A new era for sustainable British tourism and boatbuilding is making (low-wake) waves this summer with the launch of Rocket Rebel – the UK’s first and fastest eco sightseeing jetboat, now operating on London’s iconic River Thames.
Designed for impact, speed and sustainability, Rocket Rebel leads the way for a cleaner, greener 2030 Thames.
Built on the Isle of Wight
This groundbreaking vessel, commissioned by Thames Rockets, was designed by Chartwell Marine on the Hamble and built by Cowes-based Diverse Marine on the Isle of Wight. She represents a powerful fusion of marine innovation and eco-conscious engineering — and she’s arriving just in time for the peak of the UK tourism industry, which is forecast to reach £17 billion in value this summer, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of £15.7 billion in 2019. (In 2020, international visitation plummeted by over 80% to 3.7 million visitors.)
American tourists have played a pivotal role in London’s tourism resurgence, with American visitors accounting for nearly £1 in every £5 of all inbound spending. And 2025 showing a 10% increase in US travel – with a strong appetite for adventure and outdoor experiences.
Colman: Cowes continues to be a centre of excellence
Ben Colman, Director at Diverse Marine, said,
“We’re incredibly proud to see a vessel of this importance being built here on the Isle of Wight.
“It shows the world that Cowes continues to be a centre of excellence for marine innovation and high-performance boatbuilding.”
A UK first: The eco evolution of river sightseeing
- Rocket Rebel is the first British eco sightseeing jetboat built for commercial passenger use on the Thames
- At 16 metres, she’s over twice the size of traditional RIBs and can carry 26 passengers in high-speed comfort
- Constructed from lightweight aluminium, she avoids the environmental impact of inflatable hull waste and offers long-term durability
- Propelled by Volvo Penta twin jet engines delivering 1,450hp, she’s designed to run on low-emission HVO biofuel
- She is Tier III emissions compliant, cutting nitrous oxide emissions by 90%
- The vessel emits up to 90% less CO₂ (well-to-wake) when using HVO compared to standard marine diesel
Page: A stepping stone to a zero-emissions future
Andy Page, Managing Director at Chartwell Marine said,
“When supply allows, Rocket Rebel will run on HVO fuel.
“It’s a proven, practical way to drastically cut carbon emissions right now — and it’s a stepping stone to a zero-emissions future.”
Leading the charge for a cleaner Thames
The launch of Rocket Rebel marks a major step forward in aligning London’s river tourism with the city’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon goals. The boat is the first in a new generation of low-emission craft, with future Thames Rockets plans including electric and foiling vessels.
Thames Rockets founder Charlie Matheson, said,
“This is more than just a boat.
“Rocket Rebel symbolises our commitment to sustainability, to British boatbuilding, and to creating world-class visitor experiences on the Thames.”
Rocket Rebel is a personal investment by Matheson, who pioneered London’s speedboat sightseeing back in 2006. He has invested £1.6 million in this new flagship — a bold statement of intent for a cleaner, faster, smarter future on the water.
Isle of Wight innovation sets the standard
The build solidifies the Isle of Wight’s reputation as a hub of clean maritime innovation, with Diverse Marine also working on electric ferries, offshore wind transfer boats and hybrid defence craft.
This first-of-its-kind jetboat is not only a milestone for the River Thames, but a blueprint for the future of sustainable sightseeing vessels across the UK and globally – where eco-tourism is a growth trend.
Rocket Rebel to headline London Rivers Week 2025
Launching just ahead of London Rivers Week 2025 (30th May – 8th June), Rocket Rebel embodies this year’s theme: “Quality Rivers for All”. The festival — now in its ninth year — celebrates rivers as public spaces for nature, wellbeing, and community connection.
The Rocket Rebel’s arrival shows that sustainable tourism and river access can go hand-in-hand, delivering exhilarating experiences while protecting the waterways for future generations.
News shared by Rob on behalf of Rocket Rebel. Ed
