Sustainable boating on canals and rivers

300 charging points

This is an essential step towards electric propulsion. In the meantime, it would reduce emissions from stoves for heating and engines run for charging batteries.

More dredging

A national dredging programme on the inland waterways would make propulsion of all boats significantly more efficient. It will also improve water quality and management at times of both high and low flow.

Biofuels

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is already approved by most, if not all, current diesel engine manufacturers and we are trialling it in engines from manufacturers who are no longer trading. We are conducting trials of HVO in a variety of domestic devices used for heating, cooking and water heating. We are also campaigning for tax cuts to make this almost carbon neutral alternative more affordable.

Further technologies

Future developments will inevitably piggy-back on automotive ones. Work on hydrogen production and distribution is already underway. Before hydrogen becomes available, solid oxide cells powered by propane could cut emissions by about 80% and the use of supercapacitors instead of batteries could eliminate charging losses.

[The photo shows a narrow boat at South Brewood on the Shropshire Union Canal  –  by Pete Anderson]

IWA is pleased to announce that the IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Awards will be awarded again in 2025.

Nominations are invited from individuals, companies and non-profit organisations for two awards sponsored jointly by the IWA and Towpath Talk.

1. For an individual (or group of individuals representing a charitable/community organisation) who, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating on the inland waterways of the UK in the previous year, and

1. For a commercial organisation which, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating on the inland waterways of the UK in the previous year.

Nominations, in the form of written submissions not exceeding 1,000 words, should be submitted by email to [email protected] no later than 30th August, 2025. Up to 6 photographs may be included.

Last year’s winners are not eligible unless nominated for a different, or significantly enhanced, contribution.

Entries will again be judged by a panel appointed by IWA and Towpath Talk, with the results announced not later than 13th September, with the winners being presented with a certificate and trophy (to be held for one year) at IWA’s AGM in Nottingham on 27th September.

Last year’s entries included a number which, in the opinion of the judges, were premature, being concepts rather than achievements, and others which were considered over-hyped. Nominators are asked to try to avoid making such nominations this year.

[The photo shows an electric hire boat on the Monmouthshire Brecon & Abergavenny Canals]