Woolwich Ferry service secured for another five years

Briggs Marine and Environment Services signed a contract worth £50m with Transport for London to operate the Ferry.

Melissa York, Reporter Tuesday, December 18, 2012
10:00 AM

Transport for London (TfL) struck a deal on Thursday to secure the future of the Woolwich Ferry for at least another five years.

The river service across the Thames from North Woolwich to Greenwich has been uncertain recently following a consultation for a Silvertown tunnel crossing.

But TfL signed up contractors Briggs Marine and Environmental Service to operate, maintain, and carry out improvement work from April 1 2013 on the three ferries named James Newman, John Burns, and Ernest Bevin, as well as the terminal infrastructure.

The seven-year contract, worth £50m, was awarded on Thursday December 13 following a tendering process.

Briggs Marine will work closely with London River Services, a subsidiary of TfL, and will also be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the ferry,

Andy Thompson, general manager for London River Services, said: “Briggs Marine bring with them a wealth of experience which I am sure will help the Woolwich Ferry to continue its important service for many years to come.”

The Woolwich Ferry has been operating from its current position since 1889 with the current ferry terminals being introduced in 1965.

Make your voice heard in the Silvertown tunnel crossing consultation at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/rivercrossings/consultation before February 1.