The Thames saw a rare event today with the official ceremony to name and launch two new boats which will take Londoners up and down the river, coinciding with the announcement of two new river services next week.

The boats, two new 32 metre high speed 138 passenger catamarans join the Riverline fleet of Thames Clippers, the TFL supported fast-ferry boat service.

The first boat called the Sun Clipper was launched by Julia Barfield MBE, designer of the London Eye. From June 25th, the Sun Clipper will enter service as a dedicated link between the London Eye and the Tower of London, thus joining up London's two top attractions with an express transfer for the first time.

The second boat, the Moon Clipper was launced by competition winner Penny Griffiths - in keeping with the tradition that boats are always launched by females. The Moon Clipper will in turn join the Riverline commuter route, for an important and exciting high speed Eastern extension to commuter services, driven by the major regeneration development in the area.

For further information contact:

Victoria Monk Thames Clippers victoria@thamesclippers.com +44 207 740 1996