Sustainable cruising: Le Boat’s HVO fuel transition
Exciting developments are underway at Le Boat! With our commitment to sustainable cruising, we are expanding our sustainability initiatives by gradually transitioning to HVO marine fuel on more of our boats. As leaders in the houseboat rental industry, we’re dedicated to innovation and sustainability, and this transition to HVO diesel marks another significant step in reducing our environmental footprint.
Over the years, we’ve implemented several sustainability initiatives:
- Supporting marine conservation with the Blue Marine Foundation
- Introducing recycling programs at our bases
- Reducing single-use plastics
- Promoting eco-friendly boating practices
- Implementing green transformations on the Lot River in France
What is HVO?
HVO, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is a renewable alternative to diesel fuel made from used vegetable oils. This sustainable alternative to traditional diesel undergoes a hydrotreatment process, which enhances its performance and environmental benefits.
Unlike conventional diesel, HVO biodiesel has a much cleaner profile, significantly reducing harmful emissions like CO2, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. This makes it a perfect choice for green travel and aligns perfectly with our sustainable travel vision. By choosing HVO fuel, we’re taking a significant step toward reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible travel.
Why did we choose HVO marine fuel?
At Le Boat, we aim for innovation and sustainability in everything that we do. Using HVO, we can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, marking a significant milestone in our green travel initiatives. HVO is made from used vegetable oils, meaning it repurposes oil that has already served its purpose. This reduces the need for fresh resources, adding another layer of environmental benefit. It’s a crucial step in our journey towards a greener future, and we’re proud to offer our customers an eco-friendly holiday experience without compromising on the boating experience. It’s worth noting that the transition to HVO fuel across our entire fleet will likely unfold gradually over the next 15-20 years, reflecting our long-term commitment to sustainability.
“This move to HVO fuel is an important step in our journey towards a greener future. We’re proud towards offering our customers an eco-friendly holiday experience without compromising on quality, as part of our broader efforts to explore various sustainable solutions.” Andrew Bromilow, Project Delivery Director
How Le Boat uses HVO marine fuel
Currently, our entire fleet in he Lot region runs on HVO diesel, and our Dutch fleet is running on 20% HVO fuel. This transition has already made a significant impact by reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable travel. Additionally, we have conducted successful test runs in Ireland, further demonstrating the viability of HVO fuel in our fleet and operations. But we're not stopping there.
Our HVO plans include expanding the use of HVO fuel to our Canadian fleet, ensuring that more of our customers can enjoy eco-friendly holidays with Le Boat. We are committed to continually increasing the percentage of our fleet using HVO fuel, with a goal of widespread implementation across all our operations. This ongoing dedication to ethical travel helps us lead the way in green travel and responsible tourism.
Le Boat’s sustainability plans
Our long-term vision focuses on reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly tourism. At Le Boat, innovation and sustainability drive everything we do. By expanding the use of HVO fuel across our fleet, we are taking significant steps to minimise our environmental impact. We are also looking at developing electric boats in the coming years, in collaboration with our boat building partner Delphia (part of Group Benetau). Our goal: to make the most of evolving technologies and infrastructure, for both our existing fleet and upcoming boats.
Our commitment goes beyond fuel; we support marine conservation, run recycling programs at our bases, and actively reduce single-use plastics. These ongoing initiatives ensure that you can enjoy your travels with a reduced environmental impact, contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.
Eco-friendly holidays with Le Boat
HVO is a game-changer for green travel. By choosing HVO fuel, we’re reducing emissions and protecting the environment, allowing our customers to enjoy responsible travel while contributing to a sustainable future. An added benefit of HVO is that it has no impact on your boating experience—you can enjoy the same boats and the same cruising experience, just with fewer emissions. This means you can have an eco-friendly holiday without compromising on comfort or convenience. Join us on this journey and experience the best of eco-friendly holidays with Le Boat.
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