GoBoat gets gonged

GoBoat, the business behind the compact rental pleasure craft now commonplace on the waterways of the east coast capitals, was recently awarded the Boating Industry Association’s first Sustainability in Boating Industry Award.

Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2014, GoBoat Australia was established in 2017 and now offers its rental fleet of user-friendly runabouts in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.

A Danish design, the boats themselves are constructed from fibreglass that uses recycled PET plastic bottles rather than virgin glass. They are powered by German-made electric motors with a simple tiller-steer arrangement, and speed limited to around four knots (6-7km/h).

The construction of each boat is said to save the equivalent of 18,000 plastic bottles from ending up in landfill or waterways, while the electric motors are estimated to have so far saved over 1000 tonnes of carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions.

The firm’s commitment was further underlined in 2022 by its decision to shift from overseas to domestic production, thereby drastically reducing the impact of its logistics chain.

With bench-style seating for up to eight people around a central table, the 5.35-metre-long boats have been a major hit with tourists and locals alike, with GoBoat also able to provide drinks and (at some locations) food, if you don’t want to supply your own.

Lifejackets and other safety gear are also provided.

GoBoat was announced as the BIA’s 2023 Sustainability in Boating Industry Award winner at the opening of the recent 54th Sydney International Boat Show at Darling Harbour, Sydney.

According to BIA President, Andrew Fielding, the award showcases businesses who have gone above and beyond to promote sustainable practices and support environmental responsibility within the boating industry.

“The judging panel faced tough competition with a healthy number of submissions, showcasing the industry’s growing interest and commitment to sustainability,” he said.

“It was good to see so many submissions in the award’s first year and the fantastic variety of activity and initiatives that are taking place across the various sectors within our industry.”

In addition to its green approach to the construction and propulsion of its boats, GoBoat was also lauded for attracting a “youthful demographic who are sustainability savvy and keen to try new experiences in boats that are modern in concept, quiet and clean, and operate at lower speeds that support safety and negate the need for a licence”.

The company also coordinates waterway clean-up initiatives and takes an active approach to waste reduction in its business practices, including implementing paperless check-ins and waivers and strategically placing recycling bins.

“We’re thrilled to be the inaugural winner of the Sustainability Award,” said GoBoat. “Our team considers the environment in everything we do – from boat production to propulsion and from paperless operations to solar generation. It’s fantastic to be recognised, but we will keep innovating to continue leading the industry in this area.”

GoBoat narrowly edged out Sail Exchange to clinch the award, the latter firm specialising in the recycling and repurposing of used sails. The business is said to save over 35 tonnes of non-biodegradable material from landfill each year.