the Thames is part of a wider innovation to decarbonise the Capital’s river, working in partnership with Net Zero Marine Services (NZMS). NZMS are pioneering a more sustainable river future, developing a new electric river highway by installing high-capacity shore power infrastructure, SmartDocks, for vessels and other operators to benefit from between Westminster and Dartford.
Shore power provides electricity to commercial operators on the Thames to displace diesel consumption, reduce emissions, and noise and improve air quality for the whole Thames community. NZMS SmartDocks aim to facilitate an 80% reduction of hydrocarbon fuel in the Capital’s waterways and pave the way for a new era in clean-tech marine investment on the Thames.
The Thames flows through the Oceandiva London’s Captain, Robert Dwan’s lineage, with 25 years of experience navigating its waters and 300 years of family history. Rooted in his deep commitment to the river, he co-founded Net Zero Marine Services alongside Director Miles Cole to reimagine the future of clean marine power and to lead the Thames in its transition to net zero emissions. By delivering a combination of shore power, green marine hydrogen infrastructure and its digital ecosystem, NZMS will provide the Thames with the infrastructure it needs to compete in the net zero economies.
NZMS Director, Miles Cole said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce this collaboration with Oceandiva ltd. We have worked hard to ensure technical approvals and licences to ensure that the Thames can attract exactly this type of sustainable operator, they are a real benchmark for the future direction of the Thames. Our projects will deliver first-of-a-kind shore power infrastructure on a tidal river for commercial applications and demonstrates our commitment to reducing emissions and noise and improving air quality across the whole Thames Estuary. We believe that Oceandiva London will set a new standard on the Thames, it is truly exciting to be involved.”
In the first phase, NZMS is delivering a network of high-capacity shore power projects, called SmartDocks where vessels and operators can access electricity for charging (and other services), powering 6 million passenger trips and moving 4 million tonnes of cargo on the river annually by 2030, with zero emissions. The next phase in NZMS’s strategy to tackle emissions on the Thames is green marine hydrogen s production from a 140 acres site on the Thames. Hydrogen is widely seen as the future of fuel and the NZMS team is developing similar green marine hydrogen sites at strategic marine sites in the UK. NZMS is now working closely with river authorities and marine stakeholders to design safe and accessible green hydrogen for the Thames community.
With sustainability at its core, Oceandiva is committed to leading the industry in minimising its impact by utilising advanced technology and environmental practices, including noise-reducing electric engines. Whether static or sailing, the architecture and design of the vessel allow for huge production values, and an iconic setting for glamorous receptions, gala dinners, cutting-edge product launches and brand activations.
Powered by 100% renewable energy, Oceandiva London relies on fast-charging shore-based green electricity and is supported by onboard solar panels and a backup biofuel generator for longer excursions on the river Thames. Smart technology will allow the ship’s engineer to track and monitor all energy sources used, along with water consumption.
Tracking and measuring right from the planning stage
Working with industry body Isla, Oceandiva will be able to determine where carbon emission reductions can be made across the lifecycle of an event; from sourcing, energy used, food and beverage choices made, to audience travel and everything else in between. By tracking and measuring right from the planning stage through to event execution, they are able to effectively reduce their carbon footprint for each event held aboard.
Oceandiva’s owner and operator, Smart Group, is an industry trailblazer in sustainable events. From the final fit-out, including catering facilities and production, all aspects have been considered, which is why they are able to lead from the front and set an example for all other vessels on the Thames.
Further information regarding Oceandiva London is available here.
