Tate to Tate river service launched

The Hurricane Clipper catamaran has specially commissioned exterior and interior designs by Damien Hirst. The Australian-built boat is the fastest on the Thames with a journey time of 18 minutes.

This includes a stop at Waterloo Pier where Damien Hirst's work can be seen at the Saatchi Gallery. The boat is operating seven days a week with the first sailing at 10am from Bankside Pier and the last return boat arriving at 5.18pm (timetable).

Tate Director Nicholas Serota, who was on board for the first trip from Millbank, said: "The introduction of the Tate to Tate boat service will give visitors to both galleries the opportunity to experience London from the Thames, our great highway through the city."

Waterloo councillor and Lambeth Council leader Peter Truesdale, who has welcomed the new service, described the river as "London's greatest natural asset".

The adult fare is £4.50, senior citizen £2.25 and Travelcard holder £3.

Before boarding the boat Ken Livingstone opened the new Millbank Pier designed by Marks Barfield Architects of London Eye fame.