The Inland Waterways Association, (IWA) through its Sustainable Boating Group, has made a Submission to the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) Call for Evidence on Decarbonising Smaller Vessels.
It has looked at propulsion and the use of domestic energy on leisure boats. The Group has a clear strategy to decarbonise this sector, so a submission has been made this week to the DfT.
The first part of the strategy relates to new build craft. It recognises that when high volume diesel engine production ceases, these engines will not be available to marinise, and inland waterways craft will use electric drive. Most boat builders today offer an electric option.
However, until either an adequate recharging network is installed or there is a step change in battery technology, even with the support of photovoltaic cells, a back-up generator will be required. As the waterways are currently underfunded the installation of sufficient charging points is unlikely without government assistance.
Bowman Bradley, Chair of the IWA Sustainable Boating Group, said:
“We believe that there is a clear technological pathway for decarbonisation of the inland waterways leisure fleet which can be achieved quickly and at low cost. However, given the current state of inland waterway funding and regulatory obstacles, it cannot happen without the assistance of central government.”
The existing feet is large and will be around for many years. Most will not be converted to electric drive. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) has been identified as a sustainable ‘drop in’ substitute for mineral diesel, both for existing engines and back-up generators, which can bring about an immediate reduction in emissions without capital investment.
Unfortunately, HVO, for reasons of price and regulatory complexity, is not readily available to leisure boaters. IWA is working with the Cruising Association, The Royal Yachting Association and British Marine to ask the government to adopt policies that will make HVO available to leisure boaters at an acceptable price.
IWA is concerned that in the pursuit of renewable diesel, non-sustainable sources are avoided, and support government measures to that end. We believe that decarbonisation is desirable and deliverable but will not happen without government assistance.
