KPMG sponsors new fleet of Thames Clippers

We get the story behind the watery way to commute.

Thames Clippers, the river ferry service, has awarded KPMG exclusive sponsorship rights to its expanding commuter service transporting workers from London Bridge to Canary Wharf in nine minutes.

The deal comes ahead of the service’s new winter timetable change, due next month, and its introduction of ‘Tate to Tate & Service West’, which will extend the route westbound to include St George Wharf pier at Vauxhall – as well as reintroducing a peak time London Bridge to Canary Wharf commuter shuttle.

Weekday sailings from Blackfriars pier will also increase to include hourly departures throughout the day.

Nine high-speed catamarans in the Thames Clippers fleet will be rebranded with individual colouring.

KPMG says that its sponsorship will “aid Thames Clippers’ continued development, including opening up the potential of a further Westbound service extension as far as Putney.”

Sean Collins, Thames Clippers’ MD, said: “I am incredibly pleased that Thames Clippers will be sponsored by KPMG; in doing so bringing the traditional relationship between the river and commerce up to date. Thames Clippers links key business districts the length of London yet the river still remains an overlooked means of transport.

“Despite this, passenger forecasts for 2012 see us carrying record-breaking numbers and this vital support from KPMG will enable us to open visitors and commuters to the joys and flexibility of river travel. I very much see this sponsorship from KPMG as an exciting new chapter in the Clippers story.”

Terry Corby, KPMG chief marketing and communications officer, said: “This is a valuable link for us at KPMG, highlighting the importance of central London and Canary Wharf as vibrant business districts in the capital.

“KPMG in London has a strong affinity to the river Thames with our London bases at Canary Wharf and Blackfriars and travelling between the bases by boat is one of the most pleasant ways to make the journey. We are therefore delighted to be able to support the service by sponsoring Thames Clippers.”