Oceandiva London Arrives in the Capital
Oceandiva London, the first CO2-neutral floating event vessel on the Thames, has arrived in the Capital.
Oceandiva London has arrived.
Smart Group, the UK’s leading hospitality management company has announced the arrival of Oceandiva London into the Capital. Oceandiva London represents an investment of over £25m and could add over £77m to the London economy over the next five years, generating 46,400 days of work for local residents. The vessel is set to become the most sustainably advanced, carbon neutral ship on the River Thames, set to revolutionise London’s hospitality sector. Oceandiva London is the first passenger vessel to receive a Platinum Label Green Award granted by The Green Award, a voluntary quality assessment certification scheme that inspects and certifies ships. Merging innovative architectural design with the latest technology, Oceandiva London will be the first carbon-neutral powered vessel on the River Thames, leading the way to decarbonise the Capital’s river. Capable of 100% sustainable operation through its propulsion system and energy strategy, Oceandiva London utilises fast charging shore-based renewable energy, and a back-up biofuel generator.
The vessel is now berthed in the Royal Docks where it will complete a superior fit-out, programme of testing, and secure necessary regulatory approvals. The £1.8m fit-out programme will be cutting-edge, and unprecedented for its level of quality and sophistication, with a sustainable and technology-driven approach. The vessel boasts impressive dimensions spanning three decks and measuring 86m in length and 17m in breadth. With flexible event spaces, the vessel is capable of hosting conferences, exhibitions, receptions, gala dinners, award ceremonies, product launches, and brand activations for up to 1,000 guests once in full service. Smart Group is committed to a comprehensive consultation with local authorities and residential communities prior to finalising operational plans and submitting a licensing application later in 2023. As part of its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Smart Group will also be launching a new corporate social responsibility programme. The vessel will be in full service from June 2023.
Chloe Jackson, Managing Director of Smart Group, commented:
“We are thrilled to have the vessel arrive in London, and we look forward to sharing our vision of revolutionising the events industry with a sustainable, carbon neutral venue on the River Thames. Our commitment to consultation with the communities in which we will operate is a top priority, and we are excited to work together to create a project that benefits London and everyone in the community.
“Consultation with riverside communities, local groups, and responsible authorities is critical to our approach. Our ambition is to create a project that delivers real benefits to the communities in which we operate and that we can all be proud of.
“We are also pleased to be launching a pilot programme of events, which will support our consultation and development of new plans. Residents and other interested parties are invited to get in touch with us via the OceandivaConsultation.co.uk website to find out more and get involved.”
Pru Ashby, Head of Sustainability for London & Partners, commented:
“We are excited to be welcoming the launch of this one-of-a-kind venue in London. Oceandiva London is a fantastic reflection of London’s ability to innovate and commitment to sustainability and is hugely important to us as a city that is aiming to reach net zero by 2030.”
Edward Tutie, Technical Manager at British Marine commented:
“With the ever-increasing pressures on emissions, particularly in built up areas such as London, British Marine is proud to have proactive members, like Oceandiva London, who are going beyond emissions reduction and pioneering the way for the future with a fantastic zero emission vessel.
“Although there is such a drive, both from Government (local and main) and the general public, there are still a huge number of obstacles to overcome to achieve such a vessel, ranging from shore side infrastructure to vessel compliance to ensure they are operating one of the cleanest vessels (and certainly the least emitting vessel of her class and size) on the Thames.
“The vessel doesn’t just target its green credentials on the propulsion system with intuitive garbage disposal and black waste systems. This vessel is setting a new bar.”