MBNA Thames Clippers’ new Venus Clipper boat has entered the water for the first time at Wight Shipyard Co in East Cowes. The vessel is undergoing a series of system tests and sea trials, before making her way from the Isle of Wight to the River Thames.

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 £3.8million investment and is expected to enable London’s river bus operator to carry an additional 300,000 passengers every year.