MBNA Thames Clippers’ Venus Clipper is lowered into the water for the first time at Wight Shipyward Co in East Cowes, she will now undergo a series of system tests and sea trials, before making her way by sea from the Isle of Wight to the River Thames in the coming weeks.

Once in London she will become the 19th vessel in the company’s fleet of high speed catamarans, helping serve the capital’s commuters and visitors as MBNA Thames Clippers celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The addition of Venus Clipper represents a £3.8 million investment and is expected to enable London’s river bus operator carry an additional 300,000 passengers every year.