Sustainable boat tours aren’t just about converting to electric motors. Here’s how to take your first steps
Running sustainable boat tours is becoming increasingly important as travellers seek out greener ways to see the world. It is an issue that is perhaps more difficult for boat tour operators than others in the sector due to the nature of the investment. However, many tourists, especially those younger or from Europe, are basing decisions about their trips around sustainability and searching for companies that meet their standards.
While it may be a large investment, there are several advantages. Electric boats have a longer pedigree than cars or buses, and there will be fewer teething issues. They also require significantly less maintenance than petrol or diesel motors and fewer infrastructure changes to the dock than an electric bus may. One large benefit will be for your guests, who can enjoy silence but for the waves lapping against the bow and will never have to worry about an engine belching fumes over them.
Investing in electric boats
Many people are excited about electric boats’ advantages, and many docking locations are installing chargers, if they haven’t already. Some boats are designed following the hybrid model, while others are purely electric. Hybrid boats usually use an electric motor for cruising and petrol or diesel for speed. The all-electric boats are usually more powerful, although the world’s best-selling electric boat, the Duffy Sun Cruiser which has been on sale since the 70s, carries 12 in comfort at a top speed of 5.5 knots. Engine conversions are possible but are currently very expensive. Electric outboards are also available and are easy to swap for their petrol equivalent.
Apart from being cleaner, one of the main benefits of an electric boat for sightseeing is its quietness. This is especially so for trips to see marine wildlife but is also an advantage for river and city cruises. For example, you can bring your guests closer on a whale-watching cruise without scaring the whales or disrupting their way of life. The lack of fumes and an end to fuel spills will also have a positive effect. In the long run, an electric boat will work out cheaper and require less maintenance than the fossil fuel-powered equivalent, although time will need to be invested in learning new maintenance skills.
The two main challenges that face electric boats are cost and range. An engine refit is expensive, as is replacing a boat. Depending on your location, subsidies may be available, although these are usually directed towards boats carrying people or goods point-to-point. Regarding range, batteries are constantly improving, and larger capacities are now possible. You can also fit solar panels and windmills to increase this while on the water. It is not unusual to see a range of 50 nautical miles.
Carbon offsetting is the last resort
Many will tell you that carbon offsetting is a scam and a far from a perfect-solution. They allow companies to continue polluting, and a lot of research needs to be carried out to find a reputable company. However, it is better than nothing for those who want to transition away from fossil fuels but know it will take time. They are now considered a last resort for emissions that can’t be avoided.
With that in mind, carbon offsetting works through the purchase of carbon credits. Each one of these should be equal to one tonne of carbon emissions. You will need to measure your emissions across your operation and then purchase an equal number of credits that will go towards a project. These are often focused on reversing deforestation in the developing world.
Choose a company that sells carbon credits which displays a high level of transparency and integrity. In recent years, some of the larger carbon credit firms have been the subject of major investigations into their claims. Speak to the offsetter, see if they have been accredited and a third party has checked their projects, and speak to other companies that use them.
When picking a project, ensure a third party has checked it. The project must be real, verified, enforceable, permanent and additional. In this case, your offset needs to have effected a positive change rather than acting neutrally.
Sailboats and yachts, and other things to remember about sustainability
Life is easier regarding carbon sustainability for those operating sailboats and yacht trips. You may swap out the petrol outboard for an electric one and enjoy silent, smooth sailing. Consider adding more solar panels to the roof to keep it topped up. There are a few other things covered by sustainability that you can focus on.
Leave no trace — Taking care of the waters you sail through, the locations you visit, and the flora and fauna that call these home will keep your visitors returning for years. Whether these are whale-filled seas, pristine beaches with delicate ecosystems, or biodiverse coral reefs, ensure your staff are trained to follow the best guidelines. Travellers must be told what to do and reminded to look after the location. Remember that everything you use, from cleaning products to food waste and wrapping, can easily enter the water.
Address local social issues — Work with the communities in the areas that you visit. Social sustainability is one of the three pillars, along with environmental and economic. This may mean different things in Europe and North America than it may do in Asia or Latin America. It could be that you openly discuss any issues regarding tourism that local people may have, or you visit local businesses and restaurants with your guests, or you may have to think about how to address poverty or discrimination. Be aware of the community’s needs. If you try to make sure tourism is a positive force for them, they will be happy to welcome you.
Create a sustainability report — Regularly auditing your sustainability is an essential part of the process. Guides are easy to find online, and external companies and consultants can be hired to carry out the work. The first report will act as a benchmark; from there, you can decide where to focus your efforts. Publish this on your website and ensure it is easy to find, especially if you advertise ecotours. People who wish to take eco-tours want to know why you are advertising it as such and will move on to the next if they can’t find evidence.