Time is running out to find an operator to run Olympic water-taxis from the new pontoon expected to open in March.

The management company of a £2million pontoon, that was touted as a potential Olympic 2012 travel hub, is yet to find any operators to run a ferry service to and from London.

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The pontoon, which will be officially opened on March 12, allows ferries, yachts and cruise ships to dock on the Gravesend river front and is set to see Gravesend’s Town Pier restored to its former glory as a berth.

‘Huge potential’

Chris Bentley, of London River Moorings, admitted that he had not yet been approached by any operators interested in doing a Gravesend to London route from the Victorian pier.

But in July he told the Reporter: “There is huge potential to bring visitors to Gravesend for the Games. We have already had inquiries about occupying the berth.”

He explained this week the new pontoon would be used as a docking point for the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry and the Waverley and Balmoral pleasure boats, which currently dock at Gravesend’s West Street Pier.

Former tugboat worker and Gravesham councillor Michael Wenban said he supported plans for a pontoon even if plans for a role in London 2012 could not be met.

He said: “It’s an aspiration. We don’t know what the clipper services might do in the future.

“The river is an asset to Gravesend and it is a good move to open the pontoon.”

He says a new pontoon will open up the High Street and encourage more visitors to that end of town.