THAMES boat Venus Clipper is currently under construction on the Isle of Wight.

MBNA Thames Clippers named its newest and biggest-ever boat recently, a fast ferry catamaran being made at Wight Shipyard in East Cowes.

It will be the 19th vessel in the company’s fleet of fast ferries when it launches in the first quarter of 2019.

Sean Collins, CEO and co-founder of MBNA Thames Clippers, said: "Everyone in the business is very excited about Venus Clipper and what it represents. I never would have believed when we started out that MBNA Thames Clippers would get to where it is today – a vital cog in London’s transport infrastructure.

"Earlier this year we celebrated carrying our 40 millionth customer – not bad for a business that had just 80 passengers on its first day back in 1999. It proves that the demand for river transport is there and we are only scratching the surface when it comes to moving people around the capital."

With a capacity of 222 passengers, Venus Clipper has been designed with commuters in mind. It features more tables than its sister vessels, making it more adaptable for specialist charters and commuters alike.

The contract with Wight Shipyard Co to build Venus Clipper continues a long-running association between the two businesses and makes a significant economic contribution.

MBNA Thames Clippers is at www.thamesclippers.com