City Cruises has announced the newest addition to its fleet is preparing to set sail for London.

The boat has been designed and built in Croatia, and is part of a £4 million fleet upgrade programme which signals the company’s commitment to the long-term growth of its passenger business on the River Thames.

The design of the new boat builds on the company’s 25 years experience operating passenger boat services in London and is the third generation of the successful RiverLiner concept which has transformed sightseeing on the River Thames.

With a capacity of 600 passengers, this will be the largest passenger vessel operating leisure and tourism services in the UK.

The third-generation RiverLiner will enable City Cruises to expand its popular Central London route, which links the three World Heritage Sites of Westminster, the Tower of London and Maritime Greenwich.

This currently attracts about 2 million passengers a year.

The boat features a number of green features which have been incorporated into the design. 

The vessel will feature solar panels, which will continuously recharge the batteries, vacuum flush toilets, which only use one-third of the water required by traditional systems, onboard recycling facilities and energy efficient diesel engines.

Rita Beckwith, chief executive of City Cruises commented: “We have always been committed to investing in our products, people and in the Thames.

“As a business we live and breathe life on the river and believe that it is the best way to see the city and its landmarks.

“The Thames is an experience which all visitors to this city should enjoy and, through this investment we will ensure that we continually meet the standards our guests expect.

“The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympic Games have provided a catalyst for expansion and enabled the company to commit to the development of the new vessel, which will allow us to deliver an inspiring experience on the River Thames for our passengers.”

City Cruises currently operates all-year sightseeing, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruises, special events and charters as well as the Restaurant Ship Hispaniola, which is permanently moored on Victoria Embankment, opposite the London Eye.