Name: Sean Collins

Position: Chief Executive Officer

Age: 51

Zodiac sign:  Leo

Civil status and family:  Married with two children

Place of birth:  London

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your career path in river ferry shipping?

I am a third-generation Waterman. My career on the Thames began at the age of 16 when I was apprenticed to the Company of Watermen and Lightermen. During my career I have worked on passenger vessels, freighters, and tugboats, but predominantly on passenger vessels. I have been with Thames Clippers since I founded the company.

Could you very briefly describe the history of Thames Clippers and your role in the creation of it?

Thames Clippers commenced operation 20 years ago, in 1999, with just one 62-passenger capacity boat, which for the first 18 months I captained myself. The fleet and route span grew over the years. In 2006, a majority stake in the business was acquired by AEG, resulting in the delivery of six new 220-seater vessels in 2007 and a 134% increase in passenger volume within a year. Today Thames Clippers is the leading river bus service provider on the Thames, with a fleet of 20 vessels and over 400 employees. We operate from 22 piers over a distance of 25 kilometres and at 20-minute intervals. We carried more than 4.3 million passengers last year.

How did other Thames operators respond to the arrival of Thames Clippers?

Initially they did not seem that bothered, as there was the feeling that Thames Clippers would be yet another failed river bus attempt. It wasn’t until the arrival of our first 220-passenger capacity vessel, HURRICANE CLIPPER, in 2002 and then further expansion in 2006, that people really realised Thames Clippers was here to stay.

What was Thames Clippers’ secret to succeed where others failed?

Employing the right people with the right culture, operating vessels that are ideal for the style of operation, as well as reliability and punctuality, coupled with great customer service, endorsing a buy-repeat-refer philosophy. Furthermore, Thames Clippers represents a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our gender equality stats are the best on the Thames. We currently employ 143 women, representing 35% of the workforce – remarkable in a male-dominated sector.

How did you find the transition from running your own company to being part of a much larger organisation?

Albeit at an extremely fast pace, I grew with the company and didn’t have the time to look back, just forward to new opportunities, which is still the case to this day. Recognising both my strengths and weaknesses was of great importance; so was applying good business practice in the management structure and process.

You carry more than 4.2 million passengers per year. Is there capacity for further growth? If so, is there room for a second major player?

Absolutely, we are constantly looking at the viability of new piers and routes for expansion. Competition is always healthy, as long as there is enough business for everyone to survive. I don’t feel there is a critical mass on the Thames as yet for this to be the case.

Why is Thames Clippers still operating the original 62-seater ferries?

They are extremely versatile vessels (albeit limited by their capacity), which makes them perfect for trialling new routes and testing the viability of operations prior to making significant investment in new craft. For example, all three 62-seater vessels were used to start up the RB6 route in 2013, which subsequently resulted in us building five new large vessels to serve this route. The 62-seaters are also able to act as support vessel for all routes, as well as assisting the development our new cruise transfer operations.

You have expanded services westwards. Do you have any plans to expand eastwards?

Yes, we are currently in the final stages of looking at the viability of running services east to Gravesend and Tilbury and hope to see such services come to fruition in the near future.

Do you have any plans for low/zero-emission vessels?

We have recently carried out a refit on our first 220-seater vessel, the 17-year-old HURRICANE CLIPPER, and installed MAN D2862 LE 421 engines and a SCR system. Furthermore we are looking to introduce a fully electric cycle and passenger ferry on our RB4 cross-river service between Surrey Quays and Canary Wharf.

River bus services have become a big success in several European cities, especially those with traffic congestion issues. Antwerp is one of the latest examples. How do you see the development of river bus services in Europe? Which cities could benefit from such an operation? Would Thames Clippers be interested in operating any of these potential services?

I believe that any city that has a useable waterway and is beginning to experience congestion issues should consider passenger ferry services.

What do you love most about your job?  

Success – and watching the business and the people within it grow.

Are you active on social media?

Not personally, but I have a great team to take care of that for me.

What are your favourite pastime activities?

Spending time with my two boys (aged 13 and 14).

Are you into sports?

Rowing and cycling.

What music do you like?

I like a bit of everything, but mainly listen to current chart hits.

What is your favourite dinner and drink combination?

Steak, cheese, and red wine.