The ferry industry is gearing up for growth with more than £1 billion of investments announced for new ships, port and service facilities in the next four years, according to figures released by Discover Ferries, the industry body for ferries.

MBNA Thames Clippers has seen two new 150 capacity catamarans loaded onto a vessel in Hobart, Tasmania, ahead of setting off on a 10,000 mile journey to the River Thames in London. The two new boats represent a £6.5 million investment boost for London’s commuters and sightseers and they will provide additional capacity across the river transport network when they go into service in autumn 2015.