Logistics firms team up to offer Thames riverboat service to NHS Foundation Trust

Logistics firms are working together to offer a London NHS trust a daily riverboat delivery service, taking trucks off the roads.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with CEVA Logistics, Absolutely and boat company Livett’s to trial the service, which involves parcels being loaded onto vessels at Dartford International Ferry Terminal in Kent and sailed up the Thames to Butler’s Wharf Pier.

The parcels, which include clinical supplies for operating theatres, will then be shifted on electric cargo bikes to Guy’s by final mile delivery partner Absolutely.

The three-month riverboat pilot service will run twice a day, five days a week and will help the two hospitals reach their net zero carbon emissions goals.

In 2019, the trust worked with CEVA to open a consolidation supply chain hub in Dartford, which it said had reduced HGV deliveries onto hospital sites by 90%.

Chris Walton, CEVA Logistics UK and Ireland MD, said: “The riverboat trial firmly supports our commitment to sustainable and ethical supply chains.

“As part of what we call responsive logistics, we constantly look for smart, alternative solutions to improve our carbon footprint and reduce noise and air pollution, specifically when operating in urban areas.”